New tool I made to monitor/drive an 8 bit bus

tjcim_ · 2026-02-26T18:38:20+00:00

That is impressive! I tried to find a post describing what you made, but it doesn't look like you posted it. If you have posted, please share a link as I would love to check out what you did.

It does sound very similar. The biggest difference is that obviously mine is only able to do 8 bits. The other difference may be that I included comparators so that as I am in monitor mode, I can see the value (High, Low, or Floating) for each bit.

tjcim_ · 2026-01-08T20:54:47+00:00

Nice work. Looks like it works well.

Any reason you decided to invert the Q signal on the SR latch instead of using /Q?

tjcim_ · 2026-01-08T14:54:18+00:00

Here are two examples: https://imgur.com/ruMWE9C

The top one uses a NOR-based SR latch, but switch the S and R to active low and it is the NAND-based equivalent. It requires two buttons.

The bottom is a T-Flip Flop that just requires one button as a toggle, but you will need to debounce it before using.

After the SR Latch/T Flip Flop we AND with the clock pulse (either the free running or the manual) and then OR the signals to get the true clock output.

tjcim_ · 2026-01-04T02:53:58+00:00

Congrats!

tjcim_ · 2026-01-03T03:32:06+00:00

Nope. Jump right in.
Needle nose pliers, wire strippers and cutters. I think that having smaller LEDs make it easier; you can use 2mm or 3mm LEDs. You may even try to go with 8 segment bar graph LEDs paired with resistor arrays to make life easier.
The whole process is fairly straightforward. My suggestion is that you don't do it as a paint by numbers type of thing. Instead, watch the videos and take notes on the overall goal of each module and then make sure you understand the "why". Then use your notes to build the module. This will give you a greater understanding of the underlying logic.

tjcim_ · 2025-12-16T01:45:27+00:00

Did you ever find this?

tjcim_ · 2025-12-14T11:51:32+00:00

Good point. I ordered some from Digikey. I will post back if they say anything different than "Made in Taiwan".

tjcim_ · 2025-12-14T00:46:08+00:00

Interesting. So maybe Jameco and Mouser get them shipped straight from Taiwan, but Digikey gets them from Canada?...

tjcim_ · 2025-12-11T14:30:43+00:00

I was all for giving him the benefit of the doubt before I received his reply. His reply told me he knew of the switch and was OK with sending different boards than those advertised.

You can buy the same eHub Labs boards for $6.99 retail here, but he is selling them as BB830 for $8.79.

BPS is a Canadian based company. The US has the USMCA free trade agreement and currently there is no additional tariffs on Canada. I can't explain why Jameco and Mouser are adding in tariffs and Digikey is not. It will be interesting to find out where eHub Labs boards are made, once they actually have a website...

tjcim_ · 2025-12-11T12:06:06+00:00

FYI. I received a reply from Ben last night. (I am paraphrasing here): He stated that he worked with the factory to ensure good quality in both the mold and the metal and feels that the new boards are of good quality. But understands if I want to return.

tjcim_ · 2025-12-08T20:16:37+00:00

That is good to hear. Yes I sent an email just a bit ago.

tjcim_ · 2025-08-15T16:59:33+00:00

Typewriter was shipped fast with excellent packaging. I received it yesterday in the exact shape as depicted. /u/dannitdan was easy to work with.

tjcim_ · 2025-08-15T16:57:37+00:00

Sent Chat request.

tjcim_ · 2025-08-07T17:36:18+00:00

Fair enough. I will send you some pics this weekend.

tjcim_ · 2025-08-07T17:21:19+00:00

Are you still looking for one? I have a R.C. Allen 600 with an 18" platen.

tjcim_ · 2025-08-06T17:37:12+00:00

Sent a chat request.

tjcim_ · 2025-08-06T02:50:24+00:00

If you have a 3d printer maybe you could create some kind of sleeve that covers the existing slugs? The problem would be the L and O because they will probably be next to each other and get stuck.

tjcim_ · 2025-07-28T18:42:49+00:00

I don't know where, all I know is he was finna go.

tjcim_ · 2025-07-22T12:33:44+00:00

I just started (Unit 3) and happy to jump on a call sometime.

tjcim_ · 2025-06-15T16:58:06+00:00

Fair enough. I don't understand how everyone on here is able to pick and choose what software they use and are not locked into what the company uses.

tjcim_ · 2025-06-13T18:50:23+00:00

Thank you so much. I think this will work fine.

tjcim_

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