Cheap TMS99xx replacement

[cheshirenoir]

Hey Folks,
Over on the TI99/4A Facebook group, someone just posted this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri09dCjWxGE
Hopefully we'll be able to use this in our systems too!

Chesh

[visrealm]

Oh! Thanks for posting - this is my mod, the PICO9918.

I recently purchased a Dick Smith Wizzard to try it out on. Works great

creativision_pico9918_2.jpg

I have a few more pictures of the install in my Introduction topic: G'day from Adelaide, Australia

Cheers
Troy

[carlsson]

As you posted on AtariAge, did it require a firmware upgrade on the Pico9918 to work with the Creativision? Perhaps all new chips are sold with the latest firmware anyway.

[visrealm]

As you posted on AtariAge, did it require a firmware upgrade on the Pico9918 to work with the Creativision? Perhaps all new chips are sold with the latest firmware anyway.

Yes, there was a slight timing issue when writing to the VDP with older firmware. This was fixed with v0.4.4 which has been shipped on all of my PICO9918's since March 6th 2025 (Serial numbers 0380+).

[e8hffff]

Way to go guys!

[cheshirenoir]

I just fitted mine




Now all I need to do is work out how to mount the VGA connector

(I'll probably do something with a 3d printer)

Chesh

[visrealm]

Very nice. Here's what I did.

At least it has a removable panel. Very convenient.

[Scouter3d]

Very nice. Here's what I did.

At least it has a removable panel. Very convenient.

Hi, great work!
Would you share the STL file?
Cheers, TOM:0)

[visrealm]

Very nice. Here's what I did.

At least it has a removable panel. Very convenient.

Hi, great work!
Would you share the STL file?
Cheers, TOM:0)

Sure, though it will probably need some tweaking. It's version 0 and I never bothered to make a version 0.1

CreatiVision VGA.zip

I'll do you one better though and here's the link OnShape link: CreatiVision | Backplate If you haven't used OnShape before, I highly recommend it

It wasn't really intended for public consumption - I hacked together the audio jacks out of two RCA connectors soldered together and the STL has like a compartment they go in. But it will give you a starting point.

[cheshirenoir]

I ended up using some leftover aluminiuim sheet, with some textured plastic over the top. The textured plastic was a sheet I had salvaged from the bottom of a reusable shopping bag.
I drilled a few holes and used a nibbler to square up the spot for the VGA connector.
It's quite robust and I like the look.

Cheers!

Chesh