howdy (building a 6502 computer)

Inspiration

Inspired by sitting and watching Ethan build his TMS 9900 computer, I wanted to try my own hand at building a computer from scratch. I was suggested to look at the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, which is what I did. The 6502 is the same chip that was used in older technology such as the Apple ][, Commodore 64, NES, and others like the Atari 2600. Getting to understand the background of the chips was also interesting.

What it does

It currently does nothing and not exactly close to booting. I just want to show off what I did so far. :-)

How we built it

Using a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, some other chips, some wires, and breadboards.

Challenges we ran into

Suffered greatly from design challenges because I wanted it to look pretty and not like a giant jumble of wires. A lot of time really went into just measuring the wires and cutting them due to that.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I learned a lot despite not being as far into the project as I wanted to be.

What we learned

I got to learn how to look at datasheet and understand what it is telling me. In the process of building, I also got to learn the history of how the chip was originally used in older systems. I also took a small detour in building to go and learn about the inside of crystal oscillators just because.

What's next for howdy

I'm going to continue working on it until I'm happy with what it can do.

Built With

• 6502
• breadboards
• mos