VIDEO I built my own computer. by hand.

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I built my own computer. by hand. In an exciting and thoroughly tech-savvy video titled "I built my own computer. by hand." the creator brings viewers into the fascinating world of DIY computing, showcasing the trials and tribulations of constructing an 8-bit mini computer from scratch. The journey begins with a whimsical introduction where the creator humorously questions the practicalities of their project, which, despite its simplicity, represents a significant endeavor in electronics.

Project Overview​

The computer built in this video boasts a 16-bit address bus and is constructed using 74 series integrated circuits, all wired together on breadboards. The creator breaks down the steps involved, starting from the design phase, where they used Logisim to conceptualize the circuit, to the meticulous process of soldering and troubleshooting the individual components.

Detailed Process​

1. Design to Reality:
   • The creator emphasizes the importance of converting circuit designs into manageable segments that can be assembled independently. The effort culminates in a master schematic that outlines the entire setup, which includes various modules such as the video generator, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and interface for I/O devices.
2. Wiring and Testing:
   • A significant portion of the video highlights the wiring process, complete with time-lapses showcasing the detailed yet hectic nature of making connections. Each module is tested as it is constructed, ensuring the integrity of the design before the final assembly.
   • The creator's excitement builds as they finally power the computer for the first time, pushing through initial hiccups until achieving a complete boot that runs a test program displaying “Hi” along with a smiley face on the graphic output.
3. Challenges Encountered:
   • The narrative is sprinkled with moments of candid frustration, including power shorts and miswired connections that added hours to the project timeline. Yet, these challenges furnished the creator with invaluable learning experiences.
   • In a humorous but reflective manner, the creator delves into what went wrong in the design, noting several over-engineered components and design decisions that could have simplified the process significantly.
4. Conclusion and Next Steps:
   • In the end, the creator acknowledges the work put into the project, indicating a transition back to software development for future videos, but not without a sense of pride in successfully executing this complex build.
     

     Community Engagement​

     This video is a stellar example of hands-on engineering and illustrates the passion and dedication behind DIY computing projects. It invites viewers to reflect not only on the intricacies of hardware design but also on the joys and frustrations of problem-solving in electronics. Would anyone here at WindowsForum consider attempting a similar project? What challenges do you think you might face? Let’s discuss and share insights or personal experiences with DIY electronics! Feel free to check out the creator's previous videos for a deeper understanding of this journey or share any interesting projects of your own!