The Micromite Companion Minicomputer is the next generation in the Pocket Mini Computer series.

It is the combination of two Open Source systems, the Micromite software, a PIC32 creation by Geoff Graham, and the Parallax Propeller, a recently "Open Sourced" chip by Chip Gracey. By combining this two very unique chips we can create a powerful microcomputer which contains an up-to-date BASIC interpreter capable of running “old school” programs as well as new commands to control sensors, servos, LCD modules, and more. You'll be able to create games using sprites and tiles to control objects on screen, or move the action into the real world with servo controlled robots and gizmos.

Propellerpowered stocks the preloaded Micromite Companion Kit which everything you need to create your own, but if you've already got a Propeller board,this Instructable will take you step-by-step on each circuit to create your own "home brew" version of the Micromite Companion (MMC) from scratch!

Update: You can use your "home brew" version of the Micromite Companion to win a fully loaded Micromite Companion Kit as a gift for someone (or yourself!) Details here.

Here's a couple videos that will give you an idea of what is in store for this project.

In the 1970's if you purchased a computer, it very likely arrived as a "kit". The MMC is presented in the same spirit! If you've missed your chance to be part of the discovery era of the personal computer, or have fond memories from that era, this is the project for you.

Micromite Companion Minicomputer Specifications:

32K, Eight Core Parallax Propeller PIC32 MX170 installed with MMBASIC with 54k free memory for programming. SD card slot for program storage PS/2 Keyboard Connection VGA Screen Connection

Video Modes (Expandable to 254 modes) 80×30 Micromite Companion Mode 40×50 Commodore/Atari Style Retrotext Mode 128×96 Fat Pixel Mode 256×192 64 color sprite/tile mode.



Let's take a look at what you'll need to build your own Micromite Companion Minicomputer.