I'm not in this hobby or even really invested in it but the whole watch was captivating. Regardless of what we do, it's always lovely to watch someone who knows a lot about what they do.
What's insane is that Ample Computers is not capitalizing off of the Apple ][ resurgence. Am convinced they're just not interested in producing product to make money- they want to sell media, etc. Apple has become a sort of watered down software company with a really poor hardware division imho.
Wow what a great video. It took me back in time. I was a developer on the Apple IIgs, and it was neat to see the IWM (Integrated Woz Machine) chip and other tech. Outstanding work! 🙂
@@bald_engineer It was ahead of its time in some ways. The sound capabilities even got Apple in trouble with the Beatles and Apple Music, as the sound chip crossed the line into "music". :-)
From the other side of the pond I just want to say WOW, blown away by the Baldi Engineering. Love it. Well done for sticking with it and making this happen. Can't wait for the version
Watch this again and again and I DEFINITE feel the loss and sadness when things not working! Yeah I really want to have one final product, as a big fan of Apple IIe.
Oh, hey! I recognize this project. You commented on my pico Sega Genesis RGB capture project some months ago. Really cool to see how you ended up tackling the video with another RP2040. I really love that little microcontroller.
Thanks for following up! I don't think Raspberry Pi intended for it to happen, but it's become a fantastic microcontroller for integrating stuff with vintage computing! It's just a shame the inputs are natively 5-volt tolerant!
You just leveled up to WOZ status sir! The work You´ve done and the dedication... impressing and amazing. I grew up on the Apple back in the day and it whas everything for me, but You truly must have loved it even more. Nevertheless fantastic work!
WOW! What an incredible journey getting that to work! I love the modular board design. I recently did something similar as per a friend's suggestion and it made troubleshooting so much easier. Thanks again!!
That is scary (backs away slowly, looking the door). Gives me new respect for my cherry Apple IIe. The dictionary definition of 'Tenacious' should have a picture of you. Truly inspiring dedication to a fever dream. I salute you. 🖖
I would love nothing more than for a project like this to be made where the Mega-II chip is cloned with modern parts so we can all build a modern Apple II computer using your design.
Great project! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Apple II’s. I also have a special place in my heart for the Intellivision, and have always wanted to do a similar project to make a single board version that combines the console with both the computer and audio expansion boards. Maybe one day…
INCREDIBLE Work James! Brilliant video! Fabulous Engineering! Great Lessons to pass on! Thanks for making this! Enjoy Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?!
You made a great game! I used it extensively while testing all phases of the rev 2 bring-up. It was especially helpful in validating both the keyboard and joystick interfaces.
If you managed to solder your own rp2040 MCUs that’s pretty good. The RP foundation would do its audience a huge favor by offering a more hacker friendly alternate package with more pins.
Great! You can sell this as the Apple //GS destroyer. Jobs would be well behind this, if he was still alive. Perhaps someone can check with his frozen head.
@@RetroDawn Yes. All of my Mega-IIs (and other ASICs) came from battery-bombed boards. Well, eventually. Early on, I only had one dead board. But later, I got others that I used to restore the "good" boards.
Dear James, thanks a lot for your hard work. I did come up a new idea, since your spent such tremendous time and effore in the project, it's a waste not to use it for more! How about making another PCB with the original MMU/IOU? Modenized PCB may save a few components that solve the +30 years old PCB degrading and maybe newer components (crystal? Heard that original one is a pain in the butt), and with the debug LED flashing is so fun.
It's an interesting idea, but I don't see the need it would fill. There are already plug-in cards that can provide VGA. There are replacement modern keyboards available. IIe boards aren't known for degrading--there's no battery and no (or almost no) electrolytics on them. If you or someone else wants to go down that path, that would be cool. But it isn't a direction I plan to go.
Simply amazing. And I'm surprised how much support circuitry the Mega II required despite being an "Apple ][e on a chip." No doubt your final build was much smaller than the original. But 4 coprocessors (2xRP2040 w/ 2 cores each) seems like a lot. I'm wondering how the Apple ][GS managed it? That's not to take anything away from your achievement - it is stunning. Congratulations, and continued success!
