Subsystems

607 orders since May 04, 2018

Augusta, GA, United States of America

Ships from United States of America.

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Subsystems...diving deep into learning! Note: I am currently not shipping internationally due to expense and customs issues. Thank you.

Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (5.00)

Documentation: (4.84)

Shipping: (4.92)

Communication: (4.96)

All Reviews

James | June 1, 2024

I absolutely LOVE this computer!

For 4-bit Microcontroller Trainer V2.0

The maker's story about the science fair micro computer trainer is close to mine. I bought mine when I was was about 22. When I first looked at it I thought, "What can I do with this thing ?" Turns out a lot. I enjoyed the games that were built in it and the ones I wrote. (With only 128 bytes of RAM !) I'm not sure why I threw it away, but years later I really miss it bad. I almost bought a used one on Ebay. Now I'm VERY glad I did not! This computer is WAY better! Twice the memory, a much better display, a way to save programs, ( Science fair original had no way to save programs), nicely laid out, and excellent quality workmanship. Yes, this computer is well worth every penny. Yes, I would gladly buy it again. The book written for it is superb! I thought binary code was intimidating, till I read the instructions section on binary code. Piece of cake! Nothing to it! The instructions are super easy and to the point. I can't believe I'm having this much fun learning. I'm looking forward to re-writing those old games I did years ago and improving them with the much bigger computer memory. And now I can save them. Thank you so much for making this computer, and the excellent guide that comes with it.

Douglas | March 1, 2024

Really Fun Toy for the Money!

For SMART Response XE with Arduino Basic

As one of the IT "gray beards", I used Tiny Basic MANY years ago. This little device is an amazing way to experience Tiny Basic in 21st century form.

The only downside is that there is no way to connect to a computer. Programs must be typed in on the small device keyboard.

Just a blast! Highly recommended!!!

David | Oct. 11, 2023

Excellent learning tool!

For SMART Response XE with Arduino Basic

This is an impressively useful, compact device. It arrived quickly and it works well. Rock solid build quality. Very happy with mine!

John | Aug. 14, 2023

Device excellent condition, operates exactly as described!

For Super Star Trek on the Smart Response XE

The SMART Response XE device itself was in excellent condition, and the implementation of Super Star Trek on it is extremely stable, well thought-out, and still fun after all these years!

Matthew | May 18, 2023

A fun a very educational way to mess around!

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I originally snagged this because the concept of low level assembly programming felt like a bit too much to me. But this makes it loads of fun to tinker around and really learn the ins and outs!

I absolutely love the physicality of it too. It distills things down to the bare bones so that I can see all the moving parts, so to say.

Wolfgang | Dec. 5, 2022

Cool.

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I got mine today from https://www.myus.com/ to Germany.
It is great, I like it.
One question: Which temperature sensor is used?
I need the datasheet.
I tried to find "AF 5S" but no luck....

Wolfgang (Germany)

Response from Subsystems | Dec. 5, 2022

Thanks Wolfgang!
Here is a link to the part:
https://jlcpcb.com/partdetail/MicrochipTech-MCP9700AT_ETT/C127949

Dan

Jarom | Nov. 1, 2022

Priceless

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

It's just so cool. I've had it for a couple years now. For years before, I had wanted to get my hands on an Altair 8800 or similar and play around flipping my own bits. I'm not sure I've ever spent $25 on something that's given me as much joy. I have it on my desk with me all the time. I was able to bring it with me on a Christmas visit to share it with my nephew who is interested in programming. Thank you so much for making it. Thank you for having it be so affordable.

Response from Subsystems | Nov. 1, 2022

Thanks so much Jarom. I love hearing about people enjoying this blast from the past!

Svetoslav | March 14, 2022

You single handedly reinvented the pocket computer

For SMART Response XE with Arduino Basic

Such a cute little machine intended to celebrate the legacy of Tandy, Casio and Sharp pocket computers running BASIC.

Gregory | March 7, 2022

Best Blinkenlights 8-bit Computer for under $26!

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

When I impulse-purchased this, I think I must have thought it was a kit (I have a giant backlog of kits from Tindie), so when I first opened it, I was bummed. However, that turned around quickly when I powered it up and downloaded the data sheet and started programming it. Between this and the 4-bit Microcontroller Trainer from the same seller, I lost track of about 4 hours the first day they showed up. Whether you're nostalgic for the good old days of hand assembly, or you've never shifted left and are interested in what all the hullaballoo is about, this is a good option for learning about how real programmers used to practice their craft.

(I left a similar review for the 4-bit trainer; would recommend both, frankly)

Gregory | March 7, 2022

Best "bare-metal" 4-bit computer for under $50!

For 4-bit Microcontroller Trainer V2.0

When I impulse-purchased this, I think I must have thought it was a kit (I have a giant backlog of kits from Tindie), so when I first opened it, I was bummed. However, that turned around quickly when I powered it up and downloaded the data sheet and started programming it. Between this and the 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer from the same seller, I lost track of about 4 hours the first day they showed up. Whether you're nostaligic for the good old days of hand assembly, or you've never shifted left and are interested in what all the hullaballoo is about, this is a good option for learning about how real programmers used to practice their craft.

Richard | Dec. 20, 2021

Awesome value, rugged BASIC retrocomputer!

