Let's build a video card! In these videos, Ben will talk about how VGA signals work and build a circuit that provides the correct timing of sync signals, so a monitor will recognize the signal and display an image stored on an EEPROM. If you’re interested in building your own "World's worst video card", this kit includes all the components used in my video series.
Please note: In addition to the VGA kit, you will want some way to program the EEPROM that holds the image to be displayed. The easiest way to do this is with an EEPROM programmer (PN: 2297823). Alternately you may want to investigate building your own programmer with an Arduino or similar.
Kit Includes:
Part No.
Qty.
Description
2292431
1
Wall Adapter Switching Power Supply 5V DC 3A 15W 2.1mm Plug
2227209
1
2.1mm x 5.5mm Male DC Jack to Screw Terminal (Single)
2283767
5
830 Point Solderless Plug-in Breadboard with 4 Power Rails 21-26AWG ABS
Hookup Wire 22AWG Solid Tinned Copper Green 0.057 Inch (OD) PVC 25 Foot
2297951
1
Hookup Wire 22AWG Solid Tinned Copper Blue 0.057 Inch (OD) PVC 25 Foot
Resources & Downloads
Schematics
The first two schematics show the counter and decode logic for the horizontal and vertical counters. Both are built and explained in the first video. Several people have pointed out that this will work fine without the inverters by only testing the bits that are supposed to be 1s. If you want to try that, just tie the unused inputs of the NAND gates high. Vertical Sync Schematic Horizontal Sync Schematic
The final schematic shows how the HSync and VSync circuits (above) are connected to an EEPROM which drives a simple resistor DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to generate an image. This is roughly what was covered in the second video. VGA Schematic
