matthew180 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Only when I went to install the F18A into an ADAM computer did I realize the original VDP was very close to the edge of the circuit board, and since the F18A is about twice as wide as the original VDP it was outside the circuit board's outline. This prevents the ADAM's case from being put back on since the case follows the circuit board outline very closely. To fix the problem I made an "ADAM Adapter" board for the F18A that shifts it back into the confines of the circuit board. If anyone purchased an F18A specifically for an ADAM, please contact me. Anyone buying an F18A going forward can select the "ADAM Computer" pin option when purchasing. Also, I'm not sure about the "ADAM as an expansion". I *think* the video in that situation still comes from the ColecoVision, but can someone please confirm that? Here are some photos of the ADAM Adapter along with a case mod I did. The ADAM's plastic is very thick, so cutting a hole big enough for the VGA connector was the easiest option. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+retroclouds Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 I don't own an adam computer, but man that looks sharp! Great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 It really does look like it came that way from the factory. I wonder if I could try and pass this off as a rare one of a kind VGA enabled ADAM prototype? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+grips03 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Matt - how did you get your cuts to look so good on the rectangle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew180 Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 I drilled out the corners to make a slight radius. Then I used a rotary tool (like a dremmel) with an abrasive cutting wheel to make the rough cuts, being careful to not over cut the corners. Once the big piece was out I used a file to even out the edges and give them a very slight bevel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIAD Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Also, I'm not sure about the "ADAM as an expansion". I *think* the video in that situation still comes from the ColecoVision, but can someone please confirm that? The Expansion Module #3 ADAM Memory Console does not supply it's own video output, the video output is supplied by the ColecoVision. So if you use the Exp. Mod. #3 ADAM with ANY video modded ColecoVision (Composite, Component, SVideo or F18A), you will be able to use the enhanced video output supplied by the Video Mod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIAD Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 BTW, great job on the F18A, ADAM Adaptor board and the beautiful modification. It's got me considering one now. Also, the addition of the RCA Audio Output jack (green connector) is a great idea as it will save people from having to purchase a 5 or 7-Pin DIN Monitor Cable that would plug into the "Aux Video" connector for audio output. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 The video output looks gorgeous, I've got it plugged into a 20" flat panel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew180 Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 BTW, great job on the F18A, ADAM Adaptor board and the beautiful modification. It's got me considering one now. Thanks. I almost made a 1-time custom wire-wrap board for Tempest's ADAM (which is the one I modded), but I decided that anyone wanting to use the F18A in an ADAM would need such an adapter so I went ahead and designed a board. Since it looks like you are in Chicago land, and I know Tempest is going to the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest (http://vcfmw.org/) this year, you might coax him into bringing his ADAM if you want to see the F18A running in a machine. I'd really like to go this year, but I'm not sure if I can make it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rey Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Well I just got one of these so I expect to do this mod soon. Never done something like this but parkfun and Matthew have been VERY helpful. I'll definitely take my time doing this to get it right the first time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phattyboombatty Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 (edited) Wow, awesome! I have been wanting one for a while, but last I heard Matthew was out of stock. I never received a reply after inquiring on his website, and figured he'd taken a hiatus. EDIT: I see he is online now, so I'll shoot a PM! Edited May 16, 2014 by phattyboombatty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rey Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 Wow, awesome! I have been wanting one for a while, but last I heard Matthew was out of stock. I never received a reply after inquiring on his website, and figured he'd taken a hiatus. EDIT: I see he is online now, so I'll shoot a PM! He has them in stock again :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew180 Posted May 16, 2014 Author Share Posted May 16, 2014 @phattyboombatty, My apologizes, I tried to keep a list and send a notice to anyone who had contacted me via my website. Anyone else looking for an F18A, they are in stock. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phattyboombatty Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 @phattyboombatty, My apologizes, I tried to keep a list and send a notice to anyone who had contacted me via my website. Anyone else looking for an F18A, they are in stock. No problem Matt! Just cruised over to your Store and placed an order. Great stuff! P.S. Does anyone know of a simple solution for converting VGA to DVI or other form of digital-out? I have VGA-in on a couple of my older flat-panel displays, but my newest (and biggest) Samsung has limited analog capability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rey Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 (edited) Vga to Dvi adapter should do it. Edited May 16, 2014 by rey_1178 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew180 Posted May 17, 2014 Author Share Posted May 17, 2014 VGA to DVI yes, because the DVI connector carries the analog VGA signals. VGA to HDMI, no. HDMI is a completely digital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+grips03 Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 make sure it does DVI-A and not just DVI-D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rey Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 (edited) The F18A just got here. Pushed it into the new socket and plugged everything in. All I can say is WOW! So crisp, so clear! I'll post pics later but if you've been thinking about this, just do it. So worth it! Edited May 19, 2014 by rey_1178 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rey Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 As I mentioned yesterday, this thing is awesome! Everything looks so beautiful including the colors. Matthew did an incredible job here and he's great to deal with. I did not do an audio mod because I'm still using the 5 pin din port for that. I will be making my own 5 pin din cable which will be of way better quality than the one I have here now. Here are the pics I promised....... I truly appreciate all the help I received from Matt and Parkfun throughout this process. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerhm Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Greetings all. I may have missed it, but what is Matthew's website URL? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ten-four Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 http://codehackcreate.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rey Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 (edited) Greetings all. I may have missed it, but what is Matthew's website URL? Thanks http://codehackcreate.com/store#!/F18A-V1-5-Video-Board/p/14022176/category=0 and make sure to select ADAM Computer, adapter board under the system and pin style options. Edited October 15, 2014 by rey_1178 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phattyboombatty Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 I wanted to share my experience with the best ColecoVision mod out there: Matthew Hagerty's F18A mod! The F18A simply replaces the stock video display processor that shipped with the ColecoVision with a much better solution! You get: A single point-of-replacement solution for high-definition video output One low-cost DIY solution ($78 last I checked) Crystal clear video out put with a VGA connector out Your choice of audio out (1/8" phono jack, RCA, etc.) NO FLICKER on ANY game (old or new) that plays on a stock or SGM ColecoVision HDMI output with the Sewell Hammerhead VGA to HDMI adapter The end result for me has been my HDMI ColecoVision! You can see some of the action in my DK Arcade Edition that I've been working on here. Gameplay was recorded using my SGM ColecoVision with HDMI output. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixelboy Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 NO FLICKER on ANY game (old or new) that plays on a stock or SGM ColecoVision So there's no flicker at all in Roc 'n Rope? That's something I'd like to see, and I won't believe it until I see it in an actual video of the game running on your system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+5-11under Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 HDMI output with the Sewell Hammerhead VGA to HDMI adapter The end result for me has been my HDMI ColecoVision! You can see some of the action in my DK Arcade Edition that I've been working on here. Gameplay was recorded using my SGM ColecoVision with HDMI output. Did you force your TV to 4:3 format, or did the HDMI adapter take care of that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.