Shop / Gallium Photonic Computer MKII - Digital

Gallium Photonic Computer MKII - Digital

£175
Pre-order Project Details Coming Soon

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:
    • Retro-style lever switches (with metallic 3D printed caps) - as shown on the preproduction model with square lights
    • Or the more stock metal toggle switches - a la the model with round 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.

I really appreciate your support in a) buying direct from the maker - and b) allowing me the time to make these in small batches. I'll keep you posted!

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.
  • Other than the above exception for the US I cannot be responsible for any import fees you may have to pay
  • EU orders are possible but please contact me @ mw@mwworks.uk for details
  • Let me know if you need any other destinations (shouldn't be a problem!)

Purchase