Like most computers of the day, the IIGS keyboard controller was its own microprocessor. The VGC is a complex chip. Plus there are many “GLU” chips in the design. I needed two RP2040s because I ran out of IO pins (and time) not processing ability. The keyboard 2040 is only using one core. And the framing core of vga2040 is idle most of time, since it relies on the PIO.
This really piques my interest! The Mega II was originally designed for a cost/size reduced Apple IIe/IIc but that project was shelved and instead used by the IIGS team for backwards compatibility, but under utilized. There is keyboard and mouse control, graphic generation, etc. Always thought it'd be cool to build an 8-bit computer around the chip. I wonder how Hi-Res and Double-Hi-Res graphics look on this machine, versus an Apple IIGS. One of my pet peeves is the IIGS's VGC doesn't quite generate these graphic modes 1:1 with a real Apple IIe. Always blamed the difference on RGB, but it's the same with composite! Only noticed the subtle difference in recent years and now prefer running Total Replay on my 8-bit IIe's or IIc's with a CRT TV. On a side note I love that your working on one of these "what if" projects....
The IIGS composite video is generated via an encoder which is fed the RGB video, so the composite is just a lesser-quality version of the simulated artifact-colored composite RGB video. So, you were always 100% correct--it is the fault of the RGB video. This Mega IIe should have all of the same issues all of the RGB simulations of Apple IIe video have had over the years (RGB boards from BITD, IIgs, VGA/HDMI cards from more recent past). I've heard the same about the Mega II. Do you have any information as to why Apple never used it in a IIe or IIc (Plus) revision? I always wondered why they didn't, as it should have lowered the cost to build.
@@RetroDawn - The IIGS's composite video differences were actually documented back in 1986 (I was surprised reading a magazine article that showed magnified screen captures) but didn't think much of it at the time. I mean I always used my IIGS with an RGB display, even when running 8-bit software. It wasn't until recent years, when I tried Total Replay on a CRT TV. It's quite a noticeable difference, to the point I've become a purist when playing 8-bit games--not only must they be on a composite CRT display, it must also be a real IIe/IIc to generate those graphics. I think the reason the Mega II wasn't used in the Apple IIe or IIc was it didn't offer a significant cost savings in manufacturing. It's hard to make sense of anything Apple did really, they should have phased out the Apple IIe in 1986. And the IIc as well, or at least turned into a portable IIGS. To this day I still cannot understand the decision that were made surrounding the IIGS. Who's idea was it to ship the machine with only 256K? Or not wire the headphone jack for stereo? Or provide a microphone input? Or use faster CPU's as they became available. The Mega II not being utilized in the 8-bit II line was also a head scratcher.
I'm going to make an extender board. I just haven't done it yet. I'm also considering a low-rise board to hold an expansion ROM to get Smartport support.
That is an amazing build. But, to be honest, I would have made a case for it based on the design of the Apple IIc if I were making one of my own, just with a removable slotted lid at the top to make it compatible with the internal expansion slots. Still, glad to see the IIGS's Mega-II given new life. I bet that would play the first few Ultima entries like a dream.
Back when I started the case design, I had intended to make the (miniature) keyboard functional. As time went on I dropped that idea. But I had already invested a ton of time into the design.
Can we buy boards? I don't want to build a working unit... just would like to have one of the motherboards in hand... maybe with your signature on it in silver pen-paint.
I had to change the mapping on my keyboard. Switching between the IIe and a USB keyboard was driving me crazy. Regardless, I've always wondered why modern computer keyboard have a caps lock. Why can't we just double-tap shift or something?
I've long wondered why Apple didn't use the Mega II in the Platinum update of the IIe, which was released months after the IIgs, or at least in a later revision. It should have made the IIe cheaper to build. Same for the IIc and IIc Plus.
FWIW. I actually do use the Mega-IIe to write. The single-task nature of the device makes it very easy to focus. Before this project, I did the same with a IIGS. But then I ruined it by getting a network card.
Any interest in making a stand-alone card (using the slot just for power.... not using a Raspberry Pi) for a standard Apple 2+/2e/2gs to implement that VGA chip? Or an HDMI chip? :)
Interesting idea. However, the technique I'm currently using only works with the Mega-II's output. I've thought about how to make something that would work on the IIGS. However, there are multiple VGA projects already available for both the IIe and IIGS. So, I don't think my concept would add much value.
