Computer Kits

[matthewlittle2006]

I've recently gotten interested in electronics and I recalled something from one of my classes at school about kits like the Altair 8800 and the Sinclair ZX81, and i was wondering if there was anything a bit more modern with a similar idea out there that any of you know of.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Nowadays most folks play with microcontrollers instead of old iron.

 

[matthewlittle2006]

I guess that would be the more modern approach. Time to pull out those old assembly books...

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Not much different than programming the old Altairs, much better programming tools are available now.

 

[3v0]

It may be a kick to try it once but you would not want to use the old tools.

The first min I used was a data general nova. You had to toggle the boot loader in using the switches on the front panel. The boot loader loaded a paper tape loader. That loader loaded your program. We had a mag tape unit that we had adapted to work with it but you still had to start with the switches.

When I got my H11 (LSI-11) it had a boot rom. A vast improvement.