Shop / Gallium Photonic Computer MKII - Digital

Gallium Photonic Computer MKII - Digital

£175
Waitlist Full Project Details

Back by popular demand!

Sci-fi supercomputer from the days when computers consisted solely of had lots of flashing lights.

Compared to the fully analogue BC-01, the MKII is (with a little regret) a digital device, driven by a microcontroller and other ICs - this was the only way to make it, well, makeable. But note it still contains absolutely no RGBs!

The MKII is slightly smaller than the BC-01  at approx 356w x 156h x 34d. This is made up for in features - the front panel has the following controls:

  • Brightness Φ-output - 3 levels
  • Speed ν-rate (μMHz) - 3 levels
  • Split point 1/2/3 active cores
  • Colour mode λ-phase - 3 modes
  • Animation Ψ-mode - Async (original) and 2 new synchronous modes

Please note the pictures here are the preproduction model - the shipping version will have some refinements to the tolerances and 3D printed parts.

Options

You can customise your Photonic Computer:

  • Light shape: while this doesn't feature the 2 different shapes in one unit of the MKI, you can choose round or square lights
  • Switch type: the metal toggle switches proved to have poor QC resulting in having to fix a number of boards - so for now I'm only doing the lever switches a la the unit with the square lights

Timeline

Dec 2025: I'm taking pre-orders for a small initial batch of these, so I can order the relevant materials, PCBs, etc. Aiming for despatch around late Jan/early Feb.

Jan 2026: This first batch is fulfilling the waitlist from first version - so huge thanks for the orders. I'm working on this batch and not taking more orders just yet - please contact me mw@mwworks.uk if you'd like to be on the waitlist for a next batch.

June 2026: Taking orders for another small batch. Despatch ETA mid August. Once again, I've taken as many as I can realistically promise in the short term. Huge thanks - again drop me a line mw@mwworks.uk if you'd like to be on the waitlist for a next batch .

November 2026: The next batch I make will be the new Series 74. If you are on the waitlist for the MKII, I'll be in touch first. If you'd like to be on the list for either, just let me know @ mw@mwworks.uk. (I'm unsure yet when I'll make more MKIIs.)

Power requirements

To prevent e-waste, this is a BYO charger and cable device. We've all got tons of these lying around and you likely want a specific length/colour of cable rather than another cheap PVC cable for landfill. Pretty much anything will work - you'll need:

  • A USB power source - this can be a charger or a computer, capable of providing approx 1A
  • A USB A-C or C-C cable, depending on the above

There are 2 USB-C ports - on the RHS and rear - for flexibility in concealing the cable vs wall mounting.

Shipping

Prices as below. (Paypal account not required - just click the Checkout button to go to payment) Please note:

  • US orders: postal shipping includes pre-paid tariff charges, so there should be nothing to pay at your end. Fedex/UPS charges do not include this so you may get charged for customs. (Cost is the same £50 since the difference is about the same as the tariff cost.)
  • Other than the above exception for the US I cannot be responsible for any import fees you may have to pay
  • EU orders are currently not available, email me @ mw@mwworks.uk for details
  • Let me know if you need any other destinations (shouldn't be a problem!)