Mini-Maximite BASIC Computer Kit

(Silicon Chip Magazine November 2011) The idea behind the miniMaximite is simple: to shrink the Maximite down to the size of a large postage stamp while keeping it 100% compatible with the larger version in its external I/O capabilities and programming language.

The only items that the miniMaximite is missing are the connectors for the VGA, keyboard, sound and SD card. You can add them to the miniMaximite if you wish; the signals are brought out onto header pins. But we expect that usually, the miniMaximite will be driving an LCD or indicator LEDs and using pushbuttons for inputs.

For this reason you should not think of the miniMaximite as a replacement for the full sized Maximite. It is a minimalist version designed to add intelligence to your next creation.

In fact, you should have both Maximites: develop your program on the full Maximite and when you are ready, copy the program to the miniMaximite embedded in your circuit.

The best part is that they’re cheap enough to enable you to do this!

Note: The main SMD chip on this board is pre-soldered to save constructors time and hassle.