{"title":"Retro Computer Kits","description":"\u003cp\u003eComplete DIY kits for building iconic retro computers from scratch. From the Gigatron TTL microcomputer to the Sinclair ZX80 and Pong arcade replica — hardware-faithful reproductions for makers who love computing history.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gigatron-ttl-microcomputer-diy-kit","title":"Gigatron TTL Microcomputer DIY Kit","description":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Gigatron TTL is a retro-style 8-bit computer, where the CPU is implemented by a set of TTL chips instead of a single microprocessor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGigatron is a TTL microcomputer that you build yourself. The Gigatron TTL is a retro-style 8-bit computer, where the CPU is implemented by a set of TTL chips instead of a single microprocessor, imitating the hardware present in early arcades. Its target is the computing enthusiasts, for studying or hobby purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy did you make it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor my student to study and the original Maker not offer it now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat makes it special?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gigatron TTL microcomputer is a minimalistic retro computer. It’s special in its own oddball way, because it has absolutely no complex logic chips in it, not even a microprocessor! Its CPU is built out of a handful of classic 7400-series ICs, colloquially known as the TTL logic series. These chips combined form a powerful 8-bit processor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBesides running applications, this processor performs functions that traditionally require dedicated peripheral chips for video, sound and other I\/O. By eliminating these the hardware remains small and understandable. Still the single-board system works as a full-blown microcomputer that you can play video games with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow you can easily build one yourself. As you build, learn what happens inside a CPU by looking inside one. See the functional units, look inside the Arithmetic and Logic Unit, see its truth tables and learn what makes up a ROM. Then go on to enjoy playing the built-in retro video games or write little programs in BASIC. You can also hack it in any way you like if you have a taste for that.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"innoelement Maker Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44517860573267,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/0891\/1443\/files\/DSC_7605.jpg?v=1776883461"},{"product_id":"pong-100-ttl-e-revision-mainboard-replica","title":"Pong 100% TTL “E” Revision Mainboard Replica","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehis board is a 100% hardware-faithful reproduction of the original Pong “E” revision arcade mainboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is designed for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRestoring or repairing original Pong arcade cabinets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuildi…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehis board is a 100% hardware-faithful reproduction of the original Pong “E” revision arcade mainboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is designed for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRestoring or repairing original Pong arcade cabinets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding a standalone Pong arcade system using the optional Arcade Power \u0026amp; I\/O Module + Rotary Controllers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not an emulator, not FPGA, and not microcontroller-based logic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a full TTL hardware state-machine implementation, just like the original 1972 design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat’s Included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 × Pong “E” Revision Mainboard (fully assembled and tested)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptional:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArcade Power \u0026amp; I\/O Module\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotary paddle controllers (analog potentiometer type)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVideo Output: NTSC CVBS (Composite Video)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudio Output: Analog audio\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePower Input: 8V – 15V DC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGame Logic: 100% TTL discrete logic implementation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCPU: None (original hardware architecture)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Pong is a pure hardware state machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo CPU\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo firmware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo software rendering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery aspect of gameplay is generated directly by hardware:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBall X\/Y position registers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaddle input sampling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollision detection and angle logic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScore counting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSound generation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorizontal \u0026amp; vertical scan timing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComposite sync signal generation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe video signal is generated directly in hardware and outputs analog composite video compatible with standard NTSC displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaddle control uses analog potentiometers. The voltage is converted directly into paddle position via hardware comparison circuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis board preserves that original architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Pong (1972)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePong (1972) was the first commercially successful arcade video game developed at Atari.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was designed by engineer Allan Alcorn under the direction of company founder Nolan Bushnell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally assigned as a “training project,” it became a global arcade sensation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prototype was tested at Andy Capp’s Tavern in Sunnyvale, California. The coin box famously filled beyond capacity within days — proving the commercial viability of video arcade games.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically, Pong was revolutionary because:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt used TTL logic instead of software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt generated composite video directly from hardware timing circuits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt implemented gameplay entirely through digital state machines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt required no processor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePong directly launched:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe arcade video game industry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe home console market (Home Pong, 1975)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe widespread adoption of LSI chips in gaming hardware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAtari’s later platforms, including the Atari 2600\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a historical perspective, Pong represents one of the foundational origins of the modern video game industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse Cases\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArcade restoration projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEducational demonstration of discrete digital logic design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetro hardware research\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuseum or collector display systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDIY arcade builds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product is an independent hardware reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Atari.