Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Let’s upgrade a vintage Apple IIe from 1983 to output a crisp RGB signal to a modern VGA monitor in 2024 instead of relying on composite video. In this video, I install and test the A2 VidGA card from JCM-1.com, based on the AppleII-VGA project by Mark Aiken, and show how it transforms classic Apple II graphics into a clean and stable VGA output.
If you have ever struggled with Apple II composite video compatibility, modern displays not syncing properly, or just want a sharper image, this is one of the best upgrades you can make to your Apple IIe, Apple II Plus, or Apple ][ system.
The A2 VidGA from JCM-1.com is a powerful VGA output solution that also works with the Apple IIGS in non Super Hi Res modes. Instead of using composite video, it taps into the system and recreates a clean RGB signal using modern hardware.
Under the hood, the AppleII-VGA project works by snooping the 6502 bus and creating a shadow copy of the video memory using a Raspberry Pi Pico, then processing that data to generate a precise VGA signal. The result is a clean output while preserving the original Apple II look and behavior.
Here are some of the features currently supported in the A2 VidGA card / AppleII-VGA firmware:
- Generates a 640x480@60 VGA signal with 3 bits per color channel using resistor DACs
- Text mode (monochrome)
- Lo-res mode with no color fringing between the chunky pixels
- Hi-res mode with simulated NTSC artifact color
- Mixed lo-res and hi-res modes with monochrome text and no color fringing
- Apple IIe video modes: 80-column text, double-lores, & double-hires
- Soft-monochrome mode to force display as if on a monochrome monitor
- Some Video-7 RGB card extended graphical modes are implemented
- Compatibility with Videx VideoTerm modes on Apple II+ (Plus)
If you are into retro computing, Apple II upgrades, or restoring vintage hardware, this is a must see upgrade that brings your system into the modern era while keeping its original charm.
Find out more information by visiting Mark Aiken's AppleII-VGA Github Page:
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA
DISCLAIMER: Please do not take this video as a tutorial / advice. I'm not an expert, this is just my hobby :)
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Timestamps:
0:00 Apple IIe VGA upgrade A2 VidGA RGB output
0:54 A2 VidGA card overview by JCM-1.com
1:53 Apple II VGA output setup and how it works
2:20 Installing A2 VidGA in Apple IIe slot 3
3:00 Connecting NEC 14 inch VGA monitor to A2 VidGA
3:15 Choplifter gameplay Apple II Dan Gorlin Broderbund
3:41 Hard Hat Mack gameplay Electronic Arts Apple II
4:30 Apple II VGA configuration utility disk v1.3.0
4:42 Loading AppleIIVGA Config.dsk Floppy Emu BMOW
5:22 A2 VidGA on Apple II Plus firmware update
6:25 Crossfire gameplay Apple II On Line Systems
6:30 Where to buy A2 VidGA for Apple II and Apple IIe
6:43 Apple II Forever!!!
Channel Links
Vintage Apple IIe Computer From My Childhood (1983):
youtube.com/watch?v=3OqMiaZ87Jk
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Video Links
A2 VidGA – Apple II VGA Adapter from Joe's Computer Musemum:
jcm-1.com/product/a2-vidga-apple-ii-vga-adapter
Mark Aiken's AppleII-VGA Github Page:
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA
Vince Briel's Retrotink / Apple-II-VGA Github Page:
github.com/Retrotink/Apple-II-VGA
BMOW Big Mess O' Wires Floppy Emu:
bigmessowires.com/floppy-emu
AppleII-VGA Firmware and Configuration Files
Apple //e and Apple ][ Firmware (version 1.5.0 - December 5, 2025):
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA/releases/tag/v1.5.0
Configuration Disk (v1.5.0 - December 5, 2025):
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA/releases/tag/v1.5.0
Appril2 April Apples
This video is part of the #Appril2 #AprilApples event.
#AprilApples Event Logo concept and design by Justin D. Morgan | YouTube: youtube.com/@jdmcs
Appril2 Playlist: youtube.com/hashtag/appril2
Explore more retro tech, vintage computing, gaming, and nostalgia content at:
geekwithsocialskills.com
#AppleIIe #AppleII #RetroComputing #RetroTech #A2VidGA #VGAOutput #6502 #RaspberryPiPico #AppleIIVGA
Let’s upgrade a vintage Apple IIe from 1983 to output a crisp RGB signal to a modern VGA monitor in 2024 instead of relying on composite video. In this video, I install and test the A2 VidGA card from JCM-1.com, based on the AppleII-VGA project by Mark Aiken, and show how it transforms classic Apple II graphics into a clean and stable VGA output.
