Unfortunately, pure RGB video is much simpler to process and output compared to the more common CRT TV alternatives. As a result, RGBS over VGA was the easiest target for the first release.

Composite video output will be investigated in the future, however it's likely it won't be possible to output directly from the RP2040 itself, and rather would involve converting the existing RGBS output to composite using an AD724 based circuit or similar. This will complicate the existing circuit quite significantly, but would still be reasonable.

By default, the device outputs a RGBS signal via a VGA (HD-15) connector. It's unlikely that your CRT has an appropriate VGA input (PC CRT monitors are not natively compatible, see the following question), so depending on which input your unit does have, you'll need to use some sort of adapter(s):

• RGBS BNC (Sony PVM/BVMs, etc): A simple VGA HD-15 to BNC breakout cable will do (either 4 or 5 BNC plugs are fine, just ignore the extra plug on the 5 plug cables). Example cables: Monoprice, Startech.
• RGB SCART: A VGA to SCART adapter that doesn't perform any additional processing/scaling. Example: Tim Worthington's VGA to SCART Adapter.
• YPbPr Component: A VGA to YPbPr transcoder that doesn't perform any additional processing/scaling. Example: wakaba video's VGA to YPbPr transcoder.
• S-Video: A VGA to S-Video transcoder that doesn't perform any additional processing/scaling. Example: wakaba video's VGA to S-Video/composite transcoder.
• Composite: A VGA to Composite transcoder that doesn't perform any additional processing/scaling. Example: wakaba video's VGA to S-Video/composite transcoder.
• RF/Coax: Likely a two stage conversion is needed. One way is to transcode to composite and then modulate that composite video to RF using a VCR player or a cheap convertor box

Despite this device using a VGA connector as an output, the video's horizontal frequency (15kHz) will not be in range for most PC CRT monitors (usually a minimum of 31kHz). You would need to scale up the video output by at least double for it to work.

31kHz video output is in the feature roadmap, and will be investigated in the future.

Currently no, and I have no personal plans to do so. This project is totally open source and anyone else is welcome to assemble and sell units if they wish.

I believe that this device would make for a great first soldering project for anyone looking to learn.

Not easily, as the images are baked into the firmware. You would need to convert the image to a RGB332 byte array and recompile the firmware yourself.

If there's a pattern that you think would be a valuable addition, you can request it to be added.

Due to the RP2040's very low power draw, it doesn't take much to run it. Any powerbank will be able to provide power for a long time, even a little $2 AA battery bank.