Tag: firmware

Repurposes supported Raspberry Pi Pico Apple II video cards as a USB HID mouse interface.

A complete setup needs a supported A2VGA Revision 1.6 or modified older A2VGA or A2analog card, a Micro-USB-to-USB-A adapter, and a driverless USB HID mouse. USB hubs are not supported. Installing A2USB removes the card's VGA function until different firmware is loaded. Remove the Pico or card from the Apple II before using BOOTSEL to update firmware, and choose the PAL or NTSC build with the appropriate 50 or 60 Hz interrupt default.

Improved firmware for the Apple IIc and IIc Plus, offered as a current ROM programming service.

Infinity Products listed its ROM 4X and ROM 5X flashing service without an out-of-stock marker on 2026-07-24. The open firmware project had a current March 2026 release.

Adds a reprogrammable, four-bank ROM adapter for ROM 0 Apple IIgs systems.

The adapter is currently listed as out of stock. It cannot convert a ROM 0 or ROM 1 Apple IIgs to ROM 3.

Replaces one SID socket with two or three emulated SIDs, or combines SID emulation with SFX Sound Expander-compatible FM synthesis.

The official store showed four ARM2SID variants in stock on 2026-07-28, priced from EUR 53 to EUR 58. Choose the cable, optional second socket, and host-specific version carefully. Additional SID and FM modes require the documented chip-select and audio connections; the optional second socket does not carry EXT IN.

Microcontroller-based plug-in replacement for a C64 or C128 6581 or 8580 SID with software configuration, updateable firmware, and analog control inputs.

The official Retrocomp product page showed more than 10 ARMSID v1f units in stock at EUR 34 on 2026-07-28.

Uses a PS/2 keyboard on supported Commodore computers or converts their original keyboards and optional joysticks for a PS/2-equipped host.

The RETRO Innovations store exposed a configuration selector and Add to Cart path on 2026-07-30, with the bare PCB listed at USD 6 and configured kits priced separately. Kits and assembled units are made after ordering and normally take four to five weeks. The maker explicitly treats C=Key as a project rather than a fully supported product because its firmware is not extensively tested or easily upgraded; an AVR programmer is strongly recommended. Use a true PS/2 keyboard because passive USB adapters may not work.

An external fifteen-ROM selector for original Sinclair 48K, 128K, and grey +2 computers, controlled by one button and binary indicator LEDs.

The seller exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27 and explicitly limits support to original Sinclair 48K, 128K, and grey +2 machines. Power off before connecting or removing it. Confirm the exact ROM contents and any software licensing from the current unit rather than assuming every example named on the board is supplied or redistributable.

Combines CompactFlash storage, four selectable firmware slots, AY sound, stereo output, and two joystick ports on a ZX Spectrum expansion interface.

The seller exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27. Use a CompactFlash card with one active FAT16 partition and remove it only while power is off. The page distinguishes Sinclair and Amstrad bus modes, says the grey +2 is not an Amstrad-mode machine, and explicitly names +2B and +3 for Amstrad mode. It does not clearly establish +2A support, so that model is not attached.

Connects an RC2014 serial port to a Wi-Fi network.

The ESP8266 and 3.3 V regulator are surface-mount parts that the builder installs. GPIO pads, status LEDs, a small prototyping area, and FTDI programming mode are provided.

FPGA-based pin-compatible 6581 and 8580 replacement with two complete SIDs, six-voice stereo, analog inputs, paddles, and mouse support.

Human review confirmed on 2026-07-28 that the advertised KryoFlux store item is gone. The project documentation, firmware, and configuration software remain available, and used units can still be searched for. An interrupted firmware update can require JTAG recovery.

Replaces supported 34-pin floppy drives with disk images stored on a USB flash drive.

FlashFloppy directly supports most SFR-prefix Goteks with a 34-pin header. Do not buy a UFA-prefix USB-floppy model; 26-pin DU26 and TU26 models require modification, and the project recommends avoiding the FDD-UDD U144K. Gotek's maker site accepts only wholesale orders of at least ten, while the linked specialty catalog lists several individually priced, configured units. Confirm the microcontroller, installed firmware, front-panel fit, cable orientation, power, and host-specific jumpers before installation. Initial FlashFloppy programming may require a boot jumper and a USB programming cable or USB-TTL adapter.

