Hackaday · Creativity & design

Homebrew 16-Bit Relay Computer for Retro Challenge

A 16-bit homebrew relay computer, featuring a simple accumulator-based architecture and a 19-command instruction set, has been built for the 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge.

The computer uses an accumulator register (ACCU) for all mathematical and save/load operations. Despite its electromechanical nature, it can perform calculations, such as computing three digits of Pi in approximately 8 minutes.

The relay computer is also equipped with a 32x32 LED matrix display, though updates are not instantaneous due to the technology.

An earlier version of this relay computer was featured in last year's one-hertz challenge, where it was used to blink an indicator lamp.

The retrocomputing challenge is ongoing until October 27th, allowing participants time to build their own retro-inspired projects.

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