RETROVGA: A $5 Pi Pico Creates a Tiny Retro Computer Emulator
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- In this video, I build a RetroVGA console designed by Peter "Bobricius" Misenko. It is powered by a $5 Raspberry Pi computer. This device can emulate a wide variety of retro computers and consoles, thanks to various open-source emulation projects like MCUME.
RetroVGA Video: • RetroVGA RP2040 #MCUM...
Here is the Bobricius Tindie store: www.tindie.com...
These are the websites of the emulators I used in the video:
MCUME emulator: github.com/Jea...
Pico ZX Spectrum emulator: github.com/fru...
PicoVGA emulator: github.com/Pan...
For more information about alternative hardware, please visit the respective websites and read the information available there. There are other hardware solutions available, including building your own from scratch on a breadboard.
One of the important things I noted when using the C64 emulator is that it doesn't support a USB keyboard. Therefore, having the built-in keyboard was essential for using that emulator if you wanted to use BASIC. However, I did find that the C64 emulator had a way of loading ROMs without needing to type "load" and "run"."
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Nice! I like that the kit is reasonably priced. I just saw something similar where the PCB enclosure etc. were over $200 :(
I agree, and the way the case is constructed out of pcb’s probably keeps the cost down.
Nice project. I wouldn't use this particular one as I would want a different form factor to fit a different type of keyboard I have in mind in a wooden case I can make, and also I would make a couple of small modifications to the the board. But this video is of great help to see how all the software side comes together.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Drop me a line when you make it, I would love to see someone else’s take on it.
@@GerrysTech Actually, I do have a question... you show the ZX Spectrum working with an external keyboard via the USB port... will it work on a hub though? Like, futureproofing, to add a hub circuit to the board so it has more than one USB port available in case other things become compatible or maybe already are, like for example, the C64 Mini USB joystick alongside a keyboard if for whatever reason you wanted to use that?
I think a hub should work. I don't have one at the moment or I would test it for you now. I can get one from work this week, so I will do that and let you know.
@@GerrysTechThank you very much!!
I won't be making my variation quite so soon, but I like to have things in my head ready for when I get down to it.
Also, I'm aiming for under the 100x100mm size which would greatly reduce the price from PCB companies. I was thinking about going with some thin wood to make the case for it, as I know how to work wood, but I'm not decided on that yet, and maybe make headers for things like the VGA and the DSub9 to connect to rather than having them directly on the board so as to able positioning whever they are prefered, same as a header for a power switch. Maybe a header for the card reader too, as I personally prefer SD to MicroSD for these things, makes them feel more "retro" somehow, maybe even CF for the fun of it... I also want to look into composite option and onboard audio output rather than a speaker inside. There's also the possibility of USB-C for power bur also connected to the data lines on the Pico, so the actual power port can be used to update firmware or anything on the board, rather than using the MicroUSB, which also means the Pico wouldn't have to be anywhere near the edge for easy access, just as long as the BOOT button is accessable.
Lots of little tweek ideas floating in my head heheheheh
It sounds like you’ve got some good ideas. Have you seen www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/PICOZX_motherboard_with_keyboard_for_ZX_Spectrum_original_case_or_standalone_c4e8136d.html
It’s designed by the same guy. There is a picture of the schematic which might be helpful. if I had enough time, I’d love to design one from scratch myself.
New Sub; Detroit, Michigan, US
w!zaRd! Freaking Awesome Sir!
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
I can't seem to find this version on their site. Don't really want one with a screen, the one you got looks perfect for
my usecase. how did you get it?
I purchased it off ebay from the bobricius store a couple of months back. I realised after I made the video that he was out of stock, so I have sent him some messages asking when they will be available again. Hopefully he gets back to me soon and I will update the video description and post a comment. I will also leave a comment here for you.
I like this form factor as well. Is the design open source. Ie could we do a user group buy in the us through pcbway or similar?
I did get a response from the creator. He said that he stopped making this device because he found a problem with the VGA output when using it as an emulator. So I think he split it into two separate projects, the handheld game with its own display and a separate picozx project. Yeah so it’s a pity the form factor was very cool.
The little working keyboard is very cute
Yes, i agree. And it works surprisingly well considering it’s made up of buttons.
@@GerrysTech are they like metal dome switches?
@@cloudycolacorp no, they are basic plastic tactile push button switches, 7mm I think. I think I paid around $20 for 100 of them off eBay
If any cusom PCBs or electronic tools may help? Would love to sponsor and reach any collab together! (PCBWay zoey)
Hey thanks very much, I was actually just thinking about making something from PCBWay's projects section. Lots of C64 based PCBs on there :)
@@GerrysTech Awesome to hear this! Would love to have a further discussion with you, already sent an email to you, looking forward to hearing from you soon! 🤗
would the pi pico run turbo graphx ok?
I don't think so. For that I think you would need at least a raspberry pi 3, running Retropi . If you go to that level you would get a whole heap of emulators available to you.
A pcb keyboard is not a good idea.
True, buts it’s not meant to be a replacement for a real keyboard. With some of the emulators supported by this project you need to be able to launch programs via keyboard input, like typing load, run etc. That’s its main purpose. And since the c64 emulator doesn’t support a usb keyboard, it’s very handy. Plus if you want to torture yourself, you can type in basic programs that way.
@@GerrysTech I understand and agree. That's why it's a useless expense. It would be better to put a PS2 port to plug in an actual keyboard.
@@cosmefulanito5933 The ESP32 based TTGO VGA32 or also, more generically FabGL computers, are cheaper, available from a time before Pi Pico even existed, and have exactly what you are asking for, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, audio jack, VGA port and SD card. Emulates all those systems and more, like XT machines and so on.
I need help locating this kit on Tindie. What am I missing?
Or ebay :)
It seems that it’s out of stock at the moment. I’ve contacted the creator a couple of times asking him when it will be back in stock and haven’t got a response so I’m not sure whether he’s on holidays or something. When I do find out, I’ll update the description and I’ll leave a comment here for you, you can try and contact him yourself maybe you’ll have more luck.
Apple 2 emulation?
The MCUME project shown in the video can emulate Apple2, but not on that hardware, you need to use a teensy4.1 board. Another option could be the Pico-iie project. I’m going to do videos where I build various emulators. So I’ll get to the apple2 at some point.
PEE-AY-ZO!
🙏
"Ally-Express"? ; "The Leds"? ; "Pezio speaker"? "Essetra"? >.<
Man, this guy is marching to the beat of his _own_ drum.. =]
_Free Game:_ every time he says "pick-o", DRINK! So much fun..!
*Read more*
Well I’m happy that you enjoyed it so much.
Piezo speaker. It's pronounced pee-zo not pez-ee-o.
👍