Adds the SoftSP ROM path needed to use a Disk II controller and SPIISD V2 in SmartPort mode.

The current store listed bare PCB, kit, and assembled configurations without an out-of-stock marker on 2026-07-24.

Replaces a C64 RF modulator with FPGA-generated 1080p HDMI video and digitized stereo audio while retaining analog video.

Authorized seller Retro-Updates listed hardware version 0.2 at EUR 109.00 on 2026-07-27. Confirm the exact revision and production batch before ordering: the manual documents incorrect chroma resistors in the first version 0.2 production batch, an ineffective PLL-adjustment jumper on batches 1 and 2, and a transmitter issue that prevents HDMI audio on a small minority of displays.

Replaces compatible 34-pin floppy drives with read/write disk images on SD or SDHC media.

All fourteen Rev C, Rev F, and MAX hardware variants exposed current login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. Rev C and Rev F use a standard floppy 5 V supply; the manual specifies at least 400 mA and says the 12 V line is unused. MAX accepts either 5 V over Micro-USB or 7-12 V center-positive DC power. Verify pin 1, drive-select jumpers, cable twists, voltage, and physical fit before connection: some computers reverse the usual 5 V and 12 V floppy-power positions, and incorrect power can damage both emulator and host. The firmware reads and writes supported images but does not reproduce variable-bit-rate protection completely; IPF and STX support is partial.

Adds read/write SD floppy emulation in compact 34-pin and 26-pin FPC forms.

All five Lotharek Slim variants exposed current login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. Choose the 34-pin HE10 or 1 mm 26-pin FPC version for the host; the 26-pin form requires the manual's ID0A setting. Supply regulated 5 V and verify the host connector, voltage, pin 1, drive select, cable, and mounting before connection. The manual specifies at least 300 mA and a 500 mA maximum figure. The firmware reads and writes supported images but does not reproduce variable-bit-rate protection completely; IPF and STX support is partial.

Rebuilds a Commodore 64 around a modern replacement motherboard with improved power, protection, video, diagnostics, and ROM switching.

CBMSTUFF marks the motherboard discontinued. Its product page, build manual, BOM, and supporting software remain online, and some optional parts remain listed. Used boards may occasionally appear on secondary markets.

Adds CompactFlash and ATA or ATAPI mass storage plus USB PCLink transfers to a Commodore 64 expansion port.

The official project site is active and identifies V4.2 as the latest revision, but the selected official pages provide neither a current order path nor a complete fabrication package. Check the used market and confirm the hardware revision before buying.

Provides two switchable 8 MB flash banks that can be programmed over USB without a separate ROM programmer.

Replaces Apple III boot, synchronization, video, and bipolar state-machine ROMs with modern EEPROM carrier boards.

JCM's current Apple III categories listed all fourteen variants on 2026-07-24. Representative boot, sync, video, and bipolar pages showed stock, but availability can differ by part number. These adapters are position-specific replacements, not interchangeable upgrades.

Licensed replacement computer and disk-drive ROM system that accelerates Commodore serial storage and adds DOS commands.

The official licensing site listed five authorized sales channels on 2026-07-27. Offerings include licensed ROM images, replacement ROM overlays, and switchless overlays; stock and the exact supported machine or drive vary by seller.

Turns supported classic-computer keyboards, digital joysticks, and analog paddles into USB HID input devices for a modern PC, Mac, or Raspberry Pi.

The maker's store listed Keyrah V3 for immediate delivery on 2026-07-15. The box includes the circuit board and printed manual but no USB cable. Individual Computers has stopped ordinary shipments to the United States; its stated exception requires a forwarding service and wire-transfer payment, so US buyers should also check the official reseller list.

Open microSD cartridge that emulates many C64 and C128 cartridge formats and loads programs and disk images.

Retro Electronics listed one assembled cartridge in stock on 2026-07-25 without a microSD card. Lotharek also exposed a current order path on 2026-07-27 for a redesigned board in a transparent case. Retro Electronics installs Version 1.35 by default and treats its NTSC build as work in progress; check the current Codeberg releases before use.

