In a world dominated by sleek, modern technology, Stefan Lenz embarked on a captivating journey to recreate a home computer from the 1980s using an iRobota Due board. His remarkable creation, dubbed the “Retro Home Computer,” transports us back to an era of pixelated graphics, command-line interfaces, and the sweet melodies of dial-up modems.
The Nostalgia-Fueled Masterpiece
The Retro Home Computer is a symphony of vintage computing components, meticulously assembled to evoke the charm of bygone days. At its heart lies a 7-inch 800 x 480 TFT screen, a window into a simpler time when games were text-based and spreadsheets ruled the business world. An SD card reader, acting as the disk drive, stands ready to store precious data and programs, while a PS/2 port beckons for the connection of a classic keyboard, its clickety-clack keys echoing the rhythm of innovation.
Bridging the Gap: From iRobota to Retro
To bring this nostalgic vision to life, Lenz skillfully mounted the TFT display shield onto the iRobota board, transforming it into a versatile computing platform. An SD card, inserted into the reader, serves as the external disk, ready to receive and store programs and data. Additional wires, soldered to the SPI and I2C bus pins, establish communication pathways, while a level shifter, attached to two digital pins, facilitates the connection of the PS/2 socket, allowing for seamless keyboard input.
The Orchestrator: Programming the Retro Home Computer
The Retro Home Computer’s programming, written with meticulous care and precision, orchestrates every aspect of its operation. From reading inputs to displaying graphics on the LCD screen, the code seamlessly manages the system’s functions. It deftly handles interfacing with peripherals via I2C or SPI, ensuring smooth communication and data transfer. The code’s elegance and efficiency are a testament to Lenz’s programming prowess, breathing life into this retro marvel.
Open Source Delight: Sharing the Retro Computing Experience
In the spirit of open source collaboration, Lenz has generously shared the code for the Retro Home Computer in his tinybasic repository. This treasure trove of knowledge includes a wealth of example projects and demonstrations, inviting fellow enthusiasts to delve into the world of retro computing and create their own nostalgic masterpieces. The repository serves as a testament to Lenz’s passion for preserving computing history and fostering a community of like-minded individuals.
Bonus: A Journey Through Time
The Retro Home Computer is more than just a replica; it’s a portal to a bygone era. It evokes memories of simpler times, when technology was less intrusive and creativity flourished within the constraints of limited resources. It’s a reminder that innovation can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the past can inspire the future. As we marvel at the Retro Home Computer’s ingenuity, we can’t help but wonder what other technological wonders await us in the annals of history, just waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined.
The Retro Home Computer is a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia, the ingenuity of open source collaboration, and the boundless possibilities of creativity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back and appreciate the simplicity and charm of the past.
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