The Apple I used to be an influential step in private computing historical past. Clones of it have grown in recognition since actual machines are uncommon (and costly.) As a substitute of making one more clone, retro pc fanatic Chris Davis took a special strategy. The Open AC-1 is a reimagined Apple I with a 6502 at its core and fashionable microcontrollers supporting it.

The Open AC-1 circuit board accommodates RAM, ROM, a Peripheral Interface Adapter, glue logic, and several other microprocessors. A Western Design Middle (WDC) 65c02 runs the eight-bit Wozrom and BASIC code. Trendy interfaces can be found by way of a Microchip PIC32 and an Arduino Nano.

The PIC32 has two duties: USB keyboard enter and VGA video output. It communicates with an Arduino Nano. The Nano connects to the 65c02’s knowledge bus by way of an MCP23517 I/O Expander. The Arduino additionally offers an interface to an SD card.

Not like the unique Apple I, BASIC is on the market in ROM. Which suggests the pc is able to use after it boots. You’ll be able to load BASIC packages from the SD card. The ROM additionally accommodates Wozmon, which is a monitor program. In older computer systems, the monitor lets you view or change reminiscence contents. Some even allowed for assembling and dissembling quick packages.

In some methods, this package is paying homage to the RetroShield. The challenge used an actual 6502 (or Z80) processor related to an Arduino Mega emulating classic computer systems’ logic. The Open AC-1, nevertheless, higher reassembles the unique Apple I with its handful of ICs cleanly laid out on a printed circuit board.

Total, the Open AC-1 does a incredible job of augmenting classic applied sciences with fashionable elements. Davis designed the package completely with through-hole elements, which ought to make soldering extra accessible to these new to soldering.

Davis says the challenge is totally open supply, regardless that the GitHub repository (presently) lacks design information past a PDF of the schematic. Regardless that you should purchase the Open AC-1 as an assembled package, the meeting and operations guide does comprise important documentation.

A completely assembled Open AC-1 is on the market for $129 earlier than delivery.