I’ve seen a die shot of Mega. It’s an ASIC. I believe IWM and Slotmaker are as well. At the time, Apple added “GLU” to the name of the Gate-Array chips.
No emulator looks exactly the composite video, though. I stick to my composite monitors and real hardware. This Mega IIe should look as good as any emulator, though.
It wasn't V-Tech. Tiger Electronics developed the Tiger Learning Computer, which I mentioned in the video. It never went to full production and only a handful of poorly built prototypes are still round. As one owner told me: "your computer is far more usable than the TLC." It had a custom boot program but it also came with AppleSoft (BASIC), not AppleWorks (an office package). There were also a handful of cartridge ROMs with educational software. I think the current number of known titles is around 14.
When you have a finished Apple 2 I would like one. I’ve been using Applewin and some of the games need an analog joystick to work properly AE and Apple Invader. Please add me to the “I want one” list. Thank you
I have no plans to sell the boards. And while the design files are available, I do not recommend getting a rev 3 manufactured. It has too many errors, as shown in the video.
@@bald_engineer Will you release a final version bug free, so passionates can build it ? Thank you. Which is the github ? I successfully built the A2VGA (smd version)… this something much more difficult but if we would have the fully working pcb it could be a project to use dead IIgs motherboards using the Mega II chip and IWS…
@@jansaggiori7865 Of course. I created a branch on the Mega IIe github repo called "rev 3b." My intent is to correct mistakes on that version before working on Rev 4. (In Rev 4, I'll probably make significant changes.)
Mid-project I considered SSC support. But valiantly fought against scope creep--especially after I changed my mind about the final version having (at least) one slot. That said, I'll probably at least developed a card for it on the Rev 2 hardware though. I love working with that pile of cards.
If you don't mind feature creep for the final (?) revision, I'd add more RAM, an SD card reader, and maybe HDMI instead of VGA output. When I was a young kid, that would have been my absolute dream machine and if anybody had told me about the modern peripherals that would have blown my mind. Of course, these days, it's just a case of "why does Kirk climb a mountain?" It's a great answer to a novel engineering challenge. Well done!
Wow you really did a ton of work. You need to publish a companion book!! and a kit on PCBWay..... Also, when you do a final case, you should work a spot into it for slotting the Floppy Emu in. Not Original, but neither are the ports underneath. Great project. Really enjoyable hearing about the funny things you discovered around the Mega Design.
The MISTER project already has the Apple IIe covered. Someday, I'd like to combine that work plus the additional capabilities of Mega-II, but it's not a priority for now.
I am flabbergasted säand envious about the sheer amount of dedication to make this project work..😮😮😮😮😮😮
Thanks Clem! Seeing all of your cool projects kept me inspired.
I'm not in this hobby or even really invested in it but the whole watch was captivating. Regardless of what we do, it's always lovely to watch someone who knows a lot about what they do.
I am quite certain Woz would approve of this, even if Tim doesn't.
What's insane is that Ample Computers is not capitalizing off of the Apple ][ resurgence. Am convinced they're just not interested in producing product to make money- they want to sell media, etc. Apple has become a sort of watered down software company with a really poor hardware division imho.
Wow what a great video. It took me back in time. I was a developer on the Apple IIgs, and it was neat to see the IWM (Integrated Woz Machine) chip and other tech. Outstanding work! 🙂
That’s cool! I wish I had learned to code on it back in the day. The IIGS is such an underrated machine (outside of the Apple II community.)
@@bald_engineer It was ahead of its time in some ways. The sound capabilities even got Apple in trouble with the Beatles and Apple Music, as the sound chip crossed the line into "music". :-)
From the other side of the pond I just want to say WOW, blown away by the Baldi Engineering. Love it. Well done for sticking with it and making this happen. Can't wait for the version
Watch this again and again and I DEFINITE feel the loss and sadness when things not working! Yeah I really want to have one final product, as a big fan of Apple IIe.
What a journey! The finished project is simply awesome. Thank you for the unexpected shoutout. You rock!
Well deserved. There were a couple of times you helped keep me from tearing my hair out. Err.
Innnncredible! It's awesome to see this one finished. And the Jony Ive style apple commercial at the end is hilarious.
Thanks Max!
This is so awesome! Thank you for continuing this project! Apple II Forever!
