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 ;-)

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.

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.

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 !!!

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......

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 :)

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.

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.

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 !!!

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!

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.

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.

Robee | Aug. 16, 2019

The most brilliant and fun ruler in the world!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

When I first started using a computer, it had a keyboard (sort of) and plugged into a TV. I was too young for an Altair, and I have way too many old computers to have room for one.

But a ruler, I have room for, and this thing is entertaining coding fun. If there is another production run, you should buy them for your kids! And you, of course.

It's really nicely made, doesn't feel flimsy, and the instruction list on the back is a nice touch.

Matthew | Aug. 16, 2019

As described, good build quality

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

I more or less bought the Digirule 2A as a desk toy / something to mess with, and it certainly fits the bill. I’m not all that up on my 8-bit programming skills yet, but from what I’ve seen the Digirule functions exactly as you’d expect.

Michael | Aug. 16, 2019

The dog's bollocks

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

This is so cool it is off the scale! Great price. Real old school. Great. Just wish the review would let me enter less than 100 chars!

Eugene | Aug. 13, 2019

Fun little ruler to play with

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

There are lots of PCB rulers out there, but not very many interactive ones. The Digirule lets you play with 7 different types of logic gates, 4 flip/flops, and a 4-bit counter all powered by a single CR2032 battery. Great little ruler that any electronics geek will have fun with.

Response from bradsprojects | Aug. 19, 2019

Thanks for the review Eugene and I hope you continue to have fun with the Digirule!

Roderick | Aug. 13, 2019

Such a cool product!

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

This was a cool idea having an 8-bit computer with front panel switches and LEDs in such a small form factor. The fact that it's well designed and executed are a bonus. Having the sample programs stored in flash was a really nice touch too!

Response from bradsprojects | Aug. 13, 2019

Thanks for the review Roderick and i'm so glad you like your Digirule!

Dennis | Dec. 9, 2018

Excellent A++++++

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

Great bit of kit that takes me back to 1979, 8088/86, CP/M and my first IT job writing assembler routines!
I’m so grateful for this since now at 70 and contracting Rheumatoid Arthritis 22 years ago I’ve lost the ability to do any real fiddly electronics jobs unless you want solder splashed all over the PCB! It’s about time someone invented an alternative - yes I know you can get solderless breadboards, but surely by now and if we really did land men on the Moon, there’s a fortune waiting for a young inventor in this era of arduino, micro:bit and Raspberry Pi.
Very professionally put together and the documentation, with a few typos, is excellent - particularly the spreadsheet aka LMC look alike.
On that does anyone know where I could get one of the CARDIAC kits that Bell Laboratories used to give away to colleges, schools and Universities in the 1960s - a cardboard computer to get you going in Assembly Language, what more could a student need. Surely someone has or can make the templates for the kit on a 3D printer by now rather than having to cut up Cornflakes cardboard packets? I’ll buy one if there’s a young entrepreneur out there!
Denny

Paul | Dec. 5, 2018

Utterly bonkers

For Digirule2 - The 8-bit Programmable Binary Ruler

But absolutely brilliant. For the price an absolute must have for any hackers desk. Slightly scary in this is about the same power as my first computer (which had a 7 segment display and hex keypad, but no backing store ... so maybe cancels out). It's like having a 6502 or 8080 in a ruler. What more could anyone want ?

As a product, notwithstanding the "it's completely loony" bit, it's very professionally made, came well wrapped up and came pretty quickly considering it came from Australia.

Downsides: my attempt to port Doom to it didn't work too well. The FPS is pretty good but it lacks a bit in the resolution department.
I don't know how good the communication with the seller is because I never had to problem, but I can't apparently leave this is "don't know".

Niklas | May 20, 2018

Really cool ruler

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

I bought the digirule as a present for my girlfriend who is studying computer science and it was received very well. The shipping was quick, considering the distance involved. I love how the product is extremely well documented including source code, PCB design and bill of materials.

Response from bradsprojects | May 20, 2018

Fantastic to hear your girlfriend likes the gift Niklas - she sounds like the coolest girlfriend ever! Very much appreciate you taking the time to write the review and that you found the documentation helpful :)

Michael | May 18, 2018

Awesome ruler/gadget

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

I bought two Digirules because they looked interesting. I had no real use planned for them. They arrived about 3 weeks after I placed the order (US).

I'm much more impressed than I expected! The layout of the board is just complex enough to see what's happening without it being distracted. The LED side is an awesome tool for both learning and performing basic logic functions. The printed side has a slew of data that's useful to have during many projects.

One thing I'm extra impressed by is the finish of the Digirule board. It's matte. So I get no light reflection and it doesn't move when I set it down. Both are big plusses.

It's very likely that I'll buy extra in the near future... because I expect students (I'm a teacher) and coworkers to steal mine. A good problem to have. :)

Overall I couldn't be happier! Well done, mates.

Response from bradsprojects | May 18, 2018

Hi Michael - i'm glad the Digirule sparked your interest! I'm a teacher also and have used them in my digital classes. They have come in really handy for those who are brand new to binary, logic and so forth - i'm pretty sure some rulers have gone missing however...

Thanks for the review!

Vincent | May 17, 2018

Got it!

For Digirule - The Interactive Binary Ruler!

Hi Brad, just got the two ruler.. will keep them until kid grow up a little bit :)
Thanks for the fast shipping and I look forward for the coming Altair-on-a-ruler Edition :)

Response from bradsprojects | May 17, 2018

Fantastic I hope you have fun with it and pass it on to the next generation! I'll be sure to keep you posted on the Digirule2 - coming soon!

Page 1 of 2