bradsprojects

1,102 orders since Jul 13, 2014

Junee, NSW, Australia

Ships from Australia, United States of America.

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Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.92)

Documentation: (4.59)

Shipping: (4.65)

Communication: (4.78)

All Reviews

Brian | June 4, 2022

I have both the Original 2 and the 2U

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

These things are awesome! Great fun to play with, fun learning experience, and they also double as a really handy ruler (which I've used them a *ton* as)!

The new 2U is in a league of it's own though! Love having the external output with it, it makes it so much fun to play with!

Awesome work!

Orlando Benito | Dec. 22, 2021

Excelent!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

A great mini laptop. It takes you back to the beginnings of computing, where you only communicated with the computer with switches and lights

Laurent | July 3, 2021

Nice little programmable ruler

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

The hardware is nice and neat.
On the software side, it takes a little bit of time to get to understand how to use the key sequences, how to choose an assembler between two main options, how to upload the compiled program to the Digirule. Documentation is great, although it would be niceto have an easy way to download it, eventually print it, and use it as a reference.
But once you get to be accustomed to it, it becomes really fun and you quickly find yourself spending a few hours to have it do all kinds of little calculations and LEDs effects.
Great for geeks ;-)

Michel | June 28, 2021

More than fun !

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Got my items extremely well packaged and delivery time was very short.
Just placed a new battery in the ruler and let's go !
The software and funcitonnalities are easy to understand and to work with. It's a real pleasure to write assembler code in a sofa.
No need for a manual once the principles are understanded as all the needed informations are written on the back.

It's fun, it's educative and it's cheap...
And one can even measure (small) distances with it !!!

Roger | June 28, 2021

I finally got one

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

It says something when these constantly sell out so quickly. Glad I finally got mine. Haven't had a chance to play with it much. My only criticism is the brightness of the LEDs. I think they could have been set a little less bright. Looking forward to showing it off to my friends when we return to the office.

Troy | June 28, 2021

Comes assembled and ready to program!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

A very complete product with LOTS of documentation and examples. The 2U also has a standard FTDI USB serial output so you can actually use it to interface with your computer, and program it from you computer. In fact, I'm typing this review on my Digirule 2U right now! Ok, not really, but some serial port to Keyboard wedge software would actually make this possible. It just wouldn't be fun to enter the bits for each ASCII character and send them

That's the point of the Digirule; to learn the basics of computing without high level languages and Kilobytes of libraries! See how much you can fit into 252 bytes, and see how useful you can make 16 LEDs, 8 buttons, and a bit of assembly! Without limitation, there is no art, and the Digirule is a compact, portable, limitation machine! I get most use out of mine as a countdown timer, and as a visually distracting "alarm" that blinks based on serial output from my computer! With serial input and a Linux pipe, the Digirule 2U can alert me to a new email or count how many likes my latest social media post got!

I recommend the Digirule for anyone who wants to learn more about computing, or any programmers who want to challenge themselves and stretch their creativity. In an industry of never-ending development cycles and software accretion, there is value in simply reducing the requirements of a program to the minimum, and building the best kind of UI you can with a few LEDs and buttons. 10/10 Would buy again.

Willem | May 24, 2021

Great assembly tutor

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

This is a well designed and documented system. It makes a great tool for teaching how computers work at the machine level.
Shipping to the US was reasonable and very fast.

Ergun | May 13, 2021

Simply amazing, and 5 stars

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Simply amazing, and 5 stars.
Built is perfect. And easy to use.
Well deserved and thank you......

Rob | July 29, 2020

Very clever and super handy desk accessory.

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

This gadget is literally bristling with convenient reference info that comes in handy when designing electronic projects of all sorts. The interactive logic gates are particularly fascinating to me. This ruler would be a huge benefit to any IT student.

Daria | Feb. 15, 2020

Really cool ruler!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Besides being a fun show piece at the local hackspace, it's a fun toy to muck around with. Makes a really good ruler and it's fantastic to have in the kit. Good documentation and easy to program!

Brendan | Jan. 27, 2020

Don’t hesitate, if your considering it just do it!

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

I really enjoy my ruler, I’ve had to re-learn binary to program it and learn about assembly language etc. this simple little gadget has taught me so much about vintage computing in just 2 weeks making it well worth the money. In a world with amazing processors, HD displays etc, it’s amazing how much you can enjoy yourself with a simple 8 bit processor with a few bottoms and LED’s. Even something as simple as changing the speed of a blinking light in a game buy changing the code in binary makes it more fun than just downloading an app and playing it. Also the fact that Brad is a fellow Aussie makes it even better. I like to support Australian engineering as often as possible. Especially on my favourite toy shop, Tindie.

