repurpOSe - The Re-Purpose Operating System
This is the justification for repurpOSe and how it fits into my broader research goals.
See the sourcehut project page for more technical details.
See RTOS for research notes.
To turn every outdated computer into a microcontroller.
repurpOSe is a Salvage Computing project.
example targets for repurpOSe
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under-supported DIY micro controller boards like Raspberry-Pi or Arduino clones
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old/junked computers and smartphones with working standard IO (USB, 3.5mm headphone jack, etc.)
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salvage computers with display/digitizer peripherals hacked as GPIO
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salvage micro controllers on DIY break-out boads
why not just buy new?
It is true that reusing old systems and parts will never be as economically viable for a profit-seeking group than bulk-buying new micro controllers. I don't dispute that economic analysis. But for specific communities who are just trying to meet their needs and who are more interested in sustainability than profit, I suspect that sometimes reusing or repurposing what has already been made will be the better choice.
I am interested in exploring the current limitations of this choice and making what is only possible today practical for tomorrow.
why repurpose?
There is so much e-waste already out there, unused, and slowly degrading in usability!
...
More info
You can experience some of the hurdles working with salvage parts in this forum post:
There's some great resources collected here: