Core64 is an Interactive Core Memory electronic kit. Draw! Learn! Hack!
Core64 (and Core16) unites authentic Core Memory and LEDs in a unique and interactive way. Core memory is a magnetic memory technology from the 60’s and 70’s. It was used in the Apollo Guidance Computers and several other down-to-earth applications. It is made of tiny rings of ferrite material which can be magnetized in one of two polarities: clockwise or counter-clockwise. The polarization is assigned a binary “0” or “1” status and the polarity can be written and read back into a computer. This fundamental trait makes Core Memory usable as RAM or ROM. An additional benefit is persistent polarity - cores do not require power to maintain the polarity. It is similar to more recent forms of magnetic memory like floppy discs and hard drives. In the Core64 kit, the core memory is visible as the array of wires suspended over the top of multicolor LEDs. The stylus has a magnet in the tip which enables interaction with the LEDs by way of the core memory. In practice, you can think of it as a magnetic touch screen.
The Core64 kit includes many more features with a lot of room for interactive learning and creative expansion. A wide range of experimentation is unlocked with this kit - you can think of it as a Dev Kit for Core Memory!
My video of the unboxing and overview is here.
Youtuuba has a much more thorough walk through of the kit here.
This unique kit has created some unique quotes:
"The first time I’ve put together an electronic kit and didn’t get bored!" - Austin
"The most tedious and most rewarding project I've ever done." - Drew
“Thank you for making this kit a reality!” - Anonymous
“I finally get to weave my own core memory!” - Simen
Video introduction and background at YouTube.
The project build log is at Hackaday.io.
Features:
64 bits of authentic core memory (you get to weave it yourself - this is the most substantial part of the “kit” concept here)
64 RGB LED Matrix (WS2813)
4 hall sensors (user configurable)
Logic board with Arduino compatible Teensy 3.2 (32-bit NXP Cortex-M4 72 MHz)
Magnetic Wand Stylus (2x in V0.6 kit for two player games!)
4x "AAA" batteries and holder
Battery Voltage Monitor
All of the matrix drive lines, the power rails, and the sense outputs are easily accessible and hackable
Built-in Ambient Light Sensor enables automatic switching to Dark Mode
Optional user-added expansion:
Generic I2C OLED (64x128 or 128x128)
Sparkfun TeensyView SPI OLED (32x128)
Sparkfun QWIIC port (many accessories)
Adafruit MicroSD breakout board
Adafruit LiPo and charger
Adafruit 3.2" LCD to replace LED Array
Adafruit 1.3" OLED with microSD card slot
SAO Port, quantity 2
Do you have feedback or ideas? Please share them through the survey below.
#CoreMemory #InteractiveCoreMemory #BadgeLife #ElectronicKit #NeonPixels
DarkMode
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Small size (non-functional concept, 1/2 the larger size) aka Core64C
Large size (2x the small size) - currently shipping Beta Kits