6n3p - GoKawiil

Hobbyist Builds Working 8-Bit Computer From 460 Vintage Vacuum Tubes

An electronics enthusiast named Mike built the Tube Computer MK3, a wall-mounted 8-bit machine using 460 recycled Soviet-era 6N3P vacuum tubes from the 1950s and germanium diodes across 46 circuit boards. The system runs custom software and drives a flip-digit display entirely through discrete tube logic, without any microprocessor or integrated circuit. It's his third such vacuum-tube computer built this decade, documented on Hackaday.

techspot.com · 2026-09-11

Hobbyist Mike builds third-generation vacuum tube computer using 460 Soviet-era 6N3P tubes

A self-taught electronics enthusiast named Mike has completed his third vacuum tube computer this decade, detailing the project on Hackaday. The 8-bit machine relies on 460 recycled 1950s Soviet 6N3P double triode tubes and germanium diodes instead of transistors or microprocessors, requiring 10-15 minutes to warm up before it can run and giving off a burning-dust smell during operation.

tomshardware.com · 2026-09-10