I've seen
this before; has anyone on cctalk built one?
Looks like a labor of love.
But, given that the original uses RTL and core, what's the point of
building one in LSTTL? Why not use an FPGA? It'd be no more or less
authentic. Or perhaps just write a simulator to run on your PeeCee?
What's remarkable about the original is the size (2 cu. ft.) and the
modularity and serviceability.
The answer is "Fun".
I see no point into building an Altair using old components. BTW, I see
no point into building an Altair, but this kit is something I'd like to buy
(no way, I'm in Brazil!) because:
- It is beautiful
- It is fun
- It is a kit, and I love to build kits (did I said I love build kits?)
and you can't find kits to build in Brazil
- It is hackeable, all the gates are there in my hand
- It is fun
- It is beautiful
- It is a labour of love
- I love blinkenlights
- It is fun
- Did I said it is fun?
- It is something I'll proudly show to my friends, sons and like, and
tell "when I began, people programmed like this"
- It is fun!
So, there is no rational for building something old, as there is no
rational into collecting or using something old. If you follow this way, you
may think that:
- Build an Altair? Better use newer components!
- Newer components? I can build the entire box into a simple CPLD!
- CPLD? Why? I can emulate that on PC!
- Emulate an Altair? Why the hell would I want to use it?!?!
As you can see, using is the least fun of all the adventure. The journey
is the reward!
Greetings
Alexandre Souza
http://www.tabajara-labs.com.br