I can't believe how much was covered in this 27 min video. Phenomenal
Epic effort and resilience in the face of hardship. A true work of art!!
Oh, hey! I recognize this project. You commented on my pico Sega Genesis RGB capture project some months ago. Really cool to see how you ended up tackling the video with another RP2040. I really love that little microcontroller.
Thanks for following up! I don't think Raspberry Pi intended for it to happen, but it's become a fantastic microcontroller for integrating stuff with vintage computing! It's just a shame the inputs are natively 5-volt tolerant!
I wish I could like this more than once. Mind blown.
Awesome vid. Cool that no one has ever actually tried this until now.
You just leveled up to WOZ status sir! The work You´ve done and the dedication... impressing and amazing. I grew up on the Apple back in the day and it whas everything for me, but You truly must have loved it even more. Nevertheless fantastic work!
WOW! What an incredible journey getting that to work! I love the modular board design. I recently did something similar as per a friend's suggestion and it made troubleshooting so much easier. Thanks again!!
I find people that can do things like this, people like you, absolutely amazing.
that drive noise brought back memories
Right? I love the Floppy Emu. but sometimes, I like booting off of a disk just for the sounds.
Man, this is so awesome.
I have no words to express how I am amazed by your mega IIe!!!
I love these sorts of retro-modern projects!
24:29 🤣 This part: the gestures, the intonation ... LOL However, you forgot the "This is the BEST Mega IIe to date"
Sigh. You’re right!
That is scary (backs away slowly, looking the door).
Gives me new respect for my cherry Apple IIe.
The dictionary definition of 'Tenacious' should have a picture of you. Truly inspiring dedication to a fever dream.
I salute you.
🖖
[sees an element14 notification]
Now that's a name I've not heard in a long time.
Congratulations on Rev 3! What a cool project.
Thats such a huge project. I love how you handle roadblocks
Amazing work and you should feel amazing!
You are so dedicated and talented! I’d have thrown my hands up in disgust! Good work!
Hah! I love the -151 key. That's such a good touch.
17:01 ahh, I recognise that green anywhere :D ouch. Amazing project, James!
Huge congratulations for getting this done!
Wow. Seriously impressive project! Congratulations!!
I would love nothing more than for a project like this to be made where the Mega-II chip is cloned with modern parts so we can all build a modern Apple II computer using your design.
Great video. There's nothing like bring-up pain to tell a good story.
This is absolutely fantastic stuff. Well done!
Great project! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Apple II’s. I also have a special place in my heart for the Intellivision, and have always wanted to do a similar project to make a single board version that combines the console with both the computer and audio expansion boards. Maybe one day…
INCREDIBLE Work James! Brilliant video! Fabulous Engineering! Great Lessons to pass on! Thanks for making this! Enjoy Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?!
I’m up to Master Detective!
14:23 I wrote Alien Downpour!
You made a great game! I used it extensively while testing all phases of the rev 2 bring-up. It was especially helpful in validating both the keyboard and joystick interfaces.
@@bald_engineer I released that game on cassette too. if only you had a cassette port...
@@berighteous hahahahaha. I missed your reply until now. Literally laughed out loud.
Top job!!! Fantastic skill and perseverance.
Nice project. Love the level of overkill\completion.
Awesome job James! I suspect now that the value of battery bombed IIGS boards will sky rocket so others can build this too!
haha, right? Fortuantely, the battery damage doesn't generally affect the Mega, IWM, or Slotmaker.
Great stuff! So glad you crossed the finish line.
wooooooow. congratulations! mind bending work with a fantastic success to show for it. you should really be proud.
Incredible story, really well told. I am feeling inspired to try build one now.
you’re a mad lad!
(that’s a complement)
I’m deeply impressed by your work on this project.
And it was very entertaining to watch.
Thx :)
Amazing! James, thank you for your hard work and also thanks to all people helping you, terrific!
Frankly, I think this is amazing. You pushed through the pain and made something awesome!
Awesome inspiring. Loved the Jony Ive gag 😂
Obvious your superpower is perseverance😁
What an amazing ride. Yes, please go and enjoy a much earned retro gaming holiday!
Wow! A great project! Completed with enormous dedication! 👍
This further demonstrates why we need modern replacements for the //gs custom chipset.