If you have ever struggled with Apple II composite video compatibility, modern displays not syncing properly, or just want a sharper image, this is one of the best upgrades you can make to your Apple IIe, Apple II Plus, or Apple ][ system.
The A2 VidGA from JCM-1.com is a powerful VGA output solution that also works with the Apple IIGS in non Super Hi Res modes. Instead of using composite video, it taps into the system and recreates a clean RGB signal using modern hardware.
Under the hood, the AppleII-VGA project works by snooping the 6502 bus and creating a shadow copy of the video memory using a Raspberry Pi Pico, then processing that data to generate a precise VGA signal. The result is a clean output while preserving the original Apple II look and behavior.
Here are some of the features currently supported in the A2 VidGA card / AppleII-VGA firmware:
- Generates a 640x480@60 VGA signal with 3 bits per color channel using resistor DACs
- Text mode (monochrome)
- Lo-res mode with no color fringing between the chunky pixels
- Hi-res mode with simulated NTSC artifact color
- Mixed lo-res and hi-res modes with monochrome text and no color fringing
- Apple IIe video modes: 80-column text, double-lores, & double-hires
- Soft-monochrome mode to force display as if on a monochrome monitor
- Some Video-7 RGB card extended graphical modes are implemented
- Compatibility with Videx VideoTerm modes on Apple II+ (Plus)
If you are into retro computing, Apple II upgrades, or restoring vintage hardware, this is a must see upgrade that brings your system into the modern era while keeping its original charm.
Find out more information by visiting Mark Aiken's AppleII-VGA Github Page:
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA
DISCLAIMER: Please do not take this video as a tutorial / advice. I'm not an expert, this is just my hobby :)
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Timestamps:
0:00 Apple IIe VGA upgrade A2 VidGA RGB output
0:54 A2 VidGA card overview by JCM-1.com
1:53 Apple II VGA output setup and how it works
2:20 Installing A2 VidGA in Apple IIe slot 3
3:00 Connecting NEC 14 inch VGA monitor to A2 VidGA
3:15 Choplifter gameplay Apple II Dan Gorlin Broderbund
3:41 Hard Hat Mack gameplay Electronic Arts Apple II
4:30 Apple II VGA configuration utility disk v1.3.0
4:42 Loading AppleIIVGA Config.dsk Floppy Emu BMOW
5:22 A2 VidGA on Apple II Plus firmware update
6:25 Crossfire gameplay Apple II On Line Systems
6:30 Where to buy A2 VidGA for Apple II and Apple IIe
6:43 Apple II Forever!!!
Channel Links
Vintage Apple IIe Computer From My Childhood (1983):
youtube.com/watch?v=3OqMiaZ87Jk
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Video Links
A2 VidGA – Apple II VGA Adapter from Joe's Computer Musemum:
jcm-1.com/product/a2-vidga-apple-ii-vga-adapter
Mark Aiken's AppleII-VGA Github Page:
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA
Vince Briel's Retrotink / Apple-II-VGA Github Page:
github.com/Retrotink/Apple-II-VGA
BMOW Big Mess O' Wires Floppy Emu:
bigmessowires.com/floppy-emu
AppleII-VGA Firmware and Configuration Files
Apple //e and Apple ][ Firmware (version 1.5.0 - December 5, 2025):
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA/releases/tag/v1.5.0
Configuration Disk (v1.5.0 - December 5, 2025):
github.com/markadev/AppleII-VGA/releases/tag/v1.5.0
Appril2 April Apples
This video is part of the #Appril2 #AprilApples event.
#AprilApples Event Logo concept and design by Justin D. Morgan | YouTube: youtube.com/@jdmcs
Appril2 Playlist: youtube.com/hashtag/appril2
Explore more retro tech, vintage computing, gaming, and nostalgia content at:
geekwithsocialskills.com
#AppleIIe #AppleII #RetroComputing #RetroTech #A2VidGA #VGAOutput #6502 #RaspberryPiPico #AppleIIVGA
