KIM-1 Microcomputer


The KIM-1 was bare-bones but it cost much less than the early personal computers of the day -- only $250 -- and it was completely self-contained -- you didn't need a terminal or a host computer to use it. It had lots of programmable input/output ports, so sou could make it into an embedded controller that did useful work, for example the labelling machine in the "How I coded" link below, or the gas mixer described here.

KIM-1, pictures, manuals, and software: "This prehistoric computer has no 'real' keyboard and no video output; programs are entered by the small hexadecimal keyboard ... and results are displayed on the small LED screen ..."

How I coded in 1985, more pictures and hand-written sample code: "... there wasn't an assembler and the KIM-1 just had a hex keypad and small display. So, it meant writing the code by hand, hand assembling and typing it in. ..."

The KIM-1 was even used to make new music, by The League of Automatic Music Composers: "... The two pieces on the album feature the KIM-1 microcomputer with flute and bassoon on the title piece, and cello and the KIM-1 on the flip side, Figure in a Clearing. In these pieces the KIM-1 listens to the live performers, and accompanies or marks points when particular pitches are played. ..." (This page links to the full album on YouTube and discusses other pieces that used one or more KIM-1s, including photos of the group performing with their homemade equipment.)


Jon Jacky