# V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8) Give your RC2014 the cool graphics of the 80s. Based on the V99x8 VDP, used in the MSX2 computers. Output via 15-PIN DSUB/VGA connector. - **Seller:** [Dino Boards](https://lectronz.com/stores/dino-boards), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - **Price:** $21.75 (USD, before shipping and taxes) - **Availability:** Sold out - **Categories:** Retrocomputing - **HS code:** 85429000 - **Product page:** https://lectronz.com/products/v99x8-msx-rgb-video-module-for-rc2014 ## Options **VDP Selection** - Including Tested V9958 VDP [Add $100.50] (0 left) - Including Tested V9938 VDP [Add $36.25] (0 left) - Without a VDP **RAM Chips** - Include Tested 4 x 41464 DRAM chips [Add $10.00] (1 left) - Do not include DRAM ## Links - [Documentation](https://www.dinoboards.com.au/video-v9958) - [Code](https://github.com/dinoboards/yellow-msx-series-for-rc2014/blob/main/video/README-RGB.md) - [Design Files](https://hackaday.io/project/175574-msx-compatible-boards-for-rc2014) ## Images ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODEsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--503caad26fcffc06d08d8dfce5b587f02d08b306/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A01-3A44.895Z-rgb-v3.8-base-kit-parts.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e1de5cbff807520afe3856c59d46c2f0ef684e10/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A01-3A44.895Z-rgb-v3.8-parts-packaged.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODMsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--3394a75888f7f7c2507fbc7cca370075b6f7b376/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2023-09-30T03-3A20-3A08.924Z-VIDEO-GAME-DEMO.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--8e0735708983e97a27a668564c03ab8cf13c3649/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A04-3A34.883Z-rgb-v3.8-profile.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODUsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--0fd22338d4c5083a84820c21ad064ff0cbd61301/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2023-09-30T03-3A22-3A03.608Z-V9958.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--be1decbdb9e5c9a3dba58f39c75a62b4e2d9ed62/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2023-09-30T03-3A22-3A03.608Z-V9938.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODcsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--dded7cc04771700341f4363c0abd55648b54c7b3/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2023-09-30T03-3A20-3A08.924Z-VIDEO-INSTALLED.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--303dba685e8a003ffeee79fdaeb5d5f8a66ab9cf/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A03-3A04.781Z-rgb-v3.8-pcb-front.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5ODksInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--4b4d254de20cf0403d6ae65cde0e1b00da9efd61/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A03-3A04.781Z-rgb-v3.8-pcb-back.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5OTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--ff0b5686672915ee6eb0146d31b1218ddd367fe4/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A03-3A49.652Z-rgb-v3.8-v9958-assembled.jpg) ![V99x8 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014 (V3.8)](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTU5OTEsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--966074d5ec1f8fd5b588f87772f9721723337a1f/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2024-07-30T04-3A03-3A49.652Z-rgb-v3.8-v9938-assembled.jpg) ## Description ### What is it? A complete kit to give your RC2014 the advanced graphic capabilities of the early to late 80s. This kit can be configured to use a V9938 or the more advanced V9958 Video Display Processors (VDP) which powered the MSX2/MSX2+ line of 8 bit Z80 computers. This V9958 chip, was produced by Yamaha in the late 80s and was an update to the the V9938 chip, which was itself, a successor to TI's TMS9918. The V9938/V9958 addressed many of the shortcomings of the original TMS9918. The V9938 and V9958 are very similar in capability. See the associated github project for more details of the differences. ### Some of the V99x8 key features include: * Hardware acceleration (line and dot commands, horizontal scrolling registers, and others) * Support for up to 19268 colours (V9958 only) * 13 Screen Modes (12 for the V9938) * Resolutions up to 512 x 212 ### Key features of this board * Compatible with RC2014 (enhanced bus required) * 128K of RAM * RGB 15Khz output via standard 15 pin DSUB/VGA connector for easy connectivity ### Revision 3.8 * Improved CSYNC processing for both V9938 and V9958 configuration. ### Revision 3.4 * Optional 5V output on the RGB connector. ### Revision 3.3 * Support for either a V9958 or a V9938 Video Processor. * Pads for some components are slightly bigger to aid in soldering. * Re-arrangements of some components to reduced output noise from nearby digital