Les bird sent along the following update from the SEBHC Google group regarding his Heathkit H89 Emulator (I recommend checking it out just to get to try out some classic CP/M and HDOS games. Screenshots below!):

Les Bird has just put up a detailed Web page on the construction of his amazing Heathkit H-8 clone computer, affectionately dubbed the H8-2000, using his newly created PCBs. As a fan and collector of these types of systems - which certainly includes the H-8 - I've been following this work with much interest (and some personal investment--more on that later) on the SEBHC Google Group. Check it out here.

Filed strictly under "fun" rather than a true contest, I was wondering if anyone can figure out the one (1) thing missing from this highly collectible Heathkit H8 computer system. The fact that the top cover is missing does not count, since I removed it so the inside of the system could be seen. In actuality, this unit is self-contained and ready to function as intended save for one key item. First correct answer to describe that key item gets a round of applause from all AA'rs and admiration from your fellow geeks everywhere!

You can view the images here. I highly recommend that after you click on an individual photo in the set that you go to "All Sizes" and pick "Original Size" to get the maximum detail.

As a lifetime technophile primarily interested in computers and videogames, another area that has always intrigued me, but been generally hands-off due to the various barriers to entry, is home robotics. There were some delightful robots and kits in the early to mid-80's to go along with the personal computer boom. However, the personal robotics boom was short lived and ultimately a much smaller niche than even the fledgling personal computer business at the time, dooming them to the domain of the truly hardcore. Today, toy and personal robots and robot kits from the likes of Tomy and Heathkit are still very much in demand. Much more recently, Lego made a strong impact in the home robotics and hobbyist field with their Mindstorms technology and Radio Shack carries an aggressive line of kit robots and accessories. Bottom line, today hobbyist robotics is stronger than ever and more practical than ever, though is still awaiting that "killer app" to truly push it into the mainstream.