KansasFest attendees will gather for SolderFest on Wednesday evening. Experts and novices will work side-by-side to learn, build, and fix with solder. Bring your own project or buy something at the vendor fair. Bring your own tools and soldering iron if you have them or borrow ours.
Vince Briel, famous for projects like the Replica 1 and the A2MP3 music player card, is leading a special workshop to build an Apple ][ VGA card. Vince is legendary for his patience and persistence helping everybody finish.
202/// with the Apple ][ VGA Card
Build a VGA card designed for the Apple ][ and ][ plus machines. Very simple design using a Raspberry Pi Pico to snoop the Apple ][ video and text RAM area. Based on the original design by Mark Aikens, this modified version was tested on a IIe but lower case does not display correctly. 80 column mode is not implemented. This card also does not work in a GS. There are other cards out there that can do these features. There are no surface mount parts making this the perfect kit for anyone to build.
Don’t know how to solder? No problem, Vince has been teaching soldering at events like KFest for years. Isn’t it time you learned to solder?
What do you need to bring?
Bring your own tools such as soldering iron, wire cutters and solder. Vince will have VGA card kits available for $40. If you can’t bring your own tools or don’t have any, contact us, and we’ll make sure to bring extra soldering irons and solder.
How long does it take to build?
It depends on your soldering skill. It could take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. If more time is needed, Vince will be available to help.
What does it cost?
The cost of the kit is $40. No need to prepay, you can pay at the time of the workshop. All components and the blank printed circuit board is included. Does not include any VGA cable or monitor.
Will there be extra kits available?
Vince will bring extra kits and some assembled boards for those who do not wish to solder.
What do I need to do before SolderFest?
Nothing!
Where can I get more information about this VGA card?
You can visit Vince’s GitHub page or contact us.
There was booth set up at VCFSW in Dallas and the feedback was very positive. This is a KFest exclusive event. These will not be for sale except at KFest.