Since the parts are on order I decided to sit down and further hash out the logic. I had a rough idea on what I wanted to do (and ordered components to reflect the rough idea) but no definite plan. I took a few pictures of my notebook to show my thought process. :)

The best place to start is often at the beginning. I know binary logic and decided to start there. Below are a couple rough sketches and logic tables for a basic binary system. By using NAND and/or NOR gates in a binary setup you can construct any logic element that you want.

After some brainstorming I came up with a few rough ideas. I have considered both a 0/1/2 system and a balanced -/0/+ system. The later seemed easier to implement. I began with an idea of first using fets to get the job done. Using them I could easily control the voltage. It was late and I know I made mistakes on these, but I find it best to always write down ideas no matter how silly or wrong they are. Later when I look at them they may spark a correct solution. It has payed off more than once :)

As you can probably see, I had no idea what I was really going for. So I went to sleep and had some nice dreams about riding my bike through the wonderful mountains of Alaska ^^;;

The above picture was taken by me while I went for a bike ride through Anchorage. It was a beautiful day.

I woke up the next morning with an idea, which I sketched down. I title all my ideas "random thought" when I am just scribbling. I am sure as this project goes you will notice my other strange habits while designing something. :)

You can probably see the errors in this, if not YAY!

My goal was still in place. Design a NAND and a NOR gate to get the job done and figure out the basic logic. After dinner, I sat down again with my pencil and notebook. This was the result.

I hope this log of last nights dream and today's journey did not bore ya too much. I know I could use a circuit design program to do all this, but I still prefer to attempt to figure out the logic in my head. It's a great exercise for the brain, even if I do make mistakes and sometimes use incorrect notation. :) I am also toying with the idea of using an S-100 style bus for the build itself. That would allow me to change out modules and possibly extend the system when it is done. Now if the parts I ordered would just arrive I could test this to make sure it will work in the real world ^^;;

~Cheers!

ThunderSqueak