CDP1861 PIXIE graphics chip replacement for COSMAC Elf

[ben]

On 4/22/2016 9:13 PM, Eric Smith wrote:
> On Fri, Apr 22, 2016 at 7:10 PM, drlegendre . <drlegendre at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Is the PIXIE chip a common point of failure in those machines.. many out of
>> service for lack of one..?
>
> The ELF as presented in the original construction article (Popular
> Electronics, August 1976) didn't have any video support. That was
> added with the CDP1861 "PIXIE" graphics chip in part 4 of the series
> (July 1977).  As such, it is an optional feature for both home-made
> ELFs and some of the commercially produced kits and products.
>
> If you want to build an ELF with graphics now, or add graphics to an
> existing ELF, the CDP1861 is really hard to find.
>
I think the OLD 12" B&W TV is harder to find.
Ben.