I’m proud to anounce the first official release of the overlay64, a video overlay module that superimposes predefined text on an analog video signal depending on the state of up to 24 digital input lines.

The user writes a simple configuration file that determines which texts are to be displayed for which input line states as well as which lines control the display. The configuration file is converted to a binary format and flashed to the eeprom memory of the microcontroller using the supplied commandline utility, supported under Linux, MacOSX and Windows.

The device has been primarily designed for use in a Commodore 64 home computer in order to display the state of control lines for additional hardware such as the MixSID or the Reprom64. Nevertheless it should be suitable for use in any context where textual display of digital state superimposed on an analog video signal is required.

Just like all of my projects, the overlay64 is completely open sourced and extensively documented. The hardware design documentation is licenced under CERN OHL v1.2 and software and firmware are licensed under GNU GPLv3. Gerber files for production are provided on the project page as well.

I am currently waiting for the first batch of pcbs to arrive from the manufacturer. Assembly kits can be preordered for 25€ each. Please see the sections Ordering Assembly Kits or Bestellung von Bausätzen on the project pages for details.

Documentation in both english and german can be found on the project pages.