PAL VDP for RC2014-based MSX machine
For V9958 MSX Video Advanced module for RC2014
Undeniably, MSX was a well-conceived concept of the, now retro, microcomputer era. The MSX evolution brought about agreement by a number of manufactures to build typically Z80 processor-based machines to a common specification, allowing interoperation through hardware and exchangeable software.
The V9958 MSX Video board for RC2014 is a seriously good attempt to enable MSX compatibility through the RC2014 platform. The producer of this (and other MSX for RC2014 boards) has designed a high-quality board, along with ‘test’ software that will run on a RC2014 running CP/M 2.2.
Build is very straightforward: component labeling on the board makes it so and, in my case (after a brief re-sitting of the VDP in its socket) worked. Test/demo software available (GitHub download) provided does a random ‘dots’ display, there is ‘lines’ which draws variable length, varying colour, horizontal lines and a Mandelbrot set demo (that’s actually quite slow but good for a soak-test!) Source code is available for these routines that could be the inspiration for CP/M 2.2-based graphical software.
All-in-all, this is worthwhile product for those that are interested in (re-)exploring MSX software.
