Summary of CB2 IS A BASIC RETRO MICRO MICROCOMPUTER
The CB2 micro kit offers an affordable, retro computing experience under 30 minutes for ~$28. Designed for beginners and hobbyists, it features an exposed bus with accessible components like a microprocessor and RAM. The system runs open-source BASIC firmware on an ATmega644P chip, connecting directly to TVs and PS2 keyboards without needing a PC. It supports various interfaces including RS-232 and I2C, serving as a standalone computer, automation tool, or measurement instrument with built-in SCART and composite video outputs.
Parts used in the CB2 Micro Kit:
- ATmega644P chip (ATMEGA644P-20PU or ATMEGA644PA-PU)
- PS2 keyboard port
- 9-pin connector for serial operations
- SCART (RGB) video output
- B&W composite video output
- Color composite adapter (optional)
If you’d like to return to a time when your computer had very accessible components, a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and I/O chips all hanging from an exposed bus, you can do so by building your very own BASIC color microcomputer with the CB2 micro kit in under 30 minutes for as low as ~$28.
The kit was designed to be plain simple and very affordable being tailored to those who don’t have access to regular retro computers but would want to have fun with these types of technologies or even learn and experiment with BASIC.
CB2 is very easy to assemble, it works like the micros from the ‘80s except it is cheaper and much easier to use. It works directly with a TV and keyboard, no PC’s required, and it can be used as a standalone microcomputer to run games and applications. It can also be used for automation processes without using a monitor or keyboard and even as a measurement instrument for hobbyists.
CB2’s firmware is based on an open-source project built by Joerg Wolfram (called AVR ChipBasic2). It utilizes standard interfaces such as RS-232, UART, LPT, I2C, etc. to communicate with devices like control modems with an ATmega644P chip (ATMEGA644P-20PU or ATMEGA644PA-PU), which connects up to a PS2 keyboard port, as well as a 9-pin connector for serial operations.
The CB2 micro has SCART (RGB) video and B&W composite right out of the box. There’s no need for extra adapters, except when you need color composite – that’s possibly the only scenario when you’ll need an adapter to build. The signals for this color composite adapter are taken from the RGB of the SCART pins and the Hsync/Vsync on the PCB. There is no special Dsub connector in the CB2 micro.
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- How long does it take to assemble the CB2 micro kit?
The kit can be assembled in under 30 minutes. - What is the approximate cost of the CB2 micro kit?
The kit costs as low as approximately $28. - Does the CB2 microcomputer require a PC to function?
No, it works directly with a TV and keyboard without requiring a PC. - Can the CB2 be used for automation processes?
Yes, it can be used for automation processes without using a monitor or keyboard. - What type of chip powers the CB2 micro?
It utilizes an ATmega644P chip (specifically ATMEGA644P-20PU or ATMEGA644PA-PU). - Which video outputs are included out of the box?
The unit includes SCART RGB video and B&W composite video. - Is an adapter needed for color composite output?
An adapter is required only if you need color composite output. - What standard interfaces does the CB2 support?
It supports standard interfaces such as RS-232, UART, LPT, and I2C.
