Hackaday · Creativity & design

Minimalist 68008 Homebrew Computer Uses Only Three ICs

A new entry in the 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge, the "68k-MBC" is a homebrew computer built around the 68008 processor, notable for its extremely low component count in its "lite" configuration.

The "lite" version of the 68k-MBC utilizes just three integrated circuits: the 68008 CPU, an SRAM chip for memory, and a PIC microcontroller serving as the ROM. This configuration supports up to 512 KB of RAM and a single serial port.

Despite its minimal design, the "lite" 68k-MBC still offers I2C connectivity and options for an SD card for storage and a Real-Time Clock module. Software can be run using CP/M68K or standalone executables.

Users can connect a terminal or a thermal printer via the serial port. A "full" hardware version is available with two serial ports, and an optional parallel adapter can be used for printers with that interface.

The contest entries close on October 27th.

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