• FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit
  • FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit
  • FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit
  • FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit
  • FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit
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innoelement

FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit

FPGA-based Gigatron TTL kit

$22.00 USD
$22.00 USD
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

What is it?

This compact Apple II floppy disk emulator lets an Apple II, Apple II Plus, or Apple IIe load disk images from an SD card instead of relying on aging 5.25-inch floppy disks. It includes the STM32F411 BlackPill controller board and SD card interface needed for the emulator itself.

What's in the box?

Package includes: 1x Apple II floppy disk emulator board assembly, 1x installed STM32F411 / BlackPill controller board, 1x OLED display and four-button interface, 1x prepared SD card / microSD card, and 1x ribbon cable for the Apple II floppy interface. Apple II computer, Disk II controller/interface card, and copyrighted disk images are not included.

Installation

Connect the emulator to the Apple II floppy interface using the included ribbon cable, insert the prepared SD card, then power on and use the OLED screen and four buttons to choose a disk image. Basic Apple II hardware knowledge is recommended.

Warranty

Hardware is tested before shipping whenever stock is available. The product includes a 1-year non-transferable warranty covering manufacturing defects. If compatibility or setup issues occur, contact support before requesting a return.

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Technical details

Description, documents, and source code.

This kit delivers a refined FPGA implementation of the Gigatron TTL microcomputer, originally built from discrete 7400-series TTL chips and ported to the Tang Nano 9K FPGA board

gigatron.io

hackaday…

This kit delivers a refined FPGA implementation of the Gigatron TTL microcomputer, originally built from discrete 7400-series TTL chips and ported to the Tang Nano 9K FPGA board

gigatron.io

hackaday.io

. It includes a custom adapter board that handles video and audio D/A conversion using discrete resistors and capacitors for an authentic retro experience

hackaday.io

. The VGA output now leverages an improved level-shifting scheme to eliminate the unstable signals observed with the original auto level converter

hackaday.io

. The XC9572XL CPLD originally used for voltage-level translation has been replaced with readily available components following its discontinuation. All resistor and capacitor networks have been reorganized into a cohesive SMD-only assembly for simplified soldering and lower cost. The result is a complete, low-cost, drop-in kit that preserves every Gigatron feature while providing a smoother build and stable performance for lightweight FPGA learning.

What is it?

A ready-to-solder FPGA-based replica of the Gigatron TTL microcomputer.

Includes FPGA bitstream for the Tang Nano 9K board, adapter PCB, all discrete components, and connectors.

Compatible with standard VGA monitors (160×120 @ ~60 Hz) and NES-style game controllers

Why did you make it?

To overcome the original design’s VGA instability caused by its auto-conversion logic, avoid sourcing the discontinued XC9572XL CPLD, and simplify assembly by moving to an all-SMD RC network.

What makes it special?

Stable VGA output with robust level shifting

Uses easily sourced, modern components in place of discontinued CPLDs

Clean, all-SMD passive network for quick assembly and low cost

Fully retains the vintage Gigatron instruction set, video, and audio capabilities

Videos

Original product page: https://www.tindie.com/products/johnson/fpga-based-gigatron-ttl-kit/

Documentation