Introduction - Core64 and Core64c
Complete instructions for assembling and using Core64
Last updated
Complete instructions for assembling and using Core64
Last updated
A layer of core memory on top of an LED Matrix enables you to use a magnet to draw in core memory and see the effect in real-time! This is Interactive Core Memory and the opportunity to learn how to use core memory down to the transistor level.
With this kit YOU get to weave your very own 64 bits of core memory. You can use it as it is or modify the Arduino firmware, and hack the logic board. The baseline functionality of the kit includes:
64 bits of core memory
64 RGB LED pixels
An ambient light sensor (in the top left of the core board)
Four Hall effect sensor "soft buttons" (bottom of the core board labeled M - + S)
A powerful Teensy 3.2 Arduino compatible micro-controller
4x "AAA" batteries and battery holder
QWIIC Port for I2C compatible expansion
SAO port for I2C + 2 GPIO expansion
In the image below, starting in the upper left, moving clockwise: Logic Board, Core Board, LED Matrix, Stylus, Teensy 3.2.
The five seperate sub-assemblies which are included in the kit are:
1) The Logic Board is 99% assembled. You will install sockets and the battery pack.
2) The Core Board is 10% assembled. You will weave the core memory and install headers.
3) The LED Matrix is 99% assembled. You will install headers.
4) The Stylus is unassembled. Snap apart two boards, slide together, solder the joints.
5) The Teensy 3.2 requires you to install the headers.
The Teensy is pre-programmed with firmware - the latest release from https://github.com/ageppert/Core64/releases which will get you started with basic funcionality.
The Core64 and Core64c kits are very similar. After assembly, they have the same stock functionality. Both kits use the same core Memory Board and LED Matrix but the Logic Board and microcontroller are slightly different. The "c" is for "compact." The Core64c Logic Board is half the size of the Core64 Logic Board and fits completely behind the Core Board and LED Matrix.
The Core64 uses a Teensy 3.2, but the Core64c uses a RasPi Pico. This means the Core64c has slightly less spare IO available, but still enough for a couple digital/analog pins, I2C, and SPI. Since the Pico has fewer IO pins, it drives the 20 transistors which power the core memory through Shift Registers instead of directly driving each transistor.
Both use MicroUSB connectors and have the same battery options - although the batteries can only be installed on the back/bottom side of the LED Matrix board in the Core64c.
A complete list and comparison of features is on the Core64.io site.
You can add a variety of readily available hardware accessories such as:
Swap out the "AAA" battery pack for a 1S LiPo and USB charge manager.
SD Card Breakout board
LCD 3.2"
OLED monochrome
OLED color
Realtime Clock battery and crystal (only applies to Core64 with Teensy 3.2)
QWIIC port
SAO port
Your own ideas via 16 pins of GPIO, Analog in/out, IR in/out
Power access to the battery, 5V0, and 3V3 power rails
The best place is https://www.Core64.io
The assembly documentation is a work in process on the following pages. By using GitBook, I'd like to make it easy for you to contribute and help improve the documentation faster than I could alone. I welcome your help!
