The SIDKick pico ("SKpico") is a drop-in replacement for the SID 6581/8580 sound chips in the Commodore 64 and 128 computers. It has been designed as an inexpensive alternative to other replacements while not making compromises regarding quality. It consists of a simple interface board and a Raspberry Pi Pico (or compatible clone). The emulation is based on an extended version of reSID 0.16, and includes a few additional features.
Emulates the 6581 or the 8580 in single or dual SID mode. Has a built-in configuration menu that is accessed with a BASIC command (SYS 54301
for the c64, SYS 54333
for the c128). Supports stereo output if you hook a DAC up.
Uses surface mount components so this is not a project for the inexperienced or the faint of heart.
The Interim Computer Museum strives to preserve and share the history of computing through interactive exhibits using vintage computer hardware with modern enhancements. We are a non-profit membership organization open to all.
(The Interim Computer Museum is a subsidiary of the SDF Public Access UNIX System, 501(c)(7))
The A2 VidGA is a super handy, wide-support VGA output card for your Apple ][, ][+ and //e computer!
The Apple II’s composite video output is not exactly standard. Some newer monitors don’t like it, and old CRTs can be inconvenient. The A2 VidGA card solves that problem! The A2 VidGA includes a standard VGA output port, but with a twist. With a simple modification (which you can do yourself, or purchase pre-installed) you can separate the VGA port and attach it to the rear panel of your Apple II – no weird adapters to purchase. It’s an all-in-one solution!
Based on the original Apple II VGA project by Mark Aikens and the update by Vince Briel, our version aims to be the most cost-effective pre-assembled version on the market.
An experimental semantic search site for vintage computing files stored at the Internet Archive.
To help people who want to repair their vintage IBM EGA cards, I've put together this reference schematic and layout. The schematic is closely modeled after the schematic in the IBM technical reference material but with mistakes corrected and more information added. The PCB layout is closely matched to the original card. Using KiCad, you can click on a component on the schematic and it will automatically highlight it in the layout, so it's perfect if you need to probe pins with a scope, logic analyzer, or even just a multimeter.
You might be excited about fabricating this board so you can have your very own clone of the EGA card, but unless you have the full set of custom chips, the board will be useless.
USBRetro is an open source controller adapter firmware for converting USB controllers, keyboards, and mice to various retro consoles' native controller protocols.
Study the complete source code for a self-hosting compiler that runs on and generates code for CP/M on the Z80 processor. No prior knowledge in the field of compiler construction is required. The T3X/0 language that is discussed and implemented in the book has its roots in Pascal and BCPL and is very simple. A full 20-page manual is contained in the book.
The reader should know at least one procedural programming language, such as C or Pascal, and at least one assembly language, ideally the one for the Z80 CPU. They should also know the basics of the CP/M operating system. For the determined autodicact a short introduction to Z80 assembly language is also included in the book.
Welcome to the Apple II and Apple IIGS Magazine Archives Website! This project was started in order to help preserve old publications that have been out of print for many years. These old publications are a valuable reference tool for those that own older systems or equipment, and also have an educational benefit to those who wish to research the building blocks of today's computer systems.
Our main focus so far is the archiving of old computer system magazines and books, mainly for the Apple II series, specifically the Apple IIGS, into full color high-resolution searchable PDF files and Internet friendly web pages, with a full indexing system. All publications are provided with full permission from their original publishers and/or the copyright owners.
Just some cheat sheets I work on for some programs I tend to use on actual HW when the PDFs or archive.org isn't available.
The BackBit Pro Cartridge is a universal instant loading cartridge capable of interfacing with a multitude of vintage computers and game consoles via proprietary adapters, including:
Supports most, if not all, original cartridge-based titles for each machine, and additionally supports tape, disk, and RAM expansion for a limited number of systems. Capable of supporting most modern homebrews. Bankswitching schemes up to 1MB in size can be implemented for nearly all platforms (if they aren’t already). Flash saving support can often be implemented. Special coprocessors can sometimes be implemented. Some adapters feature additional hardware for various things, such as audio emulation, copy protection bypass, joystick plugs, reset support, and more!
Loading is always instant. No need to take a coffee break while your program is loading. Built-in versioning system preserves your original files (on systems/configurations that support saving). Supports cartridge images up to 1MB in size. Real-time-clock. One-button diagnostic mode helps you identify system faults (on most systems).
ArduinoFDC is a sketch that implements a floppy disk controller. It works with Arduino Uno, Leonardo, Nano, Pro Mini, Micro and Mega.
