3 ms·

I have an 8bit relay cpu with 4k word code memory and 256 register file with banking, this thing clocks at about 20 hz and my main problem is looking (and not f

I have an 8bit relay cpu with 4k word code memory and 256 register file with banking, this thing clocks at about 20 hz and my main problem is looking (and not finding) for interesting stuff what I can code on this thing. Even a simple snake game with 8x8 dot display is painfully slow, tetris will be unplayable. What else? Calculator? A 16bit multiplication runs longer that I can count in my head :/

Aardwolf 3y ago
Sounds interesting, got more info on this cpu? Can one buy it or are schematics available? I wonder if optical or solid state relays can speed it up, at least if normally closed ones exist
- 4gotunameagain 3y ago
  If you go that way (the non clicky way), might as well use transistors :)
- artemonster 3y ago
  The point of using relays was for the sound. Reed relays dont make loud enough clack and going solid state is pointless, you can go directly with transistors then. Regarding more info I am very lazy at doing writups and schematics are all hand drawn, so its highly unlikely I will ever publish anything about it. It has 280 relays, based off two clocks with 4 phases (typical latch design from 80s), 12 bit PC, 8 bit ACC, zero and carry flags, immediate, direct and indirect adressing modes. Loud, noisy and totally useless. Memory interface is emulated via attached MCU
  - gus_massa 3y ago
    Posting about this looks like easy karma. I understand that writing about the projects takes a lot of time, but if you ever have time to do it, my guess is that it will be well received here. (Remember to include a video. The first thing I did in the current post was to play the video the heard the clicks.)
    - deleted 3y ago
      [deleted]
  - Aardwolf 3y ago
    Well, I think the 16-bit multiplication that takes longer than multiplying in your head, at least must sound very satisfying then! So the 4K memory is on a chip, right? (understandable!)
    - artemonster 3y ago
      Yes, there are two memory IF, one for program (12 addr, 16 data) and one for data (8 bit addr, 8 data) and this is directly attached to an IO board where MCU emulates both rom/ram chips. Additionally, MCU interprets the code and checks for expected signals. The added bonus is that you can easily add memory mapped io, i.e dot matrix display and mcu intercepts reads/writes to certain adresses and makes an action (ie toggle led, halt, or switch page)
4gotunameagain 3y ago
Bitcoin mining ? Just kidding. Maybe Game of Life ? Minimal arithmetic
jacquesm 3y ago
Oh neat! How is the memory made, is that using relays as well? You could make an awesome sorting demonstrator with it where the data items themselves move around in the memory.
- artemonster 3y ago
  No. Replied to your question in a sibling comment :)
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]

Aardwolf 3y ago

Sounds interesting, got more info on this cpu? Can one buy it or are schematics available? I wonder if optical or solid state relays can speed it up, at least if normally closed ones exist

4gotunameagain 3y ago
If you go that way (the non clicky way), might as well use transistors :)
artemonster 3y ago
The point of using relays was for the sound. Reed relays dont make loud enough clack and going solid state is pointless, you can go directly with transistors then. Regarding more info I am very lazy at doing writups and schematics are all hand drawn, so its highly unlikely I will ever publish anything about it. It has 280 relays, based off two clocks with 4 phases (typical latch design from 80s), 12 bit PC, 8 bit ACC, zero and carry flags, immediate, direct and indirect adressing modes. Loud, noisy and totally useless. Memory interface is emulated via attached MCU
- gus_massa 3y ago
  Posting about this looks like easy karma. I understand that writing about the projects takes a lot of time, but if you ever have time to do it, my guess is that it will be well received here. (Remember to include a video. The first thing I did in the current post was to play the video the heard the clicks.)
  - deleted 3y ago
    [deleted]
- Aardwolf 3y ago
  Well, I think the 16-bit multiplication that takes longer than multiplying in your head, at least must sound very satisfying then! So the 4K memory is on a chip, right? (understandable!)
  - artemonster 3y ago
    Yes, there are two memory IF, one for program (12 addr, 16 data) and one for data (8 bit addr, 8 data) and this is directly attached to an IO board where MCU emulates both rom/ram chips. Additionally, MCU interprets the code and checks for expected signals. The added bonus is that you can easily add memory mapped io, i.e dot matrix display and mcu intercepts reads/writes to certain adresses and makes an action (ie toggle led, halt, or switch page)

4gotunameagain 3y ago

Bitcoin mining ? Just kidding. Maybe Game of Life ? Minimal arithmetic

jacquesm 3y ago

Oh neat! How is the memory made, is that using relays as well? You could make an awesome sorting demonstrator with it where the data items themselves move around in the memory.

artemonster 3y ago
No. Replied to your question in a sibling comment :)

deleted 3y ago

[deleted]