Introducing Wilson - 4-bit TTL Computer

Wilson is a 4-bit TTL computer built on a breadboard, and designed from 25 (ish!) RAM, ROM and 7400 series logic ICs. It can currently accept PS/2 keyboard input and output a native VGA video signal at 203 x 160 pixels. In this video, I demonstrate the computer interface and play a game of pong.

[PaulBailey]

I remember a long, long time ago, you said to me “I want to build a computer”, At the time I thought “yeah, right”. You only went and did it! Well done!

[EarnestWilliamsGeofferic]

That breakout clone is pretty nice for a 4 bit computer. I wouldn't have thought it could look anything like that.

[okb]

This is amazing! It's quite impressive, specially the fact that it has VGA output being a 4 bit cpu.

[andrewwasson]

Outstanding. I built a 4-bit TTL computer some time ago but my instruction set was a bit of a limiting factor. Mine never got past a hex keypad and simple LED address and data display. This is light years more advanced.

[AppliedCryogenics]

I love the retro font! Reminds me of the message at the end of "2010: The Year We Make Contact" 'ALL THESE WORLDS ARE YOURS, EXCEPT EUROPA.ATTEMPT NO LANDING THERE.USE THEM TOGETHER. USE THEM IN PEACE.'

[MartaCanPixel]

What a fantastic 4-bit computer! I can’t wait to see the finished pcb version and all the games and fun programs you’re going to make for it in the future 🥰🌸

[your-dad]

This is AWESOME!
I'm working on my 8-bit breadboard computer right now, but a 4 bit breadboard computer with VGA output? I really want to know whats the instruction set of that thing!

[mido-gqxe]

This is so cool and awesome!
, good job 👍

[aniket-biswas]

This is fantastic. I wanna know more about how u build it and how it works!

[bertkoerts]

Why Wilson? Partner of Tom Hanks in Cast Away? I’m in a 5 year journey for an 8 bit TTL computer. At first I called it Serenity, but the name doesn’t fit my feelings toward it anymore. Haven’t decided on new name yet. Any thoughts? I’ll follow your feed, I think 4 bit is even harder, especially on the software side. I’m 58, but just beginning. The next 2 projects are already in my head, but need to finish current project first. Keep good faith and confidence! 👍😊

[Humble_Electronic_Musician]

Very Neat!
Who needs 8 bits, if 4 bits is sufficient ? 🙂
Really really nice!

[xoxogamewolf]

when i read the title of the video, the dash before the "4-bit" made me think that it was -4 bits.

[wowe-xp]

i like it! after all it ran the atari breakout game

[gutierre]

wow. This is crazy and beautiful at same time hahaha
I don’t speak english very well, but would you help me? I need to conclude a Final Paper about mechatronics. Your project inspires me, if you could share tips on books, articles, flowcharts or anything about 4 BIT computer i’d be more than glad

[Stoodknight]

what font or type face did you use for this? And how much did you spend on the build?

[lymmentrixprofessional]

This is awesome, please I need a tutorial on this

[uyioduware]

Hey how did you learn all this stuff and become good in it?

[postsldude]

Did you follow it for pcb design??
Can i get some info or some sort of block diagram for chips and design you used??

[faisalosama]

just for sure, you stored the instracions in D-Flip-Flop than but the address for the instractions when you input the instracion it loaded into control unit ? but how did you define the binary instraction to text code on monitor?

[tomw]

Wow - Can I find out more about what you have built it out of??