Commodore 64 Fitness Watch (2022)
The C64 Fitness Watch is a smartwatch syncing fitness data with a Commodore 64. It uses an onboard BASIC interpreter, accelerometer, and IR transmitter for wireless data transfer. Developed by Nick Bild, it merges retro computing with modern wearables.
Read original articleThe C64 Fitness Watch is a project that involves a C64-themed smartwatch designed to sync fitness data wirelessly with a Commodore 64 computer. The smartwatch, based on the Lilygo T-Watch 2020, features an onboard BASIC interpreter and an accelerometer used as a step counter. The project showcases a method to wirelessly sync data between the smartwatch and the Commodore 64 using an infrared transmitter on the watch and an IR receiver connected to an Arduino Micro. The process involves encoding data into IR pulses, decoding them on the computer side, and updating step count data on the Commodore 64 screen. Instructions are provided for setting up the T-Watch Library in Arduino IDE and loading necessary programs onto the Commodore 64. The project is detailed by Nick Bild, who specializes in R&D and creative technology projects. The C64 Fitness Watch project demonstrates a unique blend of retro computing and modern wearable technology.
Related
1/25-scale Cray C90 wristwatch
A 1/25-scale Cray C90 wristwatch project showcases a Cray J90 core simulation of Jupiter and its moons. Despite impracticality for timekeeping, it demonstrates hardware evolution and computational abilities in esoteric computing.
Porting Python to a $3 smartwatch [video]
A YouTube video reviews the M4 wristband smartwatch, noting limited features and performance issues. The creator disassembles a fitness tracker, demonstrating circuit board construction, soldering challenges, and project outcomes.
Google Maps and Street View running on a Commodore 64
A group of Commodore 64 enthusiasts successfully run Google Maps on the vintage computer using a WiC64 module. This achievement showcases the C64's adaptability to modern tasks, despite its age and limited capabilities.
Goodwatch – A Ham Radio Wristwatch
The GoodWatch is a custom circuit board replacing Casio's calculator watches, supporting amateur radio bands, with a CC430F6147 chip, untuned antenna, POCSAG Receiver, Morse code time beep, and C programming. It lacks Phase Shift Keying and LoRa support but offers modulations customization.
Reverse Engineering a Smartwatch
Benjamen Lim reverse engineered a smartwatch with geolocating capabilities, repurposing it by reprogramming the firmware through exposed programming pins. The project showcased the value of salvaging electronic devices efficiently.
Related
1/25-scale Cray C90 wristwatch
A 1/25-scale Cray C90 wristwatch project showcases a Cray J90 core simulation of Jupiter and its moons. Despite impracticality for timekeeping, it demonstrates hardware evolution and computational abilities in esoteric computing.
Porting Python to a $3 smartwatch [video]
A YouTube video reviews the M4 wristband smartwatch, noting limited features and performance issues. The creator disassembles a fitness tracker, demonstrating circuit board construction, soldering challenges, and project outcomes.
Google Maps and Street View running on a Commodore 64
A group of Commodore 64 enthusiasts successfully run Google Maps on the vintage computer using a WiC64 module. This achievement showcases the C64's adaptability to modern tasks, despite its age and limited capabilities.
Goodwatch – A Ham Radio Wristwatch
The GoodWatch is a custom circuit board replacing Casio's calculator watches, supporting amateur radio bands, with a CC430F6147 chip, untuned antenna, POCSAG Receiver, Morse code time beep, and C programming. It lacks Phase Shift Keying and LoRa support but offers modulations customization.
Reverse Engineering a Smartwatch
Benjamen Lim reverse engineered a smartwatch with geolocating capabilities, repurposing it by reprogramming the firmware through exposed programming pins. The project showcased the value of salvaging electronic devices efficiently.