For SMART Response XE with Arduino Basic

I am SO happy with this delightful project! It provides retro BASIC goodness in a device that is easy to hold and has a better display, keyboard, and case than any badge computer, with ample memory and long life from standard batteries I'll be able to buy for the rest of my life (and works with rechargeable batteries too). The added commands to save programs, see available memory and battery, and the integration to turn the device on and off are nice touches, as are the adaptations to the make the best use of the device keyboard. It's reminiscent of programming BASIC on a Radio Shack Model 100 with its multi-line display, but is made from more recent technologies (no recapping!). The video and this page go over all the details and constraints, so there really are no surprises. If you want to have some old school BASIC fun, this repurposed device is an absolute joy to play with!

One thing that may not jump out at people from the descriptions are that because the Tiny Basic used is available as C source, you can use the same language platform on a Linux or other box (it compiles cleanly in GCC). This means if you want to debug or play with Tiny Basic in a different environment the code is portable too -- which is a real plus!.

All of this at a price/performance point that can't be beat, which is safely packed and quickly shipped!

Thank you so much to the creator of this delightful project for sharing it with us! If you ever do a Tiny Lisp version of this project I'll be back to buy more!

Anne P | Aug. 4, 2021

Smart Response XE w/tiny basic

For SMART Response XE with Arduino Basic

Perfect transaction! Product is in great condition and shipping was very quick. Thank you for the great service!

Andy | May 4, 2021

8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

8-bit Microprocessor Trainer - what a great item! Fantastic quality and great price.... highly recommended :-)

Joshua | April 17, 2021

Rewarding crash course in digital fundamentals!

For 4-bit Microcontroller Trainer V2.0

I am a high-school physics teacher just getting back into electronics and coding after a remove of several decades. The communication with the maker was very informative; the instruction/lesson booklet is superb; and this device is really well built, with buttons that provide great tactile feedback and look able to take a lot of use. In less than an hour I have made the device into a teeny but very playable synthesizer using nine lines of code - based on well explained building blocks from the manual. I'm looking forward to 'teaching' the little computer new tricks. Very glad to have discovered this on tindie.

Raymond | March 12, 2021

Great innovative design and works very well

For Mars Clock

Very well thought out product -- Easy to set-up. Time, date and Mars distance are very accurate. Communication, shipping & instructions are excellent. Stimulated my interest in Mars and Astronomy. Thank you.

David | Sept. 25, 2020

Very Fun/Educational

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I really enjoyed learning fundamental basics of programming with this 8-bit. It is very satisfying using the switches to program binary.

Al | July 16, 2020

BBC Model B revisited

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I used to own a BBC-B back in the day, the workings always were interesting to explore. OK it isn't a full on Beeb, but it's pocket size trainer.
Dan was good enough to send to the sunny U.K.
Worked straight out of the packaging. Super, well packed too.

Big thumbs up.

Thanks

Peter | July 9, 2020

Fantastic astronomical clock

For Mars Clock

I love this clock, and everything in the description is 100% accurate. I have suggested to the developer that he develop similar clocks for all the planets in the solar system, and perhaps one giant clock that contains all of them!

My only very small criticism, is that I wish it had battery backup. Every time the power goes out, you have to completely redo all of the settings which is no big deal, but it is a bit of an annoyance.

This is the perfect gift for any astronomer!

Ryan | June 20, 2020

Great teaching device and documentation

For 4-bit Microprocessor Trainer

Very cool and hands-on way to teach machine language concepts to kids. The documentation is really the biggest deal here, with lots of explanation and examples.

Tarek | May 26, 2020

love it!

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

Love the product and the useful documentation. I also appreciate how the owners took good care of shipping the item in the best protection possible.
Waiting for my other order, this time the 4-bit machine, to arrive!

Christopher | May 23, 2020

I like it a lot.

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I just got mine and it works wonderfully. I agree with a prior review that the back of the board could use the instruction set printed on it or on a small card included with the trainer to make it more useful. Very well done!

William | May 18, 2020

Cool little 8-Bit

For 8-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I love having these little 8 bit machines to play with. Might I make a suggestion, however... since the back is completely open, why not add a silkscreen with the instruction set and maybe even some sample apps on it. Love it!!! Keep it up!

Anatoly | May 16, 2020

Mars Clock - Great gift for anyone interested in Astronomy

For Mars Clock

I ran across this and was immediately drawn to it. I have been interested in Astronomy since High School. I thought it was pretty unique. First it is a regular digital clock, but it gives you something that no other clock does. It indicates the current Constellation that Mars is in. It also give you an approximate distant to Mars in millions of km.
It comes fully assembled and the web site gives you setup instructions. All you need to do is add the power source via a micro USB plug. It will be interesting to watch as we get to a close approach of 62 million km in Oct 2020.

Gerard | Oct. 23, 2018

Great Product

For Simple Rechargeable Binary Watch

The watch is very well build, does what it is supposed to do and the setting procedure is easy and smart. You must read the instructions to set it but it is very smart as you have only one button. What I don't like is the velco as it is to hard on my wrist. I will find another wristband and then everything is perfect. The battery seems to last very long without being recharged.

Dariush | Sept. 10, 2018

A really fascinating and well executed learning tool

For 4-bit Microprocessor Trainer

I owned a RadioShack Microcomputer Trainer when I was a kid. I liked it so much that I wanted to build another one. So I used the schematic from the manual to find parts and build my own. Unfortunately, I could never find a replacement TMS1100 IC that would work. Fast forward to my first Arduino, I'm thinking "I wonder if I could make this thing emulate that TMS1100 IC" but I never got around to it. Then one day I see this thing on Tindie and my mind bursts for joy. Not only is it really well built, the learning material is really well done as well.

The only thing that I would ask to make this better: the source code that runs the thing and some info on how to hack/modify it.