Writing on software, systems, and engineering work.
Essays and implementation notes on engineering leadership, system design, AI-native workflows, and the developer tools that change how teams operate. 13 posts and counting.
2026
7 posts- Merlin, the CPU, and the Commodore 64
Running Merlin on a C64 by making the CPU work: emulate the TMS1100, validate it against the Go core, and let the original game engine run.
Merlin Commodore64 Emulation TMS1100 - Claude64 Ultimate
Using Claude, MCP, u64ctl, and a Commodore 64 Ultimate to assemble 6502 code, inspect ROM routines, upload programs, and control a real-feeling C64 from modern tools.
Commodore64 Ultimate64 Claude AI - From a Single Bit to a Real CPU: The Learn Series
Why I built a hands-on series that takes you from one bit up to a working 8-bit CPU running real code in the browser — and why it's built AI-forward.
Learn 6502 Binary AI - Claude Code Usage on a TRMNL E-Ink Display
A small project that puts your Claude Code usage stats on a TRMNL e-ink display — session and weekly limits at a glance.
AI ClaudeCode TRMNL DeveloperTools - Adding Claude Code Status to Your Mac Status Bar
How to set up a Mac menu bar indicator that shows when Claude Code is idle, working, or needs your attention using SwiftBar and hooks.
AI ClaudeCode MacOS DeveloperTools - Product Planning in a Git Repo
How I moved our product planning into a GitHub repo with Claude Code as a copilot, and why the thinking gets sharper when it's structured like code.
AI ClaudeCode ProductManagement GitHub - From a Small Diversion to Asciimator
A small internal utility that grew into Asciimator, built with AI assistance and grounded in my retro DOS framework work.
Asciimator AI ASCII RetroDOS
2025
5 posts- WiFi on DIY
Explore the challenges and creative solutions for integrating WiFi into DIY projects, from using the ESP32 to navigating protocols like Matter and Apple's MFI.
- Skip the spat, just grab DefeCat
A humorous look at a revolutionary cat litter product that solves the age-old problem of getting men to remember to buy cat litter.
Humor Marketing Product Cats - Carl's Tech Tenets
Thoughts on how technology can make a real difference in everyday life.
Technology Innovation EverydayTech - Building a Modern Commodore 64 Auto-Typer
A modern take on automating Commodore 64 program entry using ESP32 and Teensy microcontrollers, bridging retro computing with contemporary hardware.
Commodore64 RetroComputing ESP32 Teensy - Running Deepseek-R1 on Windows with Ollama
A comprehensive guide to installing Ollama on Windows, running the deepseek-r1:7b model, and configuring network access
ollama windows ai deepseek