Man, you are quite a digital detective!
Well, what a journey. Well done!
Amazing accomplishment. Bravo to you and certainly to your dedication and perseverance
Boy I always wanted an Apple IIe mini retro console.
This is really cool! Reminds me of Jeri Ellsworth miniaturizing an entire C64 into a FPGA running inside of a joystick! !
Congrats on a job well done! I think it would be really cool to have a modern version of an Apple //e!!!
This was very fun to watch.
Thanks. The project was fun to make ... most of the time. ;)
If you managed to solder your own rp2040 MCUs that’s pretty good. The RP foundation would do its audience a huge favor by offering a more hacker friendly alternate package with more pins.
Thanks for doing this project.
Incredible effort!
Turned out great
Brilliant work!
Fantastic work. Does the required chip need to come off an existing Apple2GS or can they be sourced without getting off another computer?
They are only available in the IIGS or the incredibly rare Video Overlay Card.
Great! You can sell this as the Apple //GS destroyer. Jobs would be well behind this, if he was still alive. Perhaps someone can check with his frozen head.
@@glynnetolar4423 Being a toxic troll on Facebook isn't enough for you? Now you have to post here and be disgusting?
@@bald_engineer I take it that the IIgs that you got yours from was beyond repair? Taking one from a VOC would be a violation of the sacrosanct!
@@RetroDawn Yes. All of my Mega-IIs (and other ASICs) came from battery-bombed boards.
Well, eventually. Early on, I only had one dead board. But later, I got others that I used to restore the "good" boards.
What an epic project!!
You sir are briliant. I am in awe of your Apple ][ knowledge .... I have an idea
So when can we buy this 😅🎉?
Is there going to be a kit? Or a option to purchase one?
Rider68
No plans to create any kind of kit.
when rev 4 (i am assuming the final version) is done you should buy a showcase and put all the dev revs and modules in it
Nice work!
Dear James, thanks a lot for your hard work. I did come up a new idea, since your spent such tremendous time and effore in the project, it's a waste not to use it for more! How about making another PCB with the original MMU/IOU? Modenized PCB may save a few components that solve the +30 years old PCB degrading and maybe newer components (crystal? Heard that original one is a pain in the butt), and with the debug LED flashing is so fun.
It's an interesting idea, but I don't see the need it would fill. There are already plug-in cards that can provide VGA. There are replacement modern keyboards available. IIe boards aren't known for degrading--there's no battery and no (or almost no) electrolytics on them. If you or someone else wants to go down that path, that would be cool. But it isn't a direction I plan to go.
@@bald_engineer Wish someone can do something more.
Simply amazing. And I'm surprised how much support circuitry the Mega II required despite being an "Apple ][e on a chip." No doubt your final build was much smaller than the original. But 4 coprocessors (2xRP2040 w/ 2 cores each) seems like a lot. I'm wondering how the Apple ][GS managed it? That's not to take anything away from your achievement - it is stunning. Congratulations, and continued success!
Like most computers of the day, the IIGS keyboard controller was its own microprocessor. The VGC is a complex chip. Plus there are many “GLU” chips in the design.
I needed two RP2040s because I ran out of IO pins (and time) not processing ability.
The keyboard 2040 is only using one core. And the framing core of vga2040 is idle most of time, since it relies on the PIO.
@@bald_engineer Really great work. Inspiring... but your dedication is the most impressive part. Thanks for this video and I'll be looking for more!
This really piques my interest! The Mega II was originally designed for a cost/size reduced Apple IIe/IIc but that project was shelved and instead used by the IIGS team for backwards compatibility, but under utilized. There is keyboard and mouse control, graphic generation, etc. Always thought it'd be cool to build an 8-bit computer around the chip.
I wonder how Hi-Res and Double-Hi-Res graphics look on this machine, versus an Apple IIGS. One of my pet peeves is the IIGS's VGC doesn't quite generate these graphic modes 1:1 with a real Apple IIe. Always blamed the difference on RGB, but it's the same with composite! Only noticed the subtle difference in recent years and now prefer running Total Replay on my 8-bit IIe's or IIc's with a CRT TV. On a side note I love that your working on one of these "what if" projects....
Until I get smartport working, A2Desktop is the only DHR program I've tried. I haven't had time to do any kind of side-by-sides yet.
