What can it compute, you ask? What can't it compute? Delta-v for planetary slingshots? Hypersonic scramjet aerodynamics? Answer to the Drake equation? The only limit is your imagination as you watch it in action.

A fun little project prompted by a chat with a friend after watching Big Clive's video on Intergalactic supercomputers - inspired by sci-fi from the bygone era of computers that consisted entirely of had an abundance of flashing lights.

Electronically it's actually very - amusingly, even - simple; I won't give the game away, so watch Clive's video if you want the illusion shattered. But the effect is surprisingly, well, effective; and it is delightful to watch.

Not that it was simple to execute, mind - without having to get bogged down in coding, it became more of a project on perfecting the aesthetic - particularly I had a clear goal of how defined I wanted the lights to look. So cue learning a few more skills - notably it was my first time to design and order assembled PCBs (I did solder each LED, but at least didn't have to do matching resistors); the first project involving 3D printed parts (baffles for the LEDs); and discovery of laser engraving laminate (which works quite well with the CNC).

Add a dash of actual, honest woodwork for the frame - hand oiled Iroko, no less - and I think I got pretty close to what I first imagined.

There are a few work-in-progress pictures over on imgur.

Oh... and it's for sale! Shop is a work in progress but meantime you can order below. Note I'm making these to order so please allow 6 weeks for despatch just in case of component supply issues - but should be quicker than that. Let me know if you need shipping to a location not listed.