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Ben Eater Creates Sounds of Computer Operations

Hackers tune in as Ben Eater demonstrates creating computer sounds with square waves and a 6502 microprocessor in his recent video. Leveraging the timer in the W65C22 Verilog simulation, Ben explains the process.

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Ben Eater Generates Electronic Sounds with Computer Equipment
Ben Eater Generates Electronic Sounds with Computer Equipment

Ben Eater Creates Sounds of Computer Operations

Hear Your Tech Singe with This DIY Square Wave Project

If you're a tech enthusiast, keep your ears peeled for Ben Eater's latest tutorial—he's showing us how to create computer noises using square waves and a 6502 microprocessor. Here's the lowdown on how to hack your home setup for a charming audio adventure.

Gather the Necessary Components:

To embark on this creative quest, you'll need the following components:

  • 6502 Microprocessor: The brain of the operation.
  • W65C22 Versatile Interface Adapter (VIA): This chip serves as your sonic generator, thanks to its timer functionality.
  • LM386 Audio Amplifier: A power booster that amplifies the subtle square waves to drive a speaker.
  • Speaker: An 8Ω, 2W speaker for audible output.
  • Oscilloscope (optional): To verify the frequency and waveform of your audio masterpiece.

Follow This 4-Step Process:

  1. Set Up Your Sonic Generator: Program the W6522 VIA chip to output square waves at your desired frequency by tweaking its timer registers. Add a simple command to your BASIC interpreter to play tunes by adjusting timer settings.
  2. Amplify It Up: The output from the 6522 VIA doesn't cut it when it comes to driving a speaker—the signal's power is weak. Enter the LM386 audio amplifier circuit, which gives your square waves a much-needed power boost.
  3. Test and Tune: Check your output pin waveform on an oscilloscope to ensure it's a clean square wave at the right frequency. Adjust timer values in your software to adjust the frequency and, subsequently, the pitch of your audio blues.
  4. Play Simple Tunes: Write a program for your BASIC interpreter that sequences different frequencies to create beautiful melodies or simple beeps.

Get Started with 6502 Building

A big shoutout to Mark Stevens for tipping us off on this one! If you're ready to rock, kick-start your journey by building your personal 6502, just like Ben Eater did!

This project takes you through generating sound with minimal hardware and classic components, providing an engaging and educational experience. Happy hacking, and may your circuits never pop! 😎💥🔩🔥

  1. Experimenting with sound generation using simple hardware, you may consider adding gadgets such as a 6502 microprocessor, a W65C22 Versatile Interface Adapter (VIA), an LM386 audio amplifier, and a speaker to your collection of technology to follow Ben Eater's DIY square wave project.
  2. To create more intricate audio projects, consider expanding your hardware beyond the essentials like a 6502 microprocessor, W65C22 VIA, LM386 audio amplifier, speaker, and oscilloscope used in the square wave project, and explore various gadgets and technologies available in the market.

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