COSMAC ELF computer
E80434
The COSMAC ELF computer is a simple, low-cost, build-it-yourself microcomputer from the late 1970s that became popular among hobbyists for learning and experimenting with early personal computing.
Aliases (2)
- COSMAC ELF ×49
- Netronics ELF II ×1
Statements (49)
| Predicate | Object |
|---|---|
| instanceOf |
hobbyist computer
→
homebrew microcomputer → single-board computer → |
| architecture |
COSMAC 1802 architecture
→
|
| basedOn |
RCA 1802 microprocessor
→
|
| category |
early personal computer
→
microcomputer kit → |
| clockSpeed |
1.76 MHz
→
|
| costCharacteristic |
low-cost
→
|
| countryOfOrigin |
United States
→
|
| cpu |
RCA CDP1802
→
|
| creator |
Joseph Weisbecker
NERFINISHED
→
RCA engineers → |
| designedFor |
electronics hobbyists
→
homebrew computer builders → |
| documentationLanguage |
English
→
|
| expandableTo |
several kilobytes of RAM
→
|
| expansionCapability |
cassette interface add-ons
→
keypad input add-ons → video display add-ons → |
| featuredIn |
Popular Electronics magazine
→
|
| firstDescribedIn |
Popular Electronics August 1976 issue
→
Popular Electronics September 1976 issue → |
| historicalSignificance |
popularized low-cost microcomputing for hobbyists
→
served as an entry point into microprocessor programming in the 1970s → |
| initialMemorySize |
256 bytes
→
|
| inputMethod |
front-panel switches
→
toggle switches → |
| inspired |
Netronics ELF II
→
Quest Super ELF → later RCA 1802-based hobby computers → |
| introducedIn |
1976
→
|
| introducedInDecade |
1970s
→
|
| manufacturer |
homebuilt from magazine plans
→
|
| marketedAs |
build-it-yourself computer
→
|
| memoryType |
static RAM
→
|
| notableFeature |
could be built on perfboard
→
no dedicated ROM required → static CMOS CPU allowing low power → very simple hardware design → |
| outputMethod |
LED display
→
hexadecimal display → |
| powerSource |
9-volt battery
→
DC power supply → |
| primaryUse |
educational computing
→
experimenting with machine language → learning microcomputers → |
| programEntryMethod |
front-panel switch toggling
→
|
| wordSize |
8-bit
→
|
Referenced by (2)
| Subject (surface form when different) | Predicate |
|---|---|
|
COSMAC ELF
("Netronics ELF II")
→
|
inspired |
|
RCA 1802 microprocessor
→
|
usedIn |