Projects
// hardware · CPUs · compilers · making · audio
A running collection of my hobby projects — the SPAM-1 8-bit CPU built from 7400-series TTL logic, its toolchain and compiler backend, supporting hardware modules, and the odd bit of audio and craft. Most are documented in depth on Hackaday and GitHub.
SPAM-1 — 8-Bit CPU from 7400 TTL Logic
A complete 8-bit CPU built entirely from discrete TTL 7400-series chips — no FPGAs, no cheating. Full Verilog simulation, custom assembler, C compiler backend (VBCC port), CHIP-8 emulator, NES controller interface, and a growing toolchain. Documented exhaustively on Hackaday and GitHub.
Google Home Max Killer
A kitchen smart speaker out to beat our Google Home Max. The Max nails the countertop form factor and gets plenty loud, but fakes its bass with DSP that overdrives tiny woofers and leans on harmonic tricks to fool the ear — and it all collapses once you push the volume.
Building a sub for my vintage B&W DM4s reminded me there's a whole universe of sound below 70 Hz I'd been missing — so I turned a critical ear on the kitchen. My answer: a similar shallow countertop enclosure (36×22×18 cm vs the Max's 30×20×16), genuinely balanced low end at real volume with minimal DSP smoke-and-mirrors, a sensible build cost, and Google Assistant still on board. Build underway — will report back.
Integrated Circuit Tester
Interactive tester and exploratory tool for logic chips, including tri-state support. Useful in the lab when debugging old ICs.
Dual 7-Segment Hex Display
Two-digit hex display module using a PIC16F18446 microcontroller. Built to act as a debug display for the SPAM-1.
NES Controller Interface
NES gamepad interface for SPAM-1, enabling CHIP-8 game input via original Nintendo hardware. Because of course it does.
VBCC Compiler — SPAM-1 Backend
Porting the VBCC C compiler to target the SPAM-1 instruction set. Writing a compiler backend from scratch to run C on homebrew silicon.
7-Segment Display Module (DM9368N)
Compact two-digit breadboard-compatible display module using the vintage DM9368N decoder driver ICs.
Drinking Horn Renovation
Restoring and renovating a drinking horn — cleaning, re-sealing, and finishing a traditional vessel back to usable condition.
Subwoofer — Tang Band W5-1138
Building a subwoofer enclosure around the Tang Band W5-1138 driver. Speaker cabinet design, construction, and tuning.