A Retro Computer in Badge Format for 8‑bit 6502 Fans!

50 Years of the 8‑bit MOS 6502 Microprocessor

Final Version 2.6 from 2025/12/27

The legendary MOS 6502 was introduced in 1975 and changed the world of computing. It delivered performance at a low price and enabled the rise of home computers.

Video on YouTube

Famous 6502‑based systems:

• Apple II
• Commodore VIC‑20 & C64
• Nintendo NES
• BBC Micro
• Atari VCS

What is the “Computer Badge”?

The MOS 6502 50th Anniversary Computer Badge is a minimalist re‑release of the original—compatible, yet rebuilt with modern parts to make it easy to assemble today.

Highlights:

• W65C02S microprocessor @ 2 MHz
• 32 KB RAM with battery backup
• 32 KB EPROM with floating‑point BASIC + 6502 monitor
• 7‑digit 7‑segment LED display + 7 LEDs for effects
• USB‑C Serial TTL (CH340) – plug directly into your PC
• DC/DC step‑up module for stable battery operation
• CR2032 coin cell to retain SRAM data

Fully functional, programmable in assembler or BASIC — and still small enough to wear as a retro name badge.

What can you use it for?

• As a retro name badge with a scrolling text of your choice
• To celebrate 50 years of the 6502 and the home‑computer era
• As a teaching project for assembler, BASIC, and hardware nostalgia
• For tinkering & fun with a minimal part count
• Simply as a cool collectible for the anniversary

Technical Specs at a Glance

• W65C02S @ 2 MHz
• 32 KB RAM with battery backup
• 32 KB EPROM (BASIC + Monitor)
• 2× 8‑bit output latches
• 7‑digit 7‑segment LED display + 7 LEDs
• USB‑C to TTL CH340 UART adapter (BTE17‑06B)
• DC/DC 5 V step‑up boost converter
• Charging function for 3× AA NiCd cells

👉 This gives you a fully featured retro system in your hand—minimalist, educational, and a real eye‑catcher at any nerd meetup. 😎