Rockwell AIM-65 6502 Vintage Computer: Display Board, Speech Synthesizer, Basic, and Forth

I explore the Rockwell AIM-65 vintage computer. This is a 6502-based computer from the late 1970s. This computer came with 4KB of RAM and 20KB of ROM, and had some kind of calculation program installed for what I think is a manufacturing company. It came in a nice all-metal industrial case. I build a display board that uses the 6545 CRTC chip to render composite video. I also build a speech synthesizer using the SP0256A-AL2 speech synthesis IC. I also demonstrate using BASIC and Forth languages, and establish a serial connection to the vintage computer. For more vintage computer videos, see www.smbaker.com/

[@trevorhamblett9467]

Great video, I learnt 6502 machine code/assembly on one of these versatile robust machines back in 1981. I retrieved my AIM65 from storage to have play and have started to recreate your Display card which really makes the machine more usable.

[@mikehaas543]

I used an AiM-65 when I was in college to learn 6502 after I learned 6502 assembly on a Commodore 64 in my first job in high school. I just recently purchased one on e-bay with a wire wrapped Video board. I am in the process of getting it functional. I was shocked no one bid on it. I enjoy the diversity of your content. Thanks.

[@derekchristenson5711]

Cool!

[@8bitwiz_]

I love that alphanumeric LED display.

[@NuGanjaTron]

You really can't get any more hardcore than the AIM65. Except maybe programming via patchpanels... 🙃

[@michaelwessel4953]

Oh yeah, thinking of which - I still need a speech synth for my Microprofessor 😊 nice video, thanks for sharing. We certainly share a common Obsession when it comes to vintage speech synths 😂

[@agsel]

I have an AIM-65 in it's original cardboard box with a bunch of original manuals and guides but no chassis. I'd love to test it someday but the PCB looks really crusty on the back so I think it would be a good idea to go over it completely before attempting to power it. Very cool to see what the machine could be capable of, thanks!

[@hattened]

If you are looking for a power supply to power it up along with other boards with analog, I use the Mean Well RQ-125D for my AIM65 and external Video-1 board. It has all the voltages and enough current to handle it all.

[@agsel]

@@hattened thanks for the tip!

[@The.Doctor.Venkman]

I first saw this at college when I was 17 years old (1982) It was used to teach us 6502 machine code programming. This is so nostalgic - Thank you!

[@snarfusmaximus]

Great video, as always. I have a soft spot for 8-bit development systems and an AIM-65 is one I've always lusted after - like a KIM-1 on steroids. I do have a KIM-1 though so I really can't complain.

[@EpsilonsReviews]

Oh man, I’d do anything to get to mess around in forth on that thing! Amazing stuff ❤

[@alpcns]

Brilliant stuff! Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@alexandermirdzveli3200]

Thank you for a marvelous trip!

[@esra_erimez]

These machines were long before my time, but I love these videos.

[@senilyDeluxe]

Just a few years ago, I pulled one out of a public dumpster. I couldn't believe my eyes!
And it works! It's got BASIC installed and there is a huge circuit board in its "basement" with 36k of RAM (18k battery backed 6116 and 18k non-battery backed 2114 and yes I know 18k is a weird number) as well as a few ROM chips. It didn't come with the cable that connects it to the AIM-65 though and I haven't dumped any of the ROMs yet or tested the RAM, I just removed the VARTA Destroyer Of Boards (TM) battery.
(first thin I did was take it to a retrocomputing expo and wrote a small BASIC program that would scroll "LEGALIZE DUMPSTER DIVING" across its gorgeous bubble LED display - as in Germany, I'm pretty much a criminal stealing antique computers out of dumpsters)

[@alexgayer85]

What a cool machine

[@ostrov11]

This is a 6502-based computer from the late 1970s. This computer came with 4KB of RAM and 20KB of ROM, computer I have a soft I have a soft spot for 8-bit development spot for 8-bit development from the late 1970s. and had some kind of calculation program installed for what I computer from the late 1970s. think is a manufacturing company.computer from the late 1970s. It came in a nice

[@netdudeuk]

Thanks Scott. Always love your videos. What do you use to compile for your 22V10s ? Thanks.

[@MatsEngstrom]

Cool. The AIM-65 was my second computer back in the day. I first got a KIM-1 in 77, then the AIM and finally an Apple ][ some years later. After that it was an IBM XT and the "exciting magic" feeling of computers went away and it all became a bit more boring.

[@miked4377]

that computer is so nice....I love rare hardware..I have never seen this model....very nice.what year 78 79?

[@miked4377]

ok 79 then..

[@patrickantonio6306]

There’s your like and fallow good man

[@RaquelFoster]

It would make more sense if the Rockwell AIM-65 was some kind of anti-interceptor missile developed for the Rockwell B-1. Maybe if you type in the right numbers it can 3D print you one?

[@edgeeffect]

: ACE 10 0 DO ." FORTH IS ACE" LOOP ;