Single Board Relay Computer

[jhallen]

Hi EEVblog,

I made an anachronistic relay computer: it's like a 1970s KIM-1, but the CPU is all relays.  Here is the project page:

http://relaysbc.sourceforge.net

Here is a video of it:



Thanks for looking!
Joe

[alkmar]

I built one of these, and it was a cool build.  If you have a bit of experance building kits, and want to play with a relay based computer its a no brainer.  He sells the Motherboard and programmed PIC's on Tinde and eBay, you will need to source the other parts from your favorite supplier (aka Mouser, Digikey, etc.)

The CPU is implemented on 83 relays, he uses a micro-controller for the RAM, clock, and to control the keyboard, 7-digit output along with TTL serial.  I think this is a reasonable tradeoff otherwise this thing would be ALOT more relays!   

The system includes an assembler, disassembled, and basic debugging.  From a practical perspective its bit limited as it only 256 memory locations, however from the LEARNING perspective its rich and accessible. 

Be warned it will take some time to build as its about 400 comments and 2500 solder points, but its worth it!