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires external power supply (8–15V DC).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires composite display (NTSC).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy This Board Matters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern recreations often use:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicrocontrollers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFPGA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftware emulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis board does not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt recreates the original logic structure using discrete TTL — preserving timing behavior, signal characteristics, and hardware interaction exactly as intended in the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors, engineers, and historians, this is not just a game board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a piece of digital logic history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal product page: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tindie.com\/products\/johnson\/pong-100-ttl-e-revision-mainboard-replica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.tindie.com\/products\/johnson\/pong-100-ttl-e-revision-mainboard-replica\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/electronixandmore.com\/projects\/pong\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSource Code\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.arcade-museum.com\/manuals-videogames\/P\/PongSchematics.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hackaday.com\/2025\/06\/24\/pong-in-discrete-components\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDesign Files\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"innoelement","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44575380668499,"sku":"TINDIE-PONG-100-TTL-E-REVISION-MAINBOARD-REPLICA","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/0891\/1443\/files\/2026-02-26T13_08_53.682Z-_E5_BE_AE_E4_BF_A1_E5_9B_BE_E7_89_87_20260226213912_18_79.jpg?v=1778186383"},{"product_id":"sinclair-zx80-rev-2-motherboard-mainboard-pcb","title":"Sinclair ZX80 Rev 2 Motherboard mainboard PCB","description":"\u003cp\u003eZX80 revision 2 PCB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a blank ZX80 revision 2 PCB which I have reversed engineer from the original Sinclair design, keeping the same component layout, curved tracks and silkscreen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet me kn…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZX80 revision 2 PCB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a blank ZX80 revision 2 PCB which I have reversed engineer from the original Sinclair design, keeping the same component layout, curved tracks and silkscreen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet me know if you want a copy of the BOM.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have built this and it works perfectly. See the last photo for an example of the display output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: The photo of the fully assembled PCB is for reference only and what it will look like when populated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will only be receiving a blank PCB and will need to source and solder in all components yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact me if you have any queries and I will be only too happy to answer them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease check out my other items for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal product page: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tindie.com\/products\/johnson\/sinclair-zx80-rev-2-motherboard-mainboard-pcb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.tindie.com\/products\/johnson\/sinclair-zx80-rev-2-motherboard-mainboard-pcb\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/TankedThomas\/ZX80\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"innoelement","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44575380734035,"sku":"TINDIE-SINCLAIR-ZX80-REV-2-MOTHERBOARD-MAINBOARD-PCB","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/0891\/1443\/files\/2025-08-02T07_16_30.599Z-_E5_BE_AE_E4_BF_A1_E5_9B_BE_E7_89_87_20250802142331.png?v=1778186458"},{"product_id":"zx80-replica-kit-with-3d-printed-case","title":"ZX80 Replica Kit (with 3D-Printed Case)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat is it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a ZX80 replica computer kit that you solder and assemble yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is designed to be software\/ROM compatible with the original Sinclair ZX80 (1980) — one of the earliest afford…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a ZX80 replica computer kit that you solder and assemble yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is designed to be software\/ROM compatible with the original Sinclair ZX80 (1980) — one of the earliest affordable home computers, built around a Z80-class CPU and mostly standard TTL logic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur goal is authenticity: apart from the enclosure (3D-printed instead of injection-molded) and a small number of hard-to-source parts\/connectors (handled via drop-in alternatives and adapter solutions), the kit follows the original ZX80 design philosophy and behavior as closely as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy did you make it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal ZX80 machines are increasingly rare, expensive, and often non-functional due to age and fragile parts. Building a replica lets you experience early 1980s home computing the hands-on way: soldering, bringing it up, and then programming on real hardware behavior rather than an emulator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes it special?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically faithful architecture: a ZX80-style Z80\/TTL machine (no custom ULA chip), capturing the “clever minimalism” of the original design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern-build reliability: all parts are new production; obsolete components are replaced with modern equivalents via clean, documented substitutions\/adapters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3D-printed enclosure: keeps the classic look\/feel while avoiding the need for injection molding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilder-friendly: through-hole assembly (where possible), clear silkscreening, and a step-by-step build flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal product page: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tindie.com\/products\/johnson\/zx80-replica-kit-with-3d-printed-case\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.tindie.com\/products\/johnson\/zx80-replica-kit-with-3d-printed-case\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/johnsonwust\/ZX80\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"innoelement","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44575380897875,"sku":"TINDIE-ZX80-REPLICA-KIT-WITH-3D-PRINTED-CASE","price":93.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/0891\/1443\/files\/2026-03-09T09_20_57.393Z-_E5_BE_AE_E4_BF_A1_E5_9B_BE_E7_89_87_20260303163546.jpg?v=1778186462"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.retromakerkits.com\/collections\/retro-computer-kits.oembed","provider":"RetroMakerKits by innoelement","version":"1.0","type":"link"}