A hat for a Raspberry Pi Zero to receive and upscale video signals for various vintage computers
What is it?
This is one variant of the RGBtoHDMI device that, in combination with a Raspberry Pi Zero, allows mono or luma-encoded video signals from vintage computers to be converted to an HDMI sign…
This is one variant of the RGBtoHDMI device that, in combination with a Raspberry Pi Zero, allows mono or luma-encoded video signals from vintage computers to be converted to an HDMI signal for use with modern monitors and TVs.
Why did you make it?
This device was designed specifically for use with either true monochrome video sources or with other devices that generate a custom video signal that can be decoded to a color display. One such devices would be a Commodore C64 equipped with the VIC-II-dizer add-on.
What makes it special?
This board combines a basic RGBtoHDMI board with the features of the analog add-on that are relevant for monochrome input. So it is substantially cheaper than the combination of the existing two. Also a detachable cable is already provided.
What else is needed?
To get a working RGBtoHDMI upscaler, you need a Raspberry Pi Zero (any variant) with necessary accessories: Micro SDcard, Mini HDMI cable, USB power supply. You can also get/make the optional device case.
Installing the firmware
The latest stable release of the software can be obtained from the releases page .
Copy the content of the .zip archive directly into the root of the (FAT32 formatted) SDcard. No special boot image is needed.
For newest features (like support for Lumacode of Atari machines), use the latest
beta release.
UK shipping
I do not ship to the UK any longer. Please refer to the official vendor list for information on how to obtain my designs in the UK.
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Review Breakdown
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10
4
2
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2
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Average Ratings
Product:
(5.00)
Documentation:
(4.83)
Shipping:
(5.00)
Communication:
(4.92)
Emanuele |
Sept. 11, 2024
Incredible crispy clear image!
I never saw a C64 with such high quality image, it seems a true digital output for a 40 years old computer! The only thing that can be improved is the manual of the RGBtoHDMI that is not straightforward and requires a bit of time. Strongly recommended!
Frederick |
July 17, 2024
Well made and easier than separate boards/adapter.
I've soldered a handful of RGBtoHDMI boards before, but what c0pperdragon has done makes setting up a system significantly easier. I used the board with a GTIAdigitizer in an Atari 600XL. Installation was a painless process, and it can be done without solder. The results of LumaCode are excellent, worlds better than composite or s-video.
Ryan |
July 6, 2024
This is amazing
Installed this on my C128DCR and I couldn't believe the output. I used the included cabling and the C128 VIC II "under board" also from c0pperdragon.
Goodbye ugly jailers.
Steven |
July 3, 2024
I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.
Well, not the company. But I did purchase a second one - mainly because I broke the first one. But no one needs to know that part. Please edit that last part out. Thanks!
Joshua |
April 30, 2024
The perfect companion for old micros
Lumacode is a fantastic option for crystal clear HDMI output, and supports many machines. The implementation is smart and easy to use. I'm so impressed with the results I plan on grabbing a few more digitizers for my other consoles.
Christopher |
Feb. 14, 2024
Superb add-on for your old Commie!
C0pperdragon, you are a GENIUS! This thing works perfectly, even on that oddball early VICII chip (6567R56A)!
I put this together in two parts (as it's built) to see how each stage of the upgrade affected the output.
The VIC-II-dizer itself produces a black and white image from the RCA port, and does a very good job cleaning up the image in the process. My particular VICII chip (6567856A) is an early model, and due to odd/unique timings, requires a unique version of the firmware by C0pperdragon for the VIC-II-dizer to work (so tell him if you have this model line when ordering!) The resulting image in my case was still a bit noisy, but a far cry from the jailbars and RF wiggles that the stock configuration put out. Also, because I don't have an actual CRT, there's a high likelihood that the image was being influenced by my cheap RF-to-VGA adaptor I was using to connect to the monitor too, so don't take my results as representative of the true output being produced at this stage. The takeaway is that the image was massively improved. What the VIC-II-dizer did to the stock output of this old and buggy chip was still pretty magic, to me.
The RBGtoHDMI hat (again, C0pperdragon's variant makes it a breeze to setup) is the final magical flourish that results in a crisp, clear, DIGITAL image on your modern day display that looks just like it's coming from an emulator on your PC, except without the lag, and running on original, native hardware.
This little device completely eliminated the biggest issue with this old hardware, and made it a snap to connect to modern displays! Totally worth the investment in time and money!
Peter |
Dec. 4, 2023
Does what it says... and very well.
I have reviewed this in the context of a engineering user, not a 'consumer' in the normal sense. That reflects that the documentation is complete and thorough, but it did not feature an 'out of the box' idiots guide. It took me not very long to pick up the fact that the later releases of the firmware have a 'select profile' in the menu, and could simply find my computer and it worked. I would recommend taking a bit of time to at least overview the documentation, but I did find the menu navigation, while not exactly intuitive, just a few moments .. similar to menu on many monitors. Fantastically stable image. (Vic-20)
Günther |
Dec. 2, 2023
The best extension for the Commodore 128 (64)
This sharpness and brilliance cannot compare with anything and completely streak-free. The instructions say to format the SD card for the Pi to FAT32. So it didn't work for me. I had to format the card to FAT and it works great. Thank you so much for this great product.
Mike |
Nov. 19, 2023
Excellent project
Using this with a C64 and the VIC-II-Dizer for an excellent picture and perfect scrolling on an HDMI monitor.
Ronny |
Oct. 30, 2023
Einfach der Wahnsinn!
Für perfekte Bildqualität am Commodore 64 mit sehr vielen durchdachten Einstellmöglichkeiten! Für ein gestochen scharfes Bild!
Siegfried |
Aug. 25, 2023
Amazing product
Never before my Atari 800XL (GTIAdigitizer) and my C64 (VIC-II-dizer) had such a sharp picture on my monitor.
Nils |
Aug. 19, 2023
Just excellent!
Excellent device if you want the perfect image quality of your C64 (or others). Very recommended!!!!
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