The IIGS composite video is generated via an encoder which is fed the RGB video, so the composite is just a lesser-quality version of the simulated artifact-colored composite RGB video. So, you were always 100% correct--it is the fault of the RGB video. This Mega IIe should have all of the same issues all of the RGB simulations of Apple IIe video have had over the years (RGB boards from BITD, IIgs, VGA/HDMI cards from more recent past).
I've heard the same about the Mega II. Do you have any information as to why Apple never used it in a IIe or IIc (Plus) revision? I always wondered why they didn't, as it should have lowered the cost to build.
@@RetroDawn - The IIGS's composite video differences were actually documented back in 1986 (I was surprised reading a magazine article that showed magnified screen captures) but didn't think much of it at the time. I mean I always used my IIGS with an RGB display, even when running 8-bit software. It wasn't until recent years, when I tried Total Replay on a CRT TV. It's quite a noticeable difference, to the point I've become a purist when playing 8-bit games--not only must they be on a composite CRT display, it must also be a real IIe/IIc to generate those graphics.
I think the reason the Mega II wasn't used in the Apple IIe or IIc was it didn't offer a significant cost savings in manufacturing. It's hard to make sense of anything Apple did really, they should have phased out the Apple IIe in 1986. And the IIc as well, or at least turned into a portable IIGS. To this day I still cannot understand the decision that were made surrounding the IIGS. Who's idea was it to ship the machine with only 256K? Or not wire the headphone jack for stereo? Or provide a microphone input? Or use faster CPU's as they became available. The Mega II not being utilized in the 8-bit II line was also a head scratcher.
What a great project
Awesome ❤ - will you share the files for your case?
Check the GitHub repo found here: bit.ly/46vMGJ4 If you don't see what you need, James is usually easy to find over there. . .
great work.
WOW, great work! For the expansion slot what are your plans?
I'm going to make an extender board. I just haven't done it yet. I'm also considering a low-rise board to hold an expansion ROM to get Smartport support.
I'm glad to see you finally realized your portable Apple IIe dream! Congrats! So what do you do now that you've walked on the moon?
Take a nap.
@@bald_engineer lol, sounds about right.
That is an amazing build. But, to be honest, I would have made a case for it based on the design of the Apple IIc if I were making one of my own, just with a removable slotted lid at the top to make it compatible with the internal expansion slots. Still, glad to see the IIGS's Mega-II given new life. I bet that would play the first few Ultima entries like a dream.
Back when I started the case design, I had intended to make the (miniature) keyboard functional. As time went on I dropped that idea. But I had already invested a ton of time into the design.
Now you just need to fab some new mega ii chips... 😉
unbelievable, 3 out of 2 thumbs up, top ❤
Magnificent. I hope to purchase one someday soon!
Can we buy boards? I don't want to build a working unit... just would like to have one of the motherboards in hand... maybe with your signature on it in silver pen-paint.
CapsLock mapped to CTRL is The One True Way. So insanely ergonomic compared to our modern layouts.
I had to change the mapping on my keyboard. Switching between the IIe and a USB keyboard was driving me crazy.
Regardless, I've always wondered why modern computer keyboard have a caps lock. Why can't we just double-tap shift or something?
I've long wondered why Apple didn't use the Mega II in the Platinum update of the IIe, which was released months after the IIgs, or at least in a later revision. It should have made the IIe cheaper to build. Same for the IIc and IIc Plus.
The GLU logic needed to support the Mega-II in a standalone Apple II computer probably negated the cost savings.
With the Apple II or Classic MacOS9, I would still be using them today if they had a modern web browser.
FWIW. I actually do use the Mega-IIe to write. The single-task nature of the device makes it very easy to focus. Before this project, I did the same with a IIGS. But then I ruined it by getting a network card.
Any interest in making a stand-alone card (using the slot just for power.... not using a Raspberry Pi) for a standard Apple 2+/2e/2gs to implement that VGA chip? Or an HDMI chip? :)
Interesting idea. However, the technique I'm currently using only works with the Mega-II's output. I've thought about how to make something that would work on the IIGS. However, there are multiple VGA projects already available for both the IIe and IIGS. So, I don't think my concept would add much value.