signals. ### Video conversion/display options The 15 pin DSUB/VGA connector, makes for a simple and easy solution for any up-converters that accepts a DSUB/VGA input, such as the excellent and low cost arcade based upscalers available on ebay, amazon and other places. (Some VGA monitors may be able to process the output - but most will not, as the output is a lower resolution 15kHz signal.) The [RetroRGB upscalers article](https://www.retrorgb.com/upscalers.html) has a good description for some of the converter options. Items such as retroTink and OSSC are very high quality converters - but also have a decent price tag. I have found the low cost arcade converters such as the GBS-8200 and HD-VC9900 converters produce excellent results. The upscalers can be acquired through the usual ebay, amazon and other sellers at very reasonable prices. The GBS-8200 can also be easily modified to produce more customisable and higher quality output - again RetroRGB has it all explained at [GBS Control](https://www.retrorgb.com/gbs-control-installation-overview.html) ### Video Upscaling Testing status I have tested both V9958 and V9938 versions of the kit with the low cost GBS-8200 and HD-VC9900 upscalers. These have produced solid stable images for the respective VGA and HDMI output. They seem very tolerant of CSYNC voltage signal levels. My recommendation is to use GBS-8200 or the HD-VC9900 upscalers. The quality is fine and I do most of my testing on these converters. Just google their codes and you will find the usual retailers/marketplaces (eg: ebay/amazon/aliexpress) have plenty of purchase options. Other upscalers, such as the OSSC and retroTink may work, but I am unable to verify and confirm. Your milage may very. Adapter cables would need to be constructed. I have **not** tested the unit on a real RGB CRT monitor. ### What is the 'Yellow MSX Series of Boards'? These are a series of boards that I am developing to achieve MSX compatibility for RC2014 systems. The idea is that you can build each board one at a time, test it and play with it under RomWBW - and then once you have the set - load up some MSX/MSX2+ games! The V9958 board is the first in that series. More details can be found on my [hackaday project](https://hackaday.io/project/175574-msx-compatible-boards-for-rc2014) ### Green Stegosaur Alternative boards As an alternative to the Yellow MSX Series, there are new alternative modules; the Green Stegosaur Series. More details on these alternatives and their differences can be view on the main product description website - https://www.dinoboards.com.au/stegosaur ### What's included in this kit The kit can be supplied with individually tested *V99x8* and *4164C* chips. Or you can choose to exclude these chips if you wish to source them yourself. Everything else you need is included (PCB, passive components, crystals, sockets, connectors and other ICs) The ATF16V8 is supplied new and programmed for immediate operation. ### What else do I need to make this work? * You need a working RC2014 system (cpu, RomWBW, Clock, etc - enhanced bus required). * A compatible monitor or upscaler converter ### Construction notes Please note that due to the finer pitch pins of the V99x8, the soldering of this board requires a little more finesse than the typical RC2014 through-hole based boards. If you have built a few boards already, then you should be fine. It's recommended that a finer pitch soldering tip be used as it can be easy to accidentally bridge some of the pins. Extra care needed when inserting the V99x8 into its socket - there are lots of pins, take your time to avoid bending pins. For more notes and any revisions please have a look at the [github page](https://github.com/vipoo/yellow-msx-series-for-rc2014/blob/main/video/README.md) ### Disclaimer Please note that this is a kit, produced by a non-professional (me) for hackers, DIYers' and retro lovers, to tinker with. I will do my best to answer any support questions you may have. The V99x8 and 41464C chips are obsolete and out of manufacture. They may be old-new-stock or pre-used, and as such there is a risk they may not function correctly. Therefore, I fully test each chip, in-circuit, prior to packaging, so you can have good confidence that the chips you receive will perform as required. ## Shipping policy Normally shipped next working day, however during busy periods this may extend slightly. It is your responsibility to pay any import duty or other taxes where appropriate, unless specified below: For EU locations: * Please see Lectronz's Terms and Condititions (https://lectronz.com/pages/terms_and_conditions) * For order 150 EUR or over, it will be your responsibility to pay any import duty or other taxes where appropriate. For USA: A 10% Tariff tax is applied at checkout. Tariffs are prepaid by me prior to shipping. You will not incur any additional tariff charges, upon receipt of your package. For Australia: Registered for GST. Prices are listed exclusive of GST. GST of 10% is applied at checkout.