Running on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W, the new interface adapter adds support for modem emulation, enabling access to vintage BBS networks over Wi-Fi.
Retro computing just got a modern twist. Pseudonymous maker and vintage tech aficionado Rumbledethumps has announced a major upgrade to the Picomputer 6502, a DIY, Commodore 64-style microcomputer based on the classic 6502 architecture. The standout update? Native Wi-Fi connectivity, enabled by the integration of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W and new firmware.
Dubbed the RP6502 Interface Adapter W (RIA W), this drop-in module runs the custom RP6502-RIA-W firmware, delivering not just improved CPU performance and memory capacity, but something more radical for the retro scene: wireless communication. With this, users can now connect their Picomputer 6502 to modern networks — and even revisit old-school bulletin board systems (BBS), echoing the heyday of dial-up modems.
The original Picomputer began life as a breadboard prototype, eventually evolving into a compact single-board design. At its core lies the W65C025, a modern incarnation of the MOS Technology 6502, alongside one Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) acting as an I/O adapter, with an optional second board for graphics. This architecture gave users a taste of 1980s-era computing, with today’s tools.
With the upgrade to the Pico 2 W, the RP6502 Interface Adapter gains integrated Wi-Fi, enabling functions like network time synchronization, modem emulation, and remote BBS access. While no one’s browsing the web on this device, the upgrade delivers a compelling blend of nostalgia and function, giving retro enthusiasts new avenues to explore.
For electronics hobbyists, the RIA W offers a seamless way to modernize a vintage-style project without abandoning its charm. It keeps the look, feel, and interaction model of 1980s microcomputers intact — but brings it online. Enthusiasts can now sync clocks, download files over the air, and emulate classic modem experiences over Wi-Fi.
