Learn the Fundamentals of How a Computer Works with the ARITH-MATIC S1-AU Mk1

You’re reading this article, so, unless someone printed it out for you, it’s safe to say you know how to operate a computer. But, do you know how your computer actually works? All digital computers work in the same way — with basic arithmetic and Boolean logic. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how those simple operations ultimately power our modern technology, the ARITH-MATIC S1-AU Mk1 is for you.

The ARITH-MATIC S1-AU Mk1 is a hardware project designed to built by makers and electronics enthusiasts, and to teach you the fundamentals of binary arithmetic along the way. It ships as a bare PCB, the electronic components to populate it, a USB cable to power it all, and a manual to show you how to build it. All of the components are through-hole, so anyone with even basic soldering skills can easily assemble the board.

When you finish building it, the ARITH-MATIC S1-AU Mk1 is a 4-bit arithmetic unit similar to what was found in early computers. But, it doesn’t just process operations, it uses LEDs to show you how it’s processing them so you can understand what’s actually happening. Modern computers process those operations millions of times per second, but the S1-AU Mk1 breaks them down to the basic steps so you can see it working.

ARITH-MATIC needs your help to fund the first production run of the S1-AU Mk1, and you can back it on Kickstarter until July 5th. Right now, they plan to ship only to the EU, and you can get a super early bird reward for £40. Those rewards should ship in August.