I've pretty much completed the core library code for the VGA out and PS/2 Keyboard input handling on the Pi Pico, to be used as an A/V support chip on my JJ65C02 system and figured it was time for an update and even a video.

The Pico outputs basic VGA at 640x480 with 16 colors. The entire frame is bit-mapped which allows for exacting graphics. The 16-color (4-bit) color palette is based on standard RGB with an extra Intensity bit, all of which are translated to the 0-0.7V VGA levels via a standard resistor ladder (I found that 470ohms for the RGB signals and 1kohms for the Intensity signal seems to work best).

The VGA library supports Hunter-Adams graphics library with some additions, such as multiple fonts, scrolling, and a simple "text mode". The overall goal is to support a useful subset of Xterm/VT100 escape codes in addition to graphics primitives.

I also use the Pico for PS/2 keyboard input handling, and the conversion of the scancodes to ASCII values (upper case, lower case, and control codes).

Now that the basics are in place, I'll be ordering PCBs and interfacing the Pico with the 6502 board itself. Keyboard input will be transferred from the Pico to a VIA chip (with IRQ handling) and ASCII will be sent to the Pico via a different VIA port with a simple DATA_READY signal pin. With the single GPIO pin left over on the Pico, I've connected that to a simple audio amp circuit, so that I can eventually add audio waveform creation to the Pico as well.

I'm avoiding the temptation to add a LOT of functionality to the Pico; it is, after all, a support chip, not the core of the system.

You can see some of the basics running in the below video demo.