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.

UPDATE 2025-07-08: Thank you so much to everyone who ordered and made it viable to make more of these! The last of the first batch was mailed at the end of June hopefully by now everyone has received theirs. It took (of course) longer than expected - in particular the mitred frame was awkward to get fitting just right - and repeatedly so.

As such - and to keep the price the same - any future units will ship with a revised frame design as seen in pictures 7-13 above. It still features the Iroko hardwood, but more 80s-hifi-style side panels with black top and bottom.

Purchase details

This second batch will again be priced @ £165+shipping, and due to ship approx end of August. Please note:

• I cannot be responsible for (or influence) any import duties you may incur
• This is BYO USB power supply and cable, to save e-waste (I'm 99.99% certain you have spares!)

UPDATE 2025-07-11: I'm blown away by the positive feedback and confidence from the folks who ordered the second batch - (mainly folks from r/cassettefuturism). I've taken as many orders as I can realistically make in the next couple of months so apologies for closing shop for now. But drop me a line if you want to go on the waitlist for any future units.

Bonus extra video reveals prototype turbo model (ie faster LEDs, the shipping model will retain the slower ones.)