The 8BitFlux 8-Bit Workbench Is a Classic User Interface for Vintage Computing Experiments

Classic computing specialist 8BitFlux has launched a new platform for educational experiments in, as you might expect, eight bits: the 8-bit Workbench.

"[The] 8-bit Workbench [is] your companion for (vintage) computer experiments," 8BitFlux's Bobby Nijssen explains of his latest creation. "Display eight bits using blinkenlights. Learn about logic and see how number systems work. Extend and combine. See how number systems work. Do vintage computer experiments, e.g. probe a data bus or test keyboards."

Inspired by the user interfaces found on eight-bit microprocessor trainers of old, the 8-bit Workbench lacks anything like a modern keyboard or display output. In its place are the staples of early computing: a set of eight LEDs, two seven-segment LEDs, and satisfyingly-tactile toggle switches, in the form of an optional secondary board dubbed the "Binary Keyboard" for when input as well as output is required.

"There is an annotated binary LED display of eight bits (one byte)," Nijssen explains of how the system works. "Depending on the type of data, the three most significant bits can be turned off using DIP switches. Aligned above the bits, two digits show the hex (or octal) representation of it. A clicky Digitast Action button provides a properly debounced signal to use with microprocessors or TTL logic. The extension interface exposes the data bus, action-out and clock-input. When needed, the latter two can be inverted on the board. Mix functionality with extension boards or design your own!"

There's no built-in processor: the 8-bit Workbench is designed to act as a user interface to an external eight-bit microcontroller or microprocessor — and, if required, can be expanded to handle 16-bit systems by daisy-chaining two 8-bit Workbench units together.

More information is available on the 8BitFlux website, while kits are available to order starting at $71.20 without or $84.94 with Binary Keyboard add-on on the 8BitFlux Tindie store. Schematics and a bill of materials are available under an unspecified license.