ArduinoFDC consists of three parts:
ArduinoFDC works with double density (DD) as well as high density (HD) disk drives. It can read, write and format 5.25" DD (360KB), 5.25" HD (1.2MB), 3.5" DD (720KB) and 3.5" HD (1.44MB) disks.
NEUROBLAST HyperCard DiskZine Cyberdelia Special is a cyberpunk-centric and HACKERS (1995) love letter entertainment tech-stack zine of music, art, and game materials, built and compiled in ancient Apple HyperCard software on a vintage iMac G3 (grape) in August 2023. Made in celebration of DNA Lounge's HACKERS screening and Cyberdelia after-party. Editor: James Sime.
CYBERDELIA - A massive, sprawling, Floppy Disk-bursting article and orgasmic dither-picture-show featuring years of Cyberdelia celebrations at San Francisco's legendary DNA LOUNGE. Including delightfully 1-bit memories of Cyberdelia's creation and the herculean effort to bring these parties to the public. Written by NEUROBLAST's featured special guest... promoter, programmer, and SF Bay Area icon jwz / Jamie Zawinski the owner of DNA LOUNGE.
XTIDE Universal BIOS makes it possible to use modern large ATA hard disks or Compact Flash cards on old PC's. You can then enjoy quiet or noiseless drives with more capacity than you'll ever need for old computers.
XTIDE Universal BIOS (also known as simply "XUB") can be used on any IBM PC, XT, AT or 100% compatible system. On AT systems you can use any 16-bit ISA or VLB IDE or Multi I/O controller. For XT systems you can use XTIDE rev1 (not available anymore), XTIDE rev2 or JR-IDE/ISA.
All BIOS binaries available here must be properly configured with the configuration tool XTIDECFG.COM before flashing/programming to ROM. In addition to configuring the BIOS file for use with your specific hardware you must also make sure the file is checksummed by saving the file to disk as that will create the padding and checksum required for installation in a computer. Always use the version of XTIDECFG.COM supplied together with the BIOS files.
Source code: https://www.xtideuniversalbios.org/browser
An FPGA powered hardware platform for emulating the MOS 6581 and 8580 SID chips. It is a fully functional device that can be installed into a Commodore computer as a pin-compatible replacement.
Get your vintage computer connected to BBS's and more! It can act as a Modem, PPP ISP or a SLIP Ethernet adapter! A robust web user interface for easy access to settings, commands, and a file manager. A 2MB flash filesystem which allows you to copy files to and from your vintage computer. The ability to host your own web pages on the device! Just upload HTML and javascript to make your own custom stuff!
This project is a VGA card for Apple II computers to ouput a crisp RGB signal to a VGA monitor instead of having to rely on the composite output. This is accomplished by snooping the 6502 bus and creating a shadow copy of the video memory within a Raspberry Pi Pico, then processing the raw video memory contents to output a "perfect" signal.
This is a pair of PCBs that implements a version of the Apple II VGA design. Please see the Apple II VGA Project for details and firmware. This version differs from the original in that:
I write about security, privacy, vulnerabilities and exploits, retro computing, music, various programming languages, personal projects and general stuff that crosses my mind. Make sure you use encrypted email when sending me any sensitive info.
Tor mirror: http://sizeofaex6zgovemvemn2g3jfmgujievmxxxbcgnbrnmgcjcjpiiprqd.onion/
The RAD Expansion Unit is a cartridge/expansion for the C64 and C128 using a Raspberry Pi 3A+, 3B+ or Zero 2 to implement the actual functionality. Currently it emulates a RAM Expansion Unit up to 16mb (compatible to CBM 1700/1750/1764 REU, CLD Super 1750 Clone, CMD 1750/1750XL) and a GeoRAM/NeoRAM memory expansion up to 4mb. It also features a menu to browse, manage and launch REU- and GeoRAM-images, NUVIEs, and PRGs. The RAD is designed to not only emulate existing extensions, other things that have already been tested (but not yet included here) are, for example, MOS 6510/8500 emulation (incl. turbo mode) or using the RAD as a (co-)processor (in fact the menu runs on the ARM CPU only).
RAD's functionality is entirely defined by software. The connecting circuitry is quite simple and does not include any programmable ICs and is thus easy to build.
Among other devices, Keelog sells a line of replacement power supplies for retro computers, from the Commodores to Amigas to Ataris. They are all brand new designs engineered with longevity and safety in mind.