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Flux

@willflux.bsky.social

270 followers 140 following 210 posts

Only hardware makes it possible! FPGA, RISC-V, 68K, OS, graphics, demos, permacomputing http://projectf.io | http://systemtalk.org

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 1

Isle 🏝️ is my new #FPGA project.

Isle is a simple, modern computer — an open design that encourages tinkering, experimentation, and doing your own thing. I hope to inspire you to come on a journey with me and build your own computer. projectf.io/isle/fpga-co...

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 7d

Enjoy that moment, however short it is. 😊

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 7d

I've been upgrading servers to Debian 13.

"The overall disk usage for trixie is 403,854,660 kB (403 GB), and is made up of 1,463,291,186 lines of code."

1.5 billion lines of code. 🤔

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 10d

What makes it so good? Easier to move through the train? I've yet to travel on one.

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 14d

It can be difficult to let your imperfect creations feel the light of public scrutiny, but a project like this only thrives with the thoughts and contributions of many different people. 🙏 [2/2]

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 14d

Happy #FPGAFriday. The hardware for the next installment of 🏝️ Isle #FPGA Computer is ready; now I'm working on docs, a new blog post, and an update for my sponsors. I'm aiming for a public update next Friday. [1/2]

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 15d

I don't use Google search, but thought I would test its AI Overview. I'm a convert! 😉🍪

Drawing from his well-documented history of boundless enthusiasm and internal struggle, Cookie Monster's teachings could form the basis of a surprisingly resonant, if unconventional, spiritual practice. As a religious leader, he would focus on the complex relationship between desire, indulgence, and the ultimate wisdom of knowing when to practice moderation.

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 17d

I chose “colr” for my current project to avoid this problem. 🙃

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · 27d

Serendipity brought us to Time Circus in Turnhout. “Feel free to look into and open everything”

Notice at Time Circus installation in Turnhout in Belgium next to a copy of the book Landschip.

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Sep 8

There’s an ad for the MacTable in MacUser Feb ‘86: systemtalk.org/post/macinto...

Announcing the table designed exclusively for your Macintosh.

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Sep 2

Why am I not surprised that your bodge wire is lovely and neat. ☺️

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Sep 2

With bitmap graphics display working, the next few Isle #FPGA Computer updates will cover:

• 2D drawing engine
• Unicode Text Mode
• RISC-V CPU (existing design)

Once these components are in place, I'll assemble an initial version of the computer.

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Sep 1

Over the weekend I released the next part of Isle #FPGA Computer covering bitmap graphics.

projectf.io/isle/bitmap-...

I've added more docs and tests, but I'm still finding the right approach to the Isle blog and working on diagrams.

Lakritz FPGA dev board driving widescreen monitor showing picture of purple and white crocuses. The monitor is running at 1366x768.

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Reposted by Flux

Jan @jangray.bsky.social · Aug 27

Congratulations @clairexen.bsky.social: #HotChips / IEEE TCMM 2025 Open Source Hardware Contribution Award

Slide from Hot Chips 2025:
"2025 TCMM Open Source Hardware Contribution Award:
Claire Wolf: In recognition of outstanding contributions to RISC-V —
including BitManip, RVFI, and PicoRV32—and to open-source tools like Yosys and IceStorm. [IEEE Computer Society TCMM / Technical Community on Microprocessors and Microcomputers]"

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 22

Party Fears Two

Arwyn on the decks at St Leonards on Sea

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 22

Some friendly advice from Microsoft on the use of AI in Excel. “Avoid using COPILOT for: Numerical calculations…” support.microsoft.com/en-us/office...

COPILOT uses AI and can give incorrect responses… the full text of the image is accessible on the linked Microsoft web page.

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 22

No FPGA for me today 😢, so I'd appreciate hearing about your hardware projects. #FPGAFriday

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 22

Just when you thought movement and music had never been combined so perfectly, it hits you with that final line. 👌

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 19

Isle Verilog modules include #cocotb tests and reference docs. Writing docs is time consuming but worthwhile. It's hard to learn from existing designs without them. #FPGA

Here's a simple example; it could be better, but it's something to build on: github.com/projf/isle/b...

github.com

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Reposted by Flux

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 1

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 14

I'm getting to grips with more cocotb tests for Isle #FPGA computer. This new test verifies pixel output end-to-end: address_calc > vram > clut > display. We're not letting any latency issues sneak in. Will be part of chapter 2: bitmaps.

Terminal output showing successful cocotb tests for different screen coordinates, for example: RGB(14 ,8, 17) at (670, 383).

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 13

Part of the Isle #FPGA computer project is explaining my design choices. I hope this is interesting and aids you when working on your own hardware. In the display modes post, I explain why I'm supporting 1366x768, 1024x768, and 1280x720: projectf.io/isle/display...

ULX3S FPGA dev board driving a 1024x768 LCD panel.

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Reposted by Flux

Piotr Esden-Tempski @esden.net · Aug 12

For some time @securelyfitz.bsky.social and I have been working on a new hardware security tool. A tiny m.2 WiFi module sized FPGA board allowing the access to the PCIe interface. You can sign up for updates for when the campaign launches, some time next year. #EpicErebus #fpga

EPIC Erebus

A tiny PCIe DMA tool that's fully customizable with an open toolchain and gateware

www.crowdsupply.com

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 12

This isn’t just about weight, but footprint too. Apple’s smallest is 13”, System76 14”, Lenovo has a 12”, but it’s a tablet with detachable keyboard. MNT Pocket Reform is interesting with its 7” screen.

Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 12

I’m sad that smaller laptops seem to be a thing of the past. Where are the 10”-12” laptops for writers, travellers, and techies on the move? I want a proper keyboard for writing on, developing on, and SSH. 🤔

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Flux @willflux.bsky.social · Aug 8

Reading through my posts for the first time in a long time, I noticed a mistake. I claimed the IBM System/360 had a zero register, which isn't true! Thankfully, I was on firmer ground with the CDC 6600 designed by Seymour Cray. 🤓