How to assemble the 6502 computer-on-a-badge (VCFMW edition)
Channel: The Oldskool PC
Date: 2020-03-06

The 6502 40th Anniversary Computer Badge is an entire 6502 computer with RAM, ROM, a 9600 baud serial interface, and a version of BASIC on a wearable badge.  Assembling this badge helped me get over my fear of basic electronics; plus, we wanted to illustrate how to build it.  So, this video covers both topics.  "If I Can Do It, You Can Too!"

For complete information about the badge, including sourcing PCBs, assembly instructions, schematic, parts list, parts sources, firmware, and even a manual on EhBASIC, visit: http://sunrise-ev.com/6502.htm

Want to support me, and help me make more videos like this?  Consider becoming a patron, where you can directly affect the quality and direction of my work: https://www.patreon.com/TheOldskoolPC

All incidental music by coda, used with permission: https://coda.s3m.us/

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Come visit the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest:  http://www.vcfmw.org/
Or, subscribe to the VCFMW youtube channel to see talks and show footage: https://www.youtube.com/VCF_Midwest

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Corrections:

The name of the BASIC is called "EhBASIC", not "basica" as I said in the video.  Why EhBASIC?  Because Canada, eh?

The hot glue wasn't to actually glue it on, but as a spacer to prevent the battery connector wires from shorting to the board.  Thick tape would have also worked, as would velcro.

Errata:

The RAM we installed in the video is 2K bytes, although the board supports 2K-32K RAMs. Likewise, the jumpers support 8K-32K EPROMs.

There are two screw holes in the PCB for mounting the battery holder -- but double-stick foam tape or hot glue also work.

Since the batteries are big and heavy, some people have used a little lithium pouch cell. Just don't try to charge it on the board! The charging resistor doesn't know when to quit, and would overcharge a lithium cell.