This project details the creation of a minimalist 64x4 pixel home computer built using readily available components. It features a custom PCB, an ATmega328P microcontroller, a MAX7219 LED matrix display, and a PS/2 keyboard for input. The computer boasts a simple command-line interface and includes several built-in programs like a text editor, calculator, and games. The design prioritizes simplicity and low cost, aiming to be an educational tool for understanding fundamental computer architecture and programming. The project is open-source, providing schematics, code, and detailed build instructions.
This GitHub repository, titled "Minimal 64x4 Home Computer," details a project by user "slu4coder" to create a rudimentary yet functional home computer from scratch using readily available and affordable components. The project focuses on minimizing complexity and cost while still providing a tangible demonstration of fundamental computer architecture principles. The computer features a minuscule 64x4 pixel monochrome OLED display as its primary output, severely limiting graphical capabilities but remaining sufficient for displaying basic text and simple shapes. Processing power is provided by an ATtiny85 microcontroller, a small, low-power chip typically used for embedded systems, indicating the system's limited computational abilities. Data input is facilitated through a 4x4 matrix keypad, allowing for limited user interaction, likely restricted to numerical input and simple commands.
The project's core functionality revolves around a custom-designed operating system and a limited set of built-in programs, all residing within the ATtiny85's constrained memory. The repository includes the source code for these programs, written in assembly language, showcasing the low-level programming required for such a resource-constrained environment. The provided code handles tasks such as displaying text on the OLED screen, managing input from the keypad, and executing basic arithmetic operations. Furthermore, the project documentation meticulously outlines the hardware setup, including circuit diagrams, component lists, and assembly instructions, enabling others to replicate the build process. This comprehensive documentation emphasizes the educational aspect of the project, allowing individuals to gain practical experience with microcontroller programming, hardware interfacing, and fundamental computer architecture concepts. While the resulting computer is not powerful enough for modern computing tasks, it serves as a valuable learning tool and a tangible representation of a computer system built from its most basic elements. The project exemplifies the spirit of minimalist computing, demonstrating that even with limited resources, a functional and educational computing platform can be realized.
Summary of Comments ( 22 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42794232
HN commenters generally expressed admiration for the project's minimalism and ingenuity. Several praised the clear documentation and the creator's dedication to simplicity, with some highlighting the educational value of such a barebones system. A few users discussed the limitations of the 4-line display, suggesting potential improvements or alternative uses like a dedicated clock or notification display. Some comments focused on the technical aspects, including the choice of components and the challenges of working with such limited resources. Others reminisced about early computing experiences and similar projects they had undertaken. There was also discussion of the definition of "minimal," comparing this project to other minimalist computer designs.
The Hacker News post titled "Minimal 64x4 Home Computer" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42794232) has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the project.
A recurring theme is the appreciation for the minimalist approach and the ingenuity of creating a functional computer with such limited resources. Commenters praised the project for its educational value, highlighting how it demystifies computer architecture and provides a tangible example of fundamental computing principles. The simplicity of the design makes it accessible for learning and experimentation.
Several commenters drew parallels to other historical or minimalist computing projects, mentioning similar endeavors and discussing the lineage of such creations. This placed the project within a broader context of minimalist computing and highlighted its connection to earlier innovations.
There was some discussion about the practicality and potential applications of such a limited computer. While acknowledging its limitations, some commenters suggested potential uses for simple control systems or dedicated embedded applications where a full-fledged computer would be overkill.
The choice of display resolution (64x4) also sparked conversation. Commenters discussed the trade-offs involved in choosing such a low resolution and explored the possibilities of maximizing its utility through clever software design. Some suggested potential applications where this limited resolution could be sufficient.
The open-source nature of the project was also commended, with users appreciating the availability of the design files and software, allowing for modification, customization, and further exploration by others. This fostered a sense of community engagement and collaborative development.
Finally, some comments focused on the technical details of the project, inquiring about specific design choices, hardware components, and the programming language used. This technical discussion contributed to a deeper understanding of the project's implementation.