VCF East Computer Classroom

VCF EAST MENU  – Schedule

Classes at VCF East 2026

   1. Learn to Program in BASIC on a Wildbits Computer

   2. Learn to Solder

1. Learn to Program in BASIC on a Wildbits Computer

Location 3 on the Campus Map

 

FRIDAY – April 17, 2026

Computer Class – Location 3 on the Campus Map

8:00 am.  Space is limited!  You must sign up for each session in the Lobby – Location 1 on the Campus Map
TIME TOPIC
9:00 am – 10:50 am Intro to the Wildbits K2/Jr2 & SuperBASIC with character graphics

  • Hardware and Platform overview
  • Screen Editor Navigation / loading and saving programs
  • SuperBASIC introduction and char graphics concepts
  • Lab: 3 programs to type in (or load), modify, and experiment with
  • Play time: Pitfall (joystick based classic game)
11:00 am – 12:50 pm SuperBASIC Sprite & Bitmap graphics including inline 6502 Assembly

  • Graphics system overview
  • Lab: make your own Sprite using the *spredit* tool
  • Lab: write a program to move your sprite with joystick control
  • Play time: H.E.R.O. (joystick based reimagining of a classic game)
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Break
1:30 pm – 3:20 pm Intro to Wildbits Sound including the PSG, SID, Wavetable DREAM, & MIDI

  • Capability overview from a Sound perspective
  • PSG (within the reach of SuperBASIC) build-ins and square waves
  • SID – memory mapped just like on the Commodore
  • SAM2695 DREAM IC – Wavetable General MIDI
  • Commodore Christmas Music, High Voltage SID player, Tracker(s)
  • Lab: SIDlab (craft and play with your own SID patch on the Gideon SID)
  • Play time: Lode Runner (joystick based classic game)
3:30 pm – 5:20 pm Advanced SuperBASIC, assembly language, and C development

  • Memory Map overview and using the MMU (Memory Management Unit)
  • Inline 6502 Assembly Language versus 64tass off-host (how different?)
  • Bare metal 6502
  • Procedural SuperBASIC using XLOAD
  • Porting code from other 6502 systems
  • Off-host C Language discussion

SATURDAY – April 18, 2026

Computer Class – Location 3 on the Campus Map

08:00 am.  Space is limited!  You must sign up for each session in the Lobby – Location 1 on the Campus Map
TIME TOPIC
9:00 am – 10:50 am Intro to the Wildbits K2/Jr2 & SuperBASIC with character graphics

  • Hardware and Platform overview
  • Screen Editor Navigation / loading and saving programs
  • SuperBASIC introduction and char graphics concepts
  • Lab: 3 programs to type in (or load), modify, and experiment with
  • Play time: Pitfall (joystick based classic game)
11:00 am – 12:50 pm SuperBASIC Sprite & Bitmap graphics including inline 6502 Assembly

  • Graphics system overview
  • Lab: make your own Sprite using the *spredit* tool
  • Lab: write a program to move your sprite with joystick control
  • Play time: H.E.R.O. (joystick based reimagining of a classic game)
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Break
1:30 pm – 3:20 pm Intro to Wildbits Sound including the PSG, SID, Wavetable DREAM, & MIDI

  • Capability overview from a Sound perspective
  • PSG (within the reach of SuperBASIC) build-ins and square waves
  • SID – memory mapped just like on the Commodore
  • SAM2695 DREAM IC – Wavetable General MIDI
  • Commodore Christmas Music, High Voltage SID player, Tracker(s)
  • Lab: SIDlab (craft and play with your own SID patch on the Gideon SID)
  • Play time: Lode Runner (joystick based classic game)
3:30 pm – 5:20 pm Advanced SuperBASIC, assembly language, and C development

  • Memory Map overview and using the MMU (Memory Management Unit)
  • Inline 6502 Assembly Language versus 64tass off-host (how different?)
  • Bare metal 6502
  • Procedural SuperBASIC using XLOAD
  • Porting code from other 6502 systems
  • Off-host C Language discussion

SUNDAY – April 19, 2026

Computer Class – Location 3 on the Campus Map

08:00 am.  Space is limited!  You must sign up for each session in the Lobby – Location 1 on the Campus Map
TIME TOPIC
9:00 am – 2:00 pm Ad-hoc topics, based on interest.

Intro to the Wildbits K2/Jr2 from a NitrOS-9 perspective

Deep dive into 6502 code and other platform features

  • MIDI code (game sound effects using the DREAM IC)
  • Using redefined characters for a hi-res player object
  • Deconstructing the 1982 Commodore Christmas data format
  • (how did they do that at such an early date?)
  • FPGA blocks exposed to the memory map
  • math coprocessor
  • line draw acceleration
  • embedded CPUs

2. Learn to Solder

Location 2D on the Campus Map

This class is Free!   No signup needed. Each session takes about 1/2 hour.  All materials and tools are provided.

Repairing Vintage Electronics requires care in the removal of the damaged/non-working parts and replacing them without damaging the circuit boards.

In this session, the members of the Computer Deconstruction Laboratory Makerspace at InfoAge will teach how to:

A) Identify possible bad components.

B) Safely unsolder the bad component.

C) Clean the area around the part that was removed.

D) Safely solder the replacement part in place.

We will use scrap circuit boards so that any mistakes will not affect useful items.

Soldering is a process used to join metals together by melting a metal alloy called solder. Traditionally, solder was composed of tin and lead. When a soldering iron is heated above 600 degrees Fahrenheit, it melts the solder as it is applied to the metals being joined. Once the iron is removed, the joint cools and solidifies, forming a strong electrical bond. Modern solders have eliminated lead from their composition and require higher melting temperatures, but the fundamental process remains the same. Soldering is essential in the construction and repair of electronic devices, and proper technique is critical to avoid damaging the sensitive components involved.

Last Updated:  March 23, 2026.