This is a wonderful option to repairing or replacing failing (or just old) video memory in the TI-99/4a. Simple to install and works great. I was going to keep one of my 99s original, but last time I fired it up, I had some failed memory. Just going to swap this one for a PICO 9918, and try out the cut-free adapter as well. The PICO arrived very well packaged, and did not take too long to arrive from Australia to the US. Thank you!

Bruce | Jan. 3, 2025

Amazing, simply amazing

For PICO9918

Some years ago I had purchased an F18A and installed it into a TI99/4A, and it was great. But, I foolishly sold the machine when I was in a tight spot. Years later I got back into the swing of things and purchased a TI99/4A again. But now the F18A is not obtainable...at least not for the price I paid way back. I about gave up on ever having nice VGA out of the machine and have been using a little Panasonic CRT since.

But now we have an option. And at a reasonable price! It's no wonder these sell out as fast as they do. But, I added myself to the wait list and I jumped on it when it was available.

Shipping from Australia to the USA (NC) took around two weeks. Install of the PICO9918 is easy. Cutting a nice VGA hole not so much, but I faired well.

The picture is just incredible. And, the fact that the PICO9918 doesn't require an external crystal or VRAM, so can also be used in cases where your video crystal, video RAM or display circuitry is bad is extra awesome. So, if you have a supported machine with bad video RAM adding this will solve the problem. That is quite amazing.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this. If its available and you have the need, don't wait. Buy one now!!

David | Nov. 19, 2024

One of the easiest vdp replacement options

For PICO9918

I have been using various FPGA based vdp replacement options for years. The pico9918 board has the right form factor, and the right price. The creator of this little unit has leveraged his long experience with the TMS 9918 emulation to pack all of that and more into the rp2040!

I use this device on my own homebrew boards and have tested it successfully as a replacement option in the Nabu and on the z80-Retro by John's Digital Basement which uses a Tms9118.

The other main benefit for me is that with these (and other) replacement solutions, the supporting components are also emulated. When using the pico9918 designers can skip the xtal and dynamic ram components which massively simplifies new designs.

If you're looking to replace your existing vdp for better video quality, or you're working on a new design, I absolutely recommend the pico9918.

Roy | Sept. 21, 2024

A great project and a perfect replacement for the TMS9918

For PICO9918

A great project and a perfect replacement for the TMS9918. A well documented Github and the project is still under active development.

Ashton | Sept. 7, 2024

Does what it says on the box

For PICO9918

Just plug it in and it works. Great product in its current state with more features likely to come in the future.

Damian | Sept. 6, 2024

New life into my old TI-99/4A.....VGA output!!!!!

For PICO9918

Thanks Troy for starting this project. As a PAL TI owner I was suffering with poor video out, the composite mod (tap off the modulator) didn't really help. When Troy posted his early efforts on the TI Facebook channels I had to have one when it became mature enough for a proper replacement. The PICO9918 is definitely mature enough, works perfectly as a replacement for the hot running 9928 and with the additional efforts Troy's doing on adding F18A support etc the future's bright for the old '99.

Aleksandr | April 10, 2024

Everything is perfect

For PICO-56 Kit

Received it today and built it already!

Worked from first power on, kit was easy to build.

Just small remark - better grab NES gamepad before running software - you can't ever run most of them without gamepad.

My time lapse of building: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sYh3xi-5vY

Jochem | April 5, 2024

Excellent kit

For PICO-56 Kit

Haven’t tested it yet, but I’m almost done assembling it. There were some issues customs but Troy quickly sent me another one before I even knew anything was wrong.

The kit is clearly labeled and assembly is very self explanatory.

If I had any suggestions it would be to include some extra resistors.

Thanks Troy!

Hans | Feb. 3, 2024

Works as described.

For PICO-56 Kit

I got the assembled version. Looks professional, works fine!

Well packaged, arrived in good order and quite fast from Australia.

Lots of fun ahead!

Jayson | Jan. 22, 2024

A great little computer

For PICO-56 Kit

I built my PICO-65 over the weekend, and I'm really impressed.

This is a very easy all-through hole kit (really glad the SD card is pre-soldered). The components are all labeled in their bags and on the PCB silkscreen so there's no issues placing and soldering everything. You can complete the entire build and be up and running in an afternoon. I've have to test it a bit more (where are my NES controllers?) but I loved the ease of flashing the Pi Pico and getting right into it.

As far as retro-style computer projects go this is a FUN one. Pick one up when they're in stock.

Tindie

Troy Schrapel

Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

All Reviews

Love this product!

Amazing, simply amazing

One of the easiest vdp replacement options

A great project and a perfect replacement for the TMS9918

Does what it says on the box

New life into my old TI-99/4A.....VGA output!!!!!

Everything is perfect

Excellent kit

Works as described.

A great little computer