[sdiy] Art of electronics computer

[Tim Daugard]

From: "Dan Snazelle" <subjectivity at hotmail.com>

> Anyone here built this computer OR similar to learn about computers,logic, 
> memory, etc???

I built a full computer using an 1802 processor chip and the RCA manual for 
the chip. I had a one year remote tour of duty in Iceland. I decided I would 
build some of the things I had stacked up. I had the popular electronics 
articles also, but I don't think they were much help.

I used a Radio Shack 44 pin edge connector proto board for the processor 
circuit. Another matching proto board for the memory. I have a third board 
with an old hex + 4 button circuit a built for a previos computer that I 
still have to adapt. The final board was a non-edge connector board for the 
front panel DMA programming, Display and control circuitry.

> I am considering learning about logic , memory, and computers by following 
> along with the labs in the art of electronics student handbook.
> They have full schematics and most parts i know where to get.

Building a computer will definitely improve logic skills. Build a computer 
with a random selection of logic chips picked up in a bag full at a hamfest 
will REALY make you figure out ways to implement logic. (First project in 
Iceland was sorting, identifying and testing maybe a hundred logic ICs. I 
still have about 10 left that I never figured out.

> However, there are some parts which seem hard to find

Figure out what they do and figure out a subsistute logic.

My latest computer exploits entail learning:

http://www.ti.com/tool/msp-exp430g2

$4.30 for the entire programming kit directly from TI. It includes to 14 pin 
DIP Microprocessors. One of the projects for this chip is to create a boot 
loader for the 1802 computer. I'm currently working on a Mouser order so I 
can interface this 3v chip to the 5V logic of the 1802 system.

Tim Daugard
AG4GZ 30.4078N 86.6227W Alt: 12 feet above MSL
http://members.cox.net/synthfred/h_toctop.htm (Fred's online edition)