Open Source projects where we struggle with engineering, electronics, coding and who knows what else... Pic Bytes Micro is a 8-bit console based in the PIC18F4550 with an analog LED matrix as the screen.
Table of Contents
Pic Bytes Micro was born to explore the capabilities of C language inside the PIC18F4550, as I wanted to test if the 8bit microcontroller was able to run some old games such tetris, snake or arkanoid. To maintain the old-fashion look of the project, the screen is made by 16x10 matrix of LEDs, controlled by individual transistors and the IO pins of the PIC. In addition, sounds and a rechargable battery will be added to the device.
The project is finished and no further development will be made. The device is safe, stable and It was tested.
- Get the gerber files for the latest version: V1.25
- Send them to a PCB manufacturer (Our Sponsor is PCBWAY)
- You can read the schematics
- The firmware is available on the repo
- For most of the components, you can reach to Würth Elektronik, our sponsor for electronic components
Instructions of use:
- When turn on, a menu is shown to select between the available games.
- Once you have played a game, a score board will appear everytime you open the game.
- You have a setting menu to turn-off the init splash and the sound.
- If you leave the console one minute without touching the buttons, it will turn into sleep mode.
- Enjoy!
- Solder the prototype
- Test the LCD of the prototype
- Design a PCB
- Add rechargeable battery
- Add USB communication if possible.
- Add sound control with the buzzers
- Develop Snake game
- Develop Tetris game
- Develop Arkanoid game
- Score board
- Sleep Mode
- Validate the design
See the open issues for a full list of proposed features (and known issues).
State: Project FINISHED - 22/05/2024
Priority: Medium
Distributed under three licenses:
OSHWA License: ES000047
Making Devices - @MakingDevices
Project Link: https://github.com/makingdevices/PicBytesMicro
Other Links: LinkTree
Wurth Elektronik is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical components. The best I can say about them is to show you some pictures: All the LEDs from the board are from them. They also have buttons, resistors and capacitors that we use in all our PCBs. They also have some design kits with a lifetime refill which are amazing for makers and business so you can prototype on the go with a huge variety of components!
PCBWAY is the most professional PCB manufacturer for prototyping and low-volume production to work with in the world. With more than a decade in the field, They are committed to meeting the needs of their customers from different industries in terms of quality, delivery, cost-effectiveness and any other demanding requests. As Sponsor of Making Devices, they will be in charge of all the PCBs for MDV, allowing both of us to grow together in a long term partnership. We hope you take them into account for your both personal and professional prototypes or products.
