Logic Frame Build Kit
The parts to build the Working Edition's 4-bit computer yourself on eight breadboards, everything except a frame and basic tools. No soldering.
It's the same circuit I designed for the Working Edition, with the wires cut, stripped and sorted by stage, and a printed build book that takes you through it one stage at a time. You supply the frame (or don't, it sits fine on a desk) and a couple of basic tools. It isn't for sale yet and I'm not taking any money for it.
Planned at about $249, not final until the first kit is built and tested.
With the optional tool set (planned at about $39) that's about $288 start to finish.
Build updates go up on Instagram (@logic_frame_co), and that's where I'll announce when the Working Edition or the kit opens.
Render · frame not includedWhat's planned for the box
This is the plan, and it can still change before the kit opens. Nothing ships until the first one is built from these exact parts and passes testing.
| Boards | 8 full-size breadboards |
| Chips | About 20 logic chips, bagged by stage. I plan to ship the three programmable ones already programmed and tested. |
| Other parts | About 125 LEDs, resistors, buttons and capacitors in labelled stage bags |
| Wire | About 350 to 390 wires (the exact count depends on the final layout), cut to length, stripped and labelled on color cards by stage, with full-size bend templates |
| Power | 5 V wall supply and the leads to connect it |
| Guide | Printed build book with a test at the end of each stage, so you find a mistake when it's one stage old |
| Frame | Not included |
| Tools | Not included. You need flush cutters and a multimeter. I'll offer an optional tool set (flush cutters, fine tweezers, an IC puller, a basic multimeter and a parts tray), planned at about $39, for people who don't have them. |
Is it for you?
Honestly, it's a big build: about 20 chips, around 350 to 390 wires and my estimate of roughly 20 hours, spread over six or so sittings (I'll confirm that when the first kit is built). If you've done a breadboard project or two and like the idea of watching your own computer come to life one stage at a time, you'll be fine. If you've never touched a breadboard, it's doable, but expect it to be slow. I'd say 14 and up.
Not sure yet?
The Working Edition is the same computer, built, tested and framed by me. If you just want something for the wall now, the Display Edition is in stock (it's art, it doesn't compute).
Which one is for you
| Feature | Display Edition | Build Kit | Working Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | A wall piece or a gift, today | Building a real computer yourself | Owning one that runs, built for you |
| Status | In stock · ships in 3 to 5 days | Planned · not for sale yet | Designed, not built yet · not for sale yet |
| Does it compute? | No, display only | Designed to, once you build it (same circuit as the Working Edition) | Designed to run a real program |
| Who builds it | Me, about 5 hours | You, about 20 hours over several sittings | Me |
| Chips | 8 | About 20 | About 20 |
| Frame | 12 x 12 in, included | Not included | Taller frame, included (size not final) |
| Price | $240 with free US shipping, on Etsy | Planned at about $249, not final until the first kit is built and tested | Expected about $400 to $500, not final until the first one is built |