Optimizing 6502 memory transfers beyond the general-purpose approach. Testing on a 1MHz KIM-1 clone with precise timing measurements.

Finding k-almost-primes using TinyBASIC on a KIM-1 clone. A look at the copyleft origins of TinyBASIC and Bill Gates’ infamous open letter.

Starting a year-long project to reverse engineer and create a drop-in FPGA replacement for the VIC-20’s 6560/6561 video chip.

Writing a y^x exponent program for the HP-16C calculator, which curiously lacks scientific functions. Building a kit clone and programming in RPN.

Computing and displaying the first 10 Fibonacci numbers on a KIM-1’s hex display. Learning 6502 assembly the hard way with pencil and paper.

Adding green and amber screen colors to the MiniPET 40/80 replica using a cheap monochrome VGA color adapter from Tindie.

A week exploring the Atari 800XL from a Commodore guy’s perspective. Comparing BASIC implementations and discovering the platform’s strengths.

Two weeks with a Tandy Color Computer 2 for SepTandy. Exploring a machine I’ve owned for years but never really used.

A simple slot machine game written in BASIC for the Tandy TRS-80 PC-4 pocket computer during SepTandy.

Building the CERBERUS 2080, an open-source computer with three processors: ATMega328p, W65C02, and Z80. A project to truly understand how computers work.

Documenting oscilloscope readings from working vintage computer chips to help diagnose faulty machines. A collaborative troubleshooting resource.

Building a portable Commodore 64 development rig using a Pelican case, external monitor, and either TheC64 or Ultimate 64 for on-the-go retro computing.

Repairing a Commodore 128 with bad RAM using DIY Chris’s RAM tester to diagnose and replace faulty 4164 memory chips.

A deep dive video exploring hidden Easter eggs within an Easter egg on a 35-year-old album discovered using a Commodore 64.

Benchmarking BASIC execution speed across various retro computers using jiffy timing, comparing Commodore machines and other vintage systems.

Comparing various video output improvements for vintage Commodore computers including RF modulator replacement, chroma resistor mod, and the c0pperdragon component video mod.

Replacing the RF modulator on a PAL Commodore 64C with an S-Video bypass board to dramatically improve video output quality.