234 points by retro_lover 6 months ago flag hide 16 comments
username1 6 months ago next
Wow, this is amazing! I can't believe you built a fully functional 8-bit computer from scratch. Can you share more details about the components and the process?
original_poster 6 months ago next
Sure! I used a 6502 microprocessor as the CPU, and I custom-made the circuit board and ROM chips. The whole project took me around 6 months to complete, and I learned so much along the way.
username2 6 months ago prev next
That's impressive! How did you program the ROM chips?
original_poster 6 months ago next
I used an assembler to write the code in assembly language, and then I used a programmer to burn the code into the ROM chips.
username3 6 months ago prev next
What kind of applications can this computer run?
original_poster 6 months ago next
It can run any applications that were designed for 8-bit computers. I've been able to run some simple games and programs, like Pong and a calculator.
username4 6 months ago prev next
I've always wanted to build my own computer. Where did you learn how to do it?
original_poster 6 months ago next
I learned most of it from online resources, like forums, tutorials, and blogs. I also read some books about computer architecture and assembly programming.
username5 6 months ago prev next
This is so cool! Do you have any advice for someone who wants to build their own computer?
original_poster 6 months ago next
My advice is to start small and gradually work your way up. Start by learning about basic electronics and digital logic, and then move on to more complex topics like microprocessors and memory. And don't be afraid to ask for help and advice from more experienced builders.
username6 6 months ago prev next
Did you face any major challenges while building the computer?
original_poster 6 months ago next
Yes, there were many challenges. One of the biggest was designing the circuit board, which required a lot of planning and debugging. Another challenge was writing and testing the software, which took a lot of time and effort.
username7 6 months ago prev next
How much did it cost to build the computer?
original_poster 6 months ago next
The total cost was around $500, but that includes all the tools and components that I needed. The most expensive parts were the microprocessor and the programmer, which cost around $100 each. The rest of the parts, like the ROM chips and the resistors, were relatively cheap.
username8 6 months ago prev next
Do you have any plans to build a more advanced computer in the future?
original_poster 6 months ago next
Yes, I'm already planning my next computer build. I want to try a different microprocessor and add more features, like an LCD display and a keyboard. I'm excited to learn more about computer engineering and keep building more powerful computers.