The awesome Digirule 2U is a small 8-bit programmable binary computer created by developer Bradley Slattery. Launched via Kickstarter this month, the project is coming to the end of its campaign with just 60 hours remaining, although early bird pledges are still available from roughly £21. The Digirule 2U 8-bit programmable binary computer offers USB support together with an integrated debug monitor and a fully featured assembler.
Features and Specifications
“The Digirule 2U is the most feature-rich version of the Digirule to date. With 54 instructions, USB support, built-in serial debug monitor, full-featured assembler, 8-bit address bus, 8-bit data bus, eight 256-byte permanent memory slots and loads more. You can discover the fascinating world of programming a computer in the actual language that the computer understands – binary!”
The Digirule 2U stands out due to its extensive set of features that make it a versatile tool for both beginners and experienced programmers. The 54 instructions provide a wide range of operations, from basic arithmetic to more complex data manipulation. The built-in serial debug monitor is particularly useful for troubleshooting and refining code, allowing users to step through their programs and inspect the state of the computer at each step.
The USB support is another significant feature, enabling easy connection to modern computers for data transfer and power. This makes it convenient to upload new programs or download data from the Digirule 2U. The full-featured assembler allows users to write and compile their own programs directly on the device, providing a hands-on experience with low-level programming.
Practical Applications and Pre-loaded Programs
“You can code your own LED games, perform calculations, send and receive data to/from a computer or even another Digirule 2U. Each Digirule 2U comes pre-loaded with eight programs including ‘Hello World’, ‘Mastermind’ and ‘Prime Number Calculator’. The Digirule 2U features eight permanent memory locations where you can store your own awesome programs.”
The Digirule 2U is not just a learning tool; it is also a platform for creativity and experimentation. The ability to code LED games opens up a world of possibilities for interactive projects. For example, users can create simple games like ‘Pong’ or ‘Snake’, which can be a fun way to learn about game logic and user input handling.
Performing calculations on the Digirule 2U can help users understand how computers process arithmetic operations at a low level. This can be particularly enlightening for those interested in computer science and engineering, as it provides a tangible way to see how abstract concepts are implemented in hardware.
The pre-loaded programs serve as excellent starting points for new users. ‘Hello World’ is a classic first program that introduces the basics of output. ‘Mastermind’ is a code-breaking game that can teach logic and problem-solving skills. The ‘Prime Number Calculator’ is a more advanced example that demonstrates how to implement mathematical algorithms.
The eight permanent memory locations are a valuable feature for users who want to develop and store multiple programs. This allows for a more extensive exploration of programming concepts without the need to constantly reload programs.
The Digirule 2U is a powerful and versatile tool for anyone interested in learning about binary programming and computer architecture. Its rich set of features, practical applications, and pre-loaded programs make it an excellent choice for both educational and recreational use.
Source: Kickstarter
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