Another one of my Kickstarter campaigns, this time the Maximite BBX BASIC Language Computer, recently completed and was successful. I knew this would be a tough one so I ran it for 60 days instead of the normal 30. The project is based on the open source Maximite Computer design by Geoff Graham. My main goal was to create a beginner's book on programming in the old fashion BASIC language that I learned programming with and see if there was enough interest in the idea. I needed 100 backers to basically break-even on the project and 100 is what I got.
The Maximite is a great platform for the book and no computer is needed if you have the Maximite. It is the computer. There are existing Maximite boards and kits available but I wanted a complete package with a plastic or wood case to protect the electronics from young hands but also allow access to the Arduino headers and Electrical ports for expansion. These I/O features allow me the chance to introduce embedded style programming as well.
The Maximite is a great platform for the book and no computer is needed if you have the Maximite. It is the computer. There are existing Maximite boards and kits available but I wanted a complete package with a plastic or wood case to protect the electronics from young hands but also allow access to the Arduino headers and Electrical ports for expansion. These I/O features allow me the chance to introduce embedded style programming as well.
Thankfully the project was successful and now I'm working with some of the suppliers to deliver the rewards and the biggest task is finishing the book/manual. In it I introduce programming at the entry level and then expand it out with a several key projects. If this goes over well then I can follow-up with more project style books. I'm looking at open sourcing a lot of the info so others can share in the fun.
Some may say this is a waste of time because there is Arduino and Raspberry PI that can do a lot more. But typically "Lot More" also means "Lot More" complicated. And since I'm all about the beginner, I feel starting with the BASIC language is still one of the best paths to success. There are also a lot of people trying to recreate this BASIC style programming on the Raspberry PI so why not have a dedicated option.
I also know there are a lot of "old timers" like me who still appreciate the old style BASIC programming and the Maximite BBX brings that back with a modern twist. I already have a separate website setup for the Maximite BBX which I plan to link in to this site's menu and then expand it for the future. Stay tuned for more info about the BBX in the future.
I also know there are a lot of "old timers" like me who still appreciate the old style BASIC programming and the Maximite BBX brings that back with a modern twist. I already have a separate website setup for the Maximite BBX which I plan to link in to this site's menu and then expand it for the future. Stay tuned for more info about the BBX in the future.
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