Imagesource: https://youtu.be/VgktjP_Fcy8

Let's go over the coolness factors of DIY homebrew builds top-down.

You buy an 8-bit CPU and some LS74XX chips. Level: Master. You do without the CPU and build yourself an ALU and complete CPU with said LS74XX. Level: Magician. You build a complete functional machine (except RAM and ROM) out of transistors? 😱 Level: ???

Dennis Kuschel did exactly that. Those who already know Dennis, also know his first machine MyNOR. But already back in 2021 Dennis - unfortunately unnoticed by us - went one better and built TraNOR.

The machine is not only beautiful in the final result, it is seriously capable. Dennis actually implemented several games for the thing, which only has a 4 line LC display. And they are something to behold.

Great work and maybe inspiration for your summer project.