Re: VGA for Carte Blanche operational

[rhohler <rick.hohler@gmail.com>]

On Apr 20, 7:24 pm, Nama <forums6...@mac.com> wrote:
> On Apr 20, 4:13 pm, Alex Freed <alex_n...@mirrow.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Well, as I mentioned before I was working on an LCD friendly
> > implementation of a VGA video adapter for the CB. What I had before was
> > a piece cut out of a full FPGApple that didn't look all that great on
> > anything but an analog VGA display.
> > Now what I consider to be a main default application for the CB is done.
> > It works well enough so I don't need to keep an extra composite monitor
> > on the table any more! Look at the pictures:
>
> >http://alexfreed.com/FPGApple/CarteBlancheVGA.html
>
> > I optimized it for the text and I dare say the text is done right. I
> > made another mode for 80 col text using 640x480 and 8x8 fonts but never
> > used it as the more genuine looking Apple's own font is readable enough.
>
> > The graphics could be improved in a number of ways:
>
> > 1. Make a (soft ?) switch turning the color off for applications using
> > text or monochrome graphics on hi-res screen.
>
> > 2. Implement a different "filter". For example fill-in the dark pixels
> > between 2 of the same color.
>
> > 3. Implement color change detection as per Apple patent.
>
> > I'm not gonna do that for now. Maybe later. Maybe somebody else will do
> > it first if we start manufacturing soon enough. This project is also a
> > good illustration of the size of the FPGA chip. Less than 2% of logic is
> > used!
>
> > -Alex.
>
> I'm planning to get the CB for my apple II+ (or maybe even two
> depending on price, hint hint).
> I'm optimistic that many of your/the CB implementations will also work
> on the II+, especially the VGA implementation. What do you think?
> 80 columns on the plus with good graphics implementation sounds like
> great news to me, as I've recently been looking for a great display
> solution, and this could be it.
>
> Philip

I'd like to add that I also play to use a II+.  With VGA and Vince
Briel's PS/2 keyboard interface for the II+, this is a great way to
use an Apple II.  Easier to type on a standard keyboard (in my opinion
others may disagree) and VGA is easier on my eyes.

Rick