Current and buildable replacement ROMs for early compact Macs with a customizable bootable ROM disk and HD20 support.

On 2026-07-24 JCM showed eleven 128K/512K modules and nine Plus modules in stock. Infinity Products also listed standard and spare-ROM kits without an out-of-stock marker. Installation requires opening the Macintosh, removing its ROMs, and soldering three or four address and write lines to the mainboard. BMOW provides the original parts list, Gerbers, assembly instructions, Flash Tool, and ROM data.

Emulates Commodore IEC devices and loads files from local flash, an SD card, or network servers over Wi-Fi.

The project provides source, several ESP32 hardware profiles, build instructions, and a browser-based firmware flasher. No direct retail source was verified, so builders must select matching hardware and firmware before connecting it to a computer.

Converts a PS/2 mouse into Atari 8-bit or Atari ST quadrature mouse signals.

The maker publishes beta firmware, source, a pinout, and programming files but not a finished adapter PCB on this page. A build requires a programmed PIC16F1847 and suitable wiring or an enclosure. For an internal installation, connect behind the computer's in-line joystick resistors so a plugged-in joystick cannot directly short the PIC outputs. USB mice work only when they also implement the PS/2 protocol.

Converts selected PC Radeon 7000 PCI graphics cards for classic Mac use with a Mac ROM v226 image.

The pre-flashed ROM chip and a limited set of converted used 64 MB cards were listed without an out-of-stock marker on 2026-07-24. The ROM-chip product does not include a graphics card.

Adds an 80-column VGA serial terminal with USB keyboard input, a buzzer, and microSD support to an RC2014.

The optional SD backpack is only for the earlier Pi Pico VGA Terminal. It requires PicoTerm 1.6.0 or later, can be ordered with its surface-mount socket preinstalled, and does not include the Pi Pico itself.

DIY RP2040- or RP235x-based replacement for one or two 6581 or 8580 SID chips, with optional FM emulation and paddle or mouse input support.

Choose the hardware design and matching firmware together. The official project documents different DAC, PWM, connector, line-output, and host-interface arrangements plus a list of preassembled sellers. Multi-SID or FM modes need the documented address-signal wires. Never power the module from USB and the Commodore computer at the same time.

Adds a pseudo-SmartPort boot path for hard-disk images and compatible storage devices on Apple II models without built-in SmartPort support.

The CT6502 shop marked SoftSP out of stock on 2026-07-24. Check the direct product page for a restock.

Current Lotharek redesign of the compact AVR-based replacement for a Commodore 64 SID sound chip.

The Lotharek page exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27. The independent nano SwinSIDb tutorial documents the reference design's settings: its J1 selects 6581 filtering when closed and 8580 when open, while J2 enables an output-load resistor for 8580 boards and is left open for 6581 boards. It also says the design lacks paddle analog inputs and external audio input. The seller does not state that its dual DIP switch maps identically, so obtain Lotharek-specific switch and orientation instructions before installation. The latest firmware identified by the tutorial is dated 2012; original development stalled, and the reconstructed archive warns that one unreleased firmware can glitch.

Period enhanced SwinSID replacement adds configurable 6581- and 8580-style sound, readable oscillator and envelope registers, analog input, and paddle or mouse support.

Production ended in 2018 and no current maker or build path was verified. Buy used only with the original manual and configuration software. The documented 6581-board installation recommends disconnecting the 1K output pull-down, while EXT IN needs the specified termination. This is unrelated to current Commodore 64 Ultimate hardware despite the old product name.

Adds HDMI video output and Apple IIgs-derived display modes to Apple II slot computers.

The product page supplies the current manual, firmware, support email, and an instruction to email BitPair LLC to check board availability. It does not expose current stock or a direct order path, so availability remains unknown.

Emulates IDE or ATAPI hard disks, CD-ROMs, Zip 100 drives, and removable media from image files on an SD card.

Rabbit Hole Computing marked its Compact and Hybrid V2 listings sold out on 2026-07-24. The project's official seller directory linked to AmigaKit, whose ZuluIDE V2 page still offered an Add to Cart path that day. Confirm the connector and DAC variant before ordering.