Amazing! Does anyone know if those VLSI chips are ASICs or Gate Arrays?
I’ve seen a die shot of Mega. It’s an ASIC. I believe IWM and Slotmaker are as well. At the time, Apple added “GLU” to the name of the Gate-Array chips.
In line for a Mini Apple //c...with USB input, of course.
A fully-fuctional //c that fits in the same of the original //c's power brick?
IIe clones are back! But I only care about one thing: True composite NTSC colours, with DHGR accuracy. Only one emulator knows how to do it.
No emulator looks exactly the composite video, though. I stick to my composite monitors and real hardware. This Mega IIe should look as good as any emulator, though.
@@RetroDawn ooh that's a throw down challenge - I mean, it's not easy, but I think I can do it, and I've seen the tools that make it possible, too
Didn’t the V-Tech Apple IIe-compatible from 1996 that shipped with AppleWorks in ROM and some educational software built in use a Mega II?
It wasn't V-Tech. Tiger Electronics developed the Tiger Learning Computer, which I mentioned in the video. It never went to full production and only a handful of poorly built prototypes are still round. As one owner told me: "your computer is far more usable than the TLC." It had a custom boot program but it also came with AppleSoft (BASIC), not AppleWorks (an office package). There were also a handful of cartridge ROMs with educational software. I think the current number of known titles is around 14.
@@bald_engineer Yeah, I mixed up Tiger and V-Tech, and AppleWorks was on a ROM rather than in ROM. :)
@@cmhenatorOhhhh! Well then. That is a ROM / Cartridge I would like to have! :)
When you have a finished Apple 2 I would like one. I’ve been using Applewin and some of the games need an analog joystick to work properly AE and Apple Invader. Please add me to the “I want one” list. Thank you
You are one smart cookie… +1
What an amazing project!! Congrats!! Are there plans to start selling the board? Thanks for sharing and all your hard work
I have no plans to sell the boards. Also, I don’t recommend anyone building the rev 3 board, for obvious reasons.
Wao !!! Well done ! s this possible to buy the board ?... and use chips from a dead Apple IIgs motherboard ?
I have no plans to sell the boards. And while the design files are available, I do not recommend getting a rev 3 manufactured. It has too many errors, as shown in the video.
@@bald_engineer Will you release a final version bug free, so passionates can build it ? Thank you. Which is the github ? I successfully built the A2VGA (smd version)… this something much more difficult but if we would have the fully working pcb it could be a project to use dead IIgs motherboards using the Mega II chip and IWS…
@@jansaggiori7865 Of course. I created a branch on the Mega IIe github repo called "rev 3b." My intent is to correct mistakes on that version before working on Rev 4. (In Rev 4, I'll probably make significant changes.)
@@bald_engineer Thank you !!!
If you now add a Z80 Softcard and a Super Serial Card you have everything I need. I'll take one 😀
Mid-project I considered SSC support. But valiantly fought against scope creep--especially after I changed my mind about the final version having (at least) one slot. That said, I'll probably at least developed a card for it on the Rev 2 hardware though. I love working with that pile of cards.
If you don't mind feature creep for the final (?) revision, I'd add more RAM, an SD card reader, and maybe HDMI instead of VGA output. When I was a young kid, that would have been my absolute dream machine and if anybody had told me about the modern peripherals that would have blown my mind.
Of course, these days, it's just a case of "why does Kirk climb a mountain?" It's a great answer to a novel engineering challenge. Well done!
Would also like a 56000 DSP hackerboard in slot 4 or so!
I'm in the board credits. And I did literally nothing other than hang out in the Twitch chat.
Not true! You provided polite suggestions when I made dumb mistakes during the design phase of the rev 3 board. :)
Wow you really did a ton of work. You need to publish a companion book!! and a kit on PCBWay.....
Also, when you do a final case, you should work a spot into it for slotting the Floppy Emu in. Not Original, but neither are the ports underneath.
Great project. Really enjoyable hearing about the funny things you discovered around the Mega Design.
Do you have a link to the previous video you mentioned?
It's in the description.
Crazy amount of effort.
Next step will be to condense all of it on FPGA.
Cheers !!
The MISTER project already has the Apple IIe covered. Someday, I'd like to combine that work plus the additional capabilities of Mega-II, but it's not a priority for now.