Episode 45: See Ben Heck's Raspberry Pi Build Episode

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You have been asking for it, so we're finally bringing it to you! A retro computer for only about $35? Watch Ben build a retro-styled computer using the Raspberry Pi!

Click Here for access to all the supporting files you will need to replicate this build!

Check out more Raspberry Pi Projects in Ben Heck's Raspberry Pi Builds!

Former Member over 5 years ago

That keyboard. There's no question - BBC did it best.
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retrogamer over 5 years ago

It's cool Ben said the Pi is compared to the BBC Micro computer. The BBC Micro computer was made by Acorn Computers in the 80s. Acorn also made the ARM processor. ARM back then stood for Acorn RISC Machine. So having the Pi powered by the ARM processor, is like having a bit of the BBC Micro Computer history build right in.
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pcgenius101 over 5 years ago

Could you post the schematic files for your boards and maybe which edge connector you used? I'd really like to build one of these to get my son started with electronics.
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sjames1958 over 9 years ago

Looking for a BOM on the edge connectors and the two cards that he built in the episode - the link on the side takes you to a generic list of builds.
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Former Member over 9 years ago

Rob, I'm sitting here, with a little egg on my face.. I went to a place that deals mainly in various electronic connectors, and guess what I found? the EXACT same kit Ben used, but under a different label than RS. Can't find it listed on the website for the store, and 49 year old brain can't remember the name of the maker.. But, it is almost identical to ones RS sold..

AH-HA! I've found the main website, made by Ramsey Electronics.. http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=PL300
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paulemccabe1 over 9 years ago

Love it. Reminds me of my first computer, the Commodore VIC-20 which I learned today program in Basic on.
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Former Member over 9 years ago in reply to Former Member

I used to tinker with a few of the older sets RS had, one had modules that you linked with inverted "U" pins, to hold them, then you ran wiring from the springs.

I too, and starting at the bottom of programing.. Just extracted a couple of 74LS24574LS245 Octal bus trancievers from a couple of old boards. (Yes, I'm a parts scavenger. I Up-Cycle.) So... I might have a level shifter circuit. (hopefully, the TTL chip will allow 3.3V for VCC.) I'm familiar with some C code, but Python, is going to be yet another learning curve.
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Former Member over 9 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks a lot for your response, gelfling6. Looks perfect!

I've just got up and running with my and I'm very much looking forward to some tinkering - starting at the "Hello World" level! I might just give myself a refresher course on the Electronics Learning Lab first before I risk melting my pristine pi with anything I've thrown together myself
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Former Member over 9 years ago

Rob, it looks like the predecessor of the Electronics Experimenters Lab listed at Radioshack.com http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3814337
not sure when the year that model Ben is using, was discontinued...

I, for one, would like to see a schematic of the custom board Ben used for the project. I'm still leary of connecting ANYTHING to the GPIO pins of the board, not knowing how to buffer/transition them from 5.0V to 3.3.. .. I only last week, got my Pi up & running full-steam.
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Former Member over 9 years ago

Hi

Could anyone tell me where I can buy the electronics experimentation kit Ben uses in this video (first seen at around 13:07)?

Or any clue as to the manufacturer/model no would be great.

Thanks

Rob
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