Five three‑position switches are used to enter either a binary bit or a ternary trit value. The up position represents +1, the center position 0, and the down position −1. Based on the selected mode, the system interprets these inputs and calculates the corresponding decimal value, which is shown on a 4‑digit display.

The operating mode is selected with the right‑most switch. A white LED indicator shows whether the device is in binary mode (two white LEDs) or ternary mode (three white LEDs). LED indicators show the capabilities of the selected number system: a red LED indicates support for positive values, while simultaneous red and blue LEDs indicate support for both positive and negative values.

The colors are chosen to intuitively represent “warm” (positive) and “cold” (negative) values.

In addition to number representation, TritBits includes a special demonstration mode that illustrates the concept of a ternary relay. When the mode switch is set to the center position and the three middle data switches are set to −1, the remaining two switches function as the relay’s coil and common contact, allowing the behavior of a ternary control element to be explored.

TritBits is intended as a hands‑on learning tool for anyone interested in binary and balanced ternary number systems.

This project is part of my four‑project series “My Relay ADDiction” (pun intended): a hands‑on exploration of logic and arithmetic built with relays, diodes, LEDs, and a healthy amount of curiosity.

Each project stands on its own, but together they form a learning path—from basic binary gate behavior (It’s logic!), through number representation (TritBits), to full adders in both binary and balanced ternary.

Related projects in the series: 

 • It’s logic! – https://hackaday.io/project/184752 

 • Visual Binary Adder – https://hackaday.io/project/205210 

 • TritBits – https://hackaday.io/project/205130 

 • Balanced Ternary Relay Adder – https://hackaday.io/project/205212