1986ai

1986ai

Use Claude Code or Codex from a Macintosh Plus.

See how it works

A native interface for modern coding work

Do real work from a Macintosh Plus.

1986ai connects Claude Code or Codex to a project on your modern Mac. From the Plus, direct the agent as it investigates problems, changes code, and runs tools. Follow the work and browse the project through a native System 6 application.

Build it yourselfRead the source ↗

The signal path

Four decades.
One local connection.

flatmac discovers TimeWarp on your network. TimeWarp translates the coding agent's structured events into a compact protocol the Macintosh can draw and navigate.

  1. 01

    flatmac

    A native System 6 application on the Macintosh Plus.

  2. 02

    BlueSCSI + MacTCP

    DaynaPORT networking carries the connection over Wi-Fi.

  3. 03

    TimeWarp

    A native Mac app starts the bridge only when you need it.

  4. 04

    Claude Code or Codex

    The coding agent works inside the project you selected.

TCP 1986 · local network · about 3.6 KB/s on BlueSCSI Wi-Fi

What reaches the Macintosh

More than a chat window.

The interface stays native to the machine while the useful work happens on the host.

Conversation

Fix the redraw bug in Desk Clock.

I found the stale update region. I'm changing the event loop now.

Readsrc/main.c
Editsrc/main.c
Bashcmake --build build
Follow the workText and tool activity arrive as native Macintosh windows.
Server Files
project/src7 items
  • components
  • resources
  • DeskClock.c 18K
  • DeskClock.bin 51K
Browse and downloadThe chosen project folder becomes a read-only world for the Macintosh.
Image — startup.png
See imagesTimeWarp scales and dithers images for the 512 × 342 one-bit display.
Transfer
DeskClock.bin
51K complete
10:24
Bring Macintosh software homeMacBinary preserves both forks so finished applications still open correctly.

A short parts list

The actual hardware.

No browser runs on the Plus. No model is squeezed into one megabyte of RAM. The Macintosh draws a purpose-built client; the modern Mac handles the provider and files.

Read the complete installation guide →
Macintosh Plus
1 MB or more · System 6.0.8
BlueSCSI v2
Pico W · DaynaPORT Wi-Fi
Modern Mac
Runs TimeWarp on demand
Coding agent
Claude Code or Codex, installed and signed in

Two applications, one experience

Each side belongs on its machine.

1986flatmac
File  Edit  Session

Connected to TimeWarp.

A compact C application built with QuickDraw, MacTCP, and the native System 6 event loop.

TodayTimeWarp
Ready for MacintoshCodex · Auto-discoverableStop

A native macOS controller for project choice, provider setup, network status, lifecycle, and logs.

Closed-loop Macintosh development

Ask for a Macintosh app.
Run it on the Macintosh.

  1. 1
    Ask

    Describe the application from flatmac.

  2. 2
    Build

    The agent writes and compiles it with Retro68.

  3. 3
    Transfer

    TimeWarp sends the MacBinary over the local network.

  4. 4
    Open

    The finished application launches where the request began.

Early, real, and open source

Put a coding agent
on your Macintosh Plus.

The current release path is a source build. Bring the hardware; the guide brings the rest.

Start the installationStudy the architecture