Maybe it’s time to revisit that U.S.-based fpga fab and associated fpga-based personal computer project…

@requiem Care to elaborate? Maybe that can take your mind off things for a bit.

@vertigo yeah man, remember when we were talking about making a personal computer based on a CPU implemented in an fpga, and making the fpga in a U.S. fab to avoid supply chain problems during the last pandemic? Now that we have a self-inflicted supply chain problem, maybe people would be more excited to try it this time? 😁

Idk if there is a U.S. fab that makes such chips so that might be something to figure out and address.

@requiem I've actually gotten somewhat disgruntled and lethargic about building my own computer again. The biggest problem comes from convincing others to support your platform. With the overwhelming popularity of Linux and Windows, and for that matter, Macintosh, I no longer see my vision for a truly FOSH computer community coming to bear.

The days when Woz, Herd, and Miner can be significant influencers in the evolution of the PC industry are over. This makes me stupendously sad, because it means anything "new" that comes out simply must be a rebranded PC clone. No room exists for system evolution anymore unless you're a GPGPU vendor. If it don't run Linux, it's just a "toy."

@vertigo yeah, “The Industry” is stupid 🤣

“The Industry” thought microcomputers were toys too.

Now they think AI will solve everything.

If they don’t like an idea, it’s probably a good one.

@requiem

Now that we have a self-inflicted supply chain problem, maybe people would be more excited to try it this time? 😁

Sorry if I seem like a Debbie Downer; it's just that I have a really hard time imagining the answer to your question above is anything but a noncommittal "nah."

I absolutely do still want to complete my own homebrew computer design a la Apple II or Commodore or Atari. And I'll continue to work towards that goal, as my time and ADHD-addled brain will allow.

But, after trying for years to get others excited and involved without success, I'm just deeply skeptical about one of the most important success metrics one could have in this area: does anyone else even care, much less is willing to be an adopter?

@vertigo trust me, I totally get it.

Also not trying to badger or second-guess you, you are, by all normal standards, correct.

@kazriko could be, I’ve found it’s not straightforward to determine where these things are actually made… @vertigo

@requiem Speaking of home-brew stuff, have you seen this? https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/light-emitting-logic-gates-built-from-scratch/

@vertigo I love weird shit like this.

For some reason reminds me of using VFD’s as vacuum tubes…