What is RC2014?

RC2014 is a simple 8 bit Z80 based modular computer. It is inspired by the home built computers of the late 70s and computer revolution of the early 80s. It is not a clone of anything specific, but there are suggestions of the ZX81, UK101, S100, Superboard II and Apple I in here. It nominally has 8K ROM, 32K RAM, runs at 7.3728MHz and communicates over serial at 115,200 baud.

The original RC2014 was designed such that standard stripboard could be used as the backplane with all the essential signals fitting within a 36 pin bus. The Backplane 8, with 8 slots of 40 pins is ideal for this.

For more advanced uses, however, a 40 pin bus is insufficient and 8 slots can be limiting. For a while, new modules such as the SD Memory Dump Module, 64K RAM Module and the Pageable ROM Module have been designed with the Enhanced Bus in mind. Whilst these modules can easily be connected on the standard Backplane 8 or Backplane 5 with jumper cables for the additional signals, this backplane gives a neater, more professional solution.

Why would I want the Backplane Pro?

If you are using regular modules, and you haven't run out of slots on your Backplane 8 then, probably, you don't need to upgrade. However, this does open the door to a much more advanced RC2014, if that's what you're looking for. Features include;

• 12 standard slots, compatible with all your existing modules
• Up to 12 enhanced slots (sockets provided for 4, but can be added to as required)
• Extra pins include the Z80 signals not on standard bus, as well as secondary clock, serial and 8 more data lines. (I have no plans to introduce a 16 bit CPU any time soon - but the pins are there if YOU want to make one!)
• Reset button
• Power LED
• On/Off switch
• Direct 5v supply from USB power source
• LM7805 (or compatible switchmode PSU option) footprint for powering from higher voltage
• 5v output via screw terminals
• 5v auxiliary output
• 6 mounting holes
• 6 rubber feet supplied
• All slots electrically connected (no need to solder links for outer slots like Backplane 8)
• Easily isolate standard slot 1,2,3 or 11,12 with easy to cut tracks. Pads to fit resistors to join if required

What do I get?

• Full kit Everything you need for a 12 slot backplane, of which 8 are standard slots and 4 enhanced slots, including power connectors, switches, LED, USB power cable and rubber feet
• PCB Only Go on, take a guess what this option includes ;-)