Stenobird

Episode

FLOSS 850: One Rom To Rule Them All

Podcast
FLOSS Weekly
Published
Oct 8, 2025
Duration seconds
4546
Processing state
processed
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https://b27a1a7a-dbb9-4922-ac3e-601e2d6ca1e1.libsyn.com/floss-850-one-rom-to-rule-them-all
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Markdown
/podcast/floss-weekly/floss-850-one-rom-to-rule-them-all.md

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Summary

One ROM is an open-source hardware project designed to replace scarce, aging EPROMs in retro-computing systems like the Commodore 64. By using a modern microcontroller, it provides a programmable, easy-to-update alternative for preserving and enhancing classic 6502-based hardware.

Topics

  • Retro computing
  • Open source hardware
  • Commodore 64
  • Microcontrollers
  • 6502 microprocessor
  • Embedded systems
  • Firmware
  • EPROM replacement

Highlights

  • Main idea: One ROM acts as a programmable replacement for hard-to-find vintage ROM chips in 6502-based systems
  • Practical takeaway: The project uses an STM32 microcontroller with 5V tolerant GPIO to ensure compatibility with retro hardware voltage levels
  • Technical hurdle: The hardware design required a complete PCB redesign to fit the modern MCU and layout within the original ROM footprint
  • Innovation: The project leverages WebAssembly and Rust to allow users to parse and generate firmware images directly in a web browser
  • Future vision: Potential expansion includes using flash or RAM to implement more complex interpreters, such as Python, on legacy hardware

Chapters

  1. 1:00 Personal Connections to Retro Computing: The hosts share their early experiences with 386, 486, and Commodore 64 machines.
  2. 12:40 The Scarcity of Vintage ROMs: Discussion on the difficulty of finding original EPROMs and the need for a modern, programmable solution.
  3. 18:35 Hardware Implementation and Voltage Compatibility: Details on using the STM32 microcontroller to maintain 5V compatibility with classic systems.
  4. 24:15 PCB Redesign and Hardware Constraints: The challenges of redesigning the board layout and the limitations of physical footprints.
  5. 29:50 Web-Based Firmware Generation: How Rust and WebAssembly enable firmware generation directly within a browser without local drivers.
  6. 41:45 Expanding Capabilities: Beyond Basic: Exploring the possibility of running modern interpreters like Python on retro hardware via flash memory.
  7. 1:04:35 Long-term Hardware Preservation: The goal of creating a ROM solution that can sustain retro-computing hobbyists for decades.