Relay Trainer

This computer would be a perfect project for every first year computer science student to really understand how a computer works. Joe did an amazing job in designing and documenting this basic but very functional computer. It is fun to build and program it.

If you ever wanted to have or play with a relay based computer this is a good kit. It includes the computer PCB, programmed PIC chips (electronic components can be sourced via Digikey or Mouser), a single pass assembler, dis-assembler, and debugger. Input and output can be handled through the hex keypad and LED's, 4-bit relay I/O, in addition to TTL serial. It has a decent set of instructions and not hard to learn assembly with all of the built in tools. Its generally not a hard build, but I wouldn't recommend it for your first kit. The only real thing to watch for is some VIA's are close a couple of the components through-hole locations. Have patience double components polarity and verify solder joints, and you'll be fine. Overall a cool computer, and well worth the time to build and learn on... and its RELAY's need i say more :-)

Great project if you ever wanted to build a relay computer but you don't own a couple of spools of hook-up wire. The use of a micro controller to emulate the memory is a great compromise especially if you want to keep your budget reasonable and feels like the merest of cheats. Very entertaining to run programs and hear them execute!