When I was at the cottage, reading the book "Arduino Cook Book", on Section 11.11, it show a program using TellyMate. So I was thinking... In the late 1970's and early 1980's, a system like "Pong" , VIC-20, Sinclair ZX-80 use a TV Modulator ( TTL signal converted to TV ) usaly CH 3 or CH 4 to display the data to a TV.
So my question is :
What programs and libraries to use a TV modulator ( I have a few old one at my place ), to hack it, to hock-up and to use it.
I am sure a few members will be interrest to do this kind of project...
That design is using the Video In, but in some older TV ( that what I have ) did not have it, so I need a Video & Audio Converter to TV ( Ch 3 or Ch 4 ). Using a VCR and and old TV ( RCA <-- VCR Coax out <-- to TV ) will work. It look a good idea. Need to be investigated.
OK, what about to use a TV Modulator Box ? You know what I am talking about right... I have those TV modulator and can buy them at surplus store ( Active Surplus in Toronto ), I may need datasheets of the modulator, the format of the signals and how to send signals to the modulator and created a display.
A TV modulator is what converts the composite video signal (and sound signal, if you have one) into a channel 3 (or 4) antenna signal. The input signals are very standard composite video and RCA audio. You should have no problem scoring a thrift store or yard sale item that will work perfectly.
You are right... It simply "combine" Audio and Video. I just download a schematic of a VIC-20, and it has "Audio" , "Video" , gnd and power. I have a modulator here, it seem that is the case. 4 lead type. "Audio, Video, gnd and power" So if the Vic-20 has a special Audio/video chip ( data 8 bit into that chip ) therefore same function to the TellyMate shield, than I will need one..I will check nootropic model, ( it got a build-in Atmega program to display ) and connect those TV Modulator ( It should be a few at Active Surplus ).
Anyway, to make your own is well beyond my programing skills at this time. I may try the audio ( PWM ), but the video ... a "bit" hard. The TellyMate site explain how to do it. Sound like interesting and fun...
So to answer my question : Need to generated in software a audio section and a video section, develope your own or use a shield.