Long story short, just buy one, you won’t regret it.

Michael | Jan. 19, 2020

Looks nice

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

I´ve got the Kits this week, very fast.
Seems difficult to solder it. I ordered thin solder and flux.
Is the chip always programmed or must I do this?
regards Michael from germany

Now I have soldered the kit and it works well! Never before I had soldered SMD.
It was hard sometimes, but now I´m glad.
As next waits the Digirule 2A Kit

Response from bradsprojects | Jan. 19, 2020

Hi Michael, I hope you have fun soldering the kit together yourself. Remember to check out the instructional video and PDF from my website (bradsprojects.com) The chip comes already programmed - so all you need to do is solder it together and put the battery in :)

Stefan | Jan. 2, 2020

Funny

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

The design and quality is nice. I just programmed a certain LED to be on - that worked. I definitly need more time for that great toy. The code maker helps a lot, I think, with training, you can code blind. Great fun!

Peter | Dec. 24, 2019

Machine code joy.

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

How lovely to be able to play low level binary computer coding in such a neat package. I first saw one at a PiJam meeting and was instantly intrigued. Not easy to get hold of but so pleased that I persevered.
I have quickly become familiar with the operating system and find it very easy to navigate address locations, enter data and test programs. Being able to flip the ruler to read the instruction set means that it can be operated as a stand alone device, but the support files are very helpful and the spreadsheet code maker is extremely useful.

Nick | Dec. 21, 2019

Good fun

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Bought this as an intellectual exercise in very basic programming. Arrived very quickly. The docs could be clearer and seem to be out of date in some places (but the community can fix that). Did not disappoint.

Jay | Nov. 26, 2019

Very Cool Ruler

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Got a few for other folks who I would appreciate them, and everyone is quite pleased. For most of us, brings us an experience we were just a tad too you for, and one brought back memories he said. All look and work well.

Gilles | Nov. 23, 2019

Great!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Great little device I bought for a friend and for me, documentation is really clear, nothing much to say other than it’s fun.
I still have a little trouble understanding how to use the input while the program is running, it doesn’t seem to work like a Kenbak-1, I need to investigate this.

Lorenz | Nov. 18, 2019

I'm actually addicted to PCB-rulers. Damn this one weakness!

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

Hi,
I just love this one. I also gifted one to my IT-trainees and he absolutly loves this thing too.
He brags about it in his professional school and the teachers allowed him to take it to his exams.
Well, I rly hope for him, that there are some basic logic questions in his exam^^ ;)

It just was the perfect gift for my trainee, because he had hard times before
he came to my company to finish his qualifications and this really motivated him because of the appreciation he felt.

We are also hoping that there is a Digirule 3 coming^^

Bill | Oct. 21, 2019

A must have!!!!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

I haven’t enjoyed programming binary as much as now! Just awesome with the only downside is I’m getting nothing done at work anymore!! Just perfect!!

Greg | Oct. 1, 2019

Outstanding product, the most fun I've had in ages

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Solidly built, well documented and supported, and works exactly as described. I'm old enough to have played with the generation of computers that inspired the Digirule, and can confidently say the Digirule captures the spirit of the era better than anything I've ever seen. Three weeks from order to arrival in Canada, which is even faster than promised. I couldn't be happier.

Arun | Sept. 29, 2019

Awesome little device

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

I'm an Old Fart on the Net, and this sure takes me back. It's very well put together, and comes with some sample code to get you going.

Christophe | Sept. 29, 2019

Great and fun !!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Great device with simple enough assembler to use it for teaching low level programming.
Will buy or build other items for sure !!!

Thomas | Sept. 28, 2019

Link to before and after.

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

An amazingly well crafted device that links all that has gone into my journey with bits to all the possibilities still to come. Part prayer bead, part logic trainer, part teaching device this ruler can be used for so much. I look forward to seeing and contributing to all the code and projects that com from this. Has anyone started up a tag/hashtag for it on GitHub, Twitter, irc, erc? #digirule

Patrick | Sept. 27, 2019

Addictive toy.

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

After receiving the ruler my work productivity plummeted. It holds up great, even under heavy use. A resource for sharing costum programs would be nice. Maybe a shared google doc?

