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Where is a good starting location to learn about VGA, tiles, sprites,etc. — Parallax Forums

Where is a good starting location to learn about VGA, tiles, sprites,etc.

tdg8934tdg8934 Posts: 126
edited 2013-01-11 16:03 in Propeller 1
I recently got a monitor for use with a new PMC256 board from OldBitCollector (Jeff). I'm playing around with the 64 color BASIC language (2.2L) and wanted to learn more about some of the great VGA demo's and games I saw run on them. The SPIN files (assembly too?) are saved as Binnaries (*.BIN) and then can be loaded into the BASIC interpretor. I think I would like to see how all of this stuff works from the ground up so that I can see what's out there and not have to re-invent the wheel so much but if there is something there to create some simple demo's / games that I can display on my monitor. I suppose I would be interested in the NTSC video ones too but would like to focus on VGA at not too much detail but enough to have fun.

Can someone point me to files, documents, etc to explore VGA material?

Thank you,

Tim

Comments

  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2013-01-11 06:32
    @Tim,

    Sadly, there is not much tutorial material for VGA, yet. I'm working on a SLUG tutorial right now.

    You can however start with some of the NTSC video stuff that was published for the Hydra product. Start by building the TV circuit. (IIRC, you purchased the TV addon kit for that PMC256 board.) Then take a look at the Hydra Book. The video differences between the PMC256 and the Hydra are only a matter of pins. Several of us have converted most of the drivers of the Hydra CD to work with this common configuration, I can dig them out for you when you are ready.

    There are also a good collection of resources here: http://propellerpowered.com/forum/index.php?board=2.0

    Edit: the Hydra Book is available for free download from Parallax.com, but the site is currently experiencing Dote.Nuke errors, so I'll update this post with a link unless someone has it and beats me to it.

    Jeff
  • tdg8934tdg8934 Posts: 126
    edited 2013-01-11 07:04
    Thanks Jeff.

    I will start soldering that NTSC board up tomorrow. I have another similar audio/video sheild board that I used for my Propeller Platform USB (now obsolete) from Gangster Gadget. After spending a few years on the Parallax SX in SX/B (love BASIC) language, When the Hydra first came out I thought I would look at the Hydra as my first propeller board. The book was very overwhelming coming from a BASIC background. I eventually sold the Hydra on Ebay. However, I think I will take a second look the manual now and would like to focus more on VGA projects as I only have a 7" mini digital tv with audio/video adapter jack. Problem is audio wont play unless there is a video signal present. Anyway... Thanks for the heads up about what's happening with VGA and the propeller.

    Tim
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,392
    edited 2013-01-11 08:55
    Hey Tim,

    For VGA please see our AppNotes on this page:

    http://www.parallaxsemiconductor.com/appnotes

    Also, I suggest taking a look at some of the very simple examples that were made for the DEFCON 20 badge:

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/141494-Article-Parallax-Propeller-on-DEF-CON-20-Badge-Start-Here! <= first post has code

    Also, feel free to call us if you need to ask any questions over the phone.

    Sincerely,

    Ken Gracey
  • RaymanRayman Posts: 14,666
    edited 2013-01-11 09:05
    I've got a couple VGA games and also some info on how the tiles work here:
    http://www.rayslogic.com/propeller/Programming/Programming.htm
  • max72max72 Posts: 1,155
    edited 2013-01-11 14:52
    Definitely check the now free pdf hydra manual. There is a very detailed description of tiles, Sprites and so on.

    Massimo
  • RaymanRayman Posts: 14,666
    edited 2013-01-11 16:03
    I'll second that... That is probably the best place to start.
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