Carlos | Sept. 25, 2019

Totally Awesome!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Really well made. Thick PCB, nice screening reading, totally documented. The maker is also awesome, really communicative. This is a must-have for everyone related with computers, as a desktop toy or as a learning toy. Totally recommended.

I also recommend to read all the reviews as they already tell you everything you would like to know.

Jamie | Sept. 18, 2019

A huge amount of fun and a must for any hacker

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Can't tell you how chuffed I am with this - it is just brilliant :-D
Ordered this from the UK and paid for standard airmail with tracking. 12 days later it's arrived. It was nicely packaged in a padded envelope and an anti-static bag. No sign of any damage to the packaging and the ruler itself was in perfect condition. I just popped in a battery (taking careful note of the instructions on the slip of paper included) and it was ready to go.
The build quality is really impressive. The PCB is nice and thick with minimal flex. The silk-screening is nice and clear and I like the way each box is made to look like an old style window. All the components are well soldered and well positioned on the PCB.
Documentation is available from the website and details are given on the paper slip in the package on how to find it. The documentation is good and covered everything I needed to know.
It comes with 8 programs already programmed into the flash banks so that you can load then with a couple of button presses to see your Digirule 2a running programs immediately.
Speaking as someone who began his programming career in the late 70's, this immediately took me back to those days. There is something immensely satisfying about directly loading instructions and data, bit by bit. :-D
On a serious note, I think a knowledge of how computers work right down at the machine code level can be a real benefit even when you're programming in modern high-level languages. So something like this is a great way to introduce people to that, especially for the price, which is very affordable.
Really happy with this :-D

Mario | Sept. 9, 2019

Nice idea and great product

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

Apart from looking great and being useful on its own, this ruler helped me to explain basics of computing to my kid. Thank you for this cool little gadget!

Thomas | Sept. 8, 2019

Amazingly Fun And Useful.

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

I got this just for the sheer wow factor of having a blinking bit of binary figuring in my kit. Then my younger son starts using it relating how he learnt some about flip-flops using redstone in Minecraft. A fellow at work picked it up and recounted his early days of code work.... Those are just from having it for a few days. Just as a conversation starter it has been well worth the purchase. Hats off for a useful tool that packs a lot of personality as well.

Edward | Sept. 6, 2019

A Very Good Stuff

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

Very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!very GooD!!!

Alex | Aug. 19, 2019

Great way to play with retro tech!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Growing up in the era of desktop PCs with internet connectivity, I never really learned the extremely low-level basics of how computers worked until much later in college, and even then not really. For the price both in terms of dollars and desk space, the Digirule2 offers a TON of fun deep-diving into the basics with the latest and greatest 1975 tech. The documentation is all there too, including secondary utilities to help you write programs in a much less error-prone, manual sort of way, if that's what you're after.

Alex | Aug. 19, 2019

Super fun desk toy/intro to digital circuits

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

The digirule is a fun way to twiddle, or explain digital logic to a layperson. Definitely a worthy nerd-gift. The documentation is great, and if you read it, there's a lot more there than you'd think at first glance. The author is also super communicative.

Gregory | Aug. 18, 2019

Great little device to aid in learning some digital logic.

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

Such a simple little device to help those unfamiliar with digital logic to learn how logic works. Fun to play with. Such a simple device to show how logic works. Shipping was quick, and also well packaged. Love it.

Response from bradsprojects | Aug. 19, 2019

Thanks for the review Gregory. Glad to hear you're having fun playing with the Digirule!

Valerio | Aug. 18, 2019

Great device

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

I love it.
The digirule 1A is a great device for teaching the working of logic gates, Flip flop and binary.
The visual experience of turning on inputs and how they affect the output is first class.

Hoping to start programming it soon.

It uses the 18F45k20 rather then the 18F43k20, which I’m already using with the PICKIT 2 interface.

Looking forward to buy the Digirule 2A when it is back on sale.

Response from bradsprojects | Aug. 19, 2019

Thanks for the review Valerio. Remember you can download the sourcecode and schematic from the Digirule web page on my site. Have fun with programming your Digirule :)

Philippe | Aug. 17, 2019

Lots of fun in a small and portable package

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Control panel on the front, documentation on the back, blinkenlights, what’s not to like?
There’s even a series of holes near the battery that invite probing. Programming port? Could I change the firmware and make it even more special?
Such fun!
Thank you Brad for creating this great toy and for being such a nice person to deal with.

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