Tindie

Name: Z80 CPU v2.1 for Enhanced Bus RC2014
SKU: 9494
Price: 18.89 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.72 (8 reviews)

Z80 CPU v2.1 for Enhanced Bus RC2014

(8 Reviews)

Z80 CPU Module for RC2014 featuring Enhanced Bus headers

Designed by RFC2795 Ltd in United Kingdom

To minimise the risk to myself and others, shipments will only go out twice a week. Please also be aware that shipping times are running a lot slower than normal. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Z80 CPU Module for RC2014 featuring Enhanced Bus headers

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 anythi...

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 typically has 8K ROM, 32K RAM, runs at 7.3728MHz and communicates over serial at 115,200 baud. As a bare minimum, you will need a CPU, ROM, RAM, Clock and Input/Output module.

This module is an alternative to the standard Z80 CPU Module and features a header that can take advantage of the extra Z80 signals that are not normally used on a regular RC2014

Which Z80 CPU Module Do I need?

The standard Z80 CPU Module works great with the RC2014, and the signals that are not normally required are bought out on a header at the top of the module for you to connect wires to if needed. However, if you are using modules that take advantage of the Enhanced Bus, such as the SD Memory Dump Module, and also using Backplane Pro, this module gives you a neater more foolproof alternative.

The WAIT, NMI, BUSRQ and INT signals are pulled high via 10k resistors, so there is no need to add or remove links depending what other modules you are using.

The PCB can also accommodate a ZIF socket (not supplied) if you anticipate swapping out your CPU

This module works fine with either the standard bus on the Backplane 8/5 with the single pin header supplied, or with the Backplane Pro by using the double header supplied with the Backplane Pro

What do I get?

PCB Only - Go on, guess what you get with this!
Full Kit - PCB, 40 pin DIL socket, Z80 CPU, 40 pin single row header pins, 100nf decoupling capacitor, 4 x 10k pull up resistors

Rates to United States of America

Shipping Rate	Ships From	First item	Additional items
Royal Mail: US Airmail	GB	$10.00	$0.75
Royal Mail: Tracked Royal Mail Shipping	GB	$18.50	$0.75

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.00)

Documentation: (4.00)

Shipping: (5.00)

Communication: (4.00)

Gerald | June 26, 2020

Secure and simple CPU module V2.1

A bought a couple of these boards to support some RC2014 module development I’m progressing. One module has the supplied 40-pin IC socket for the 8MHz Z80 CPU. On the other module, I fitted a 40-pin Zero Insertion Force socket, to allow me to swap out the CPU for faster variants, as part of my module development efforts.

The quality of components and board supplied is great. The slight gripe with this kit is that only a single-row, right-angled 40-pin header is supplied but to fit the enhanced bus on the backplane, there should really be some dual-row, right-angled pin header strip supplied, at least enough to allow the extra CPU signals that this board is meant to provide to get on the sockets of the enhanced backplane bus connector! This is was minor issue for me as I have a reasonable stock of header pin strips but could be quite disappointing to someone looking to upgrade.

All-in-all, it’s nicely presented module that includes 10K pull-up resistors on certain of the CPU pins that could be ‘contended’ by other backplane resident modules.

Rolf | May 8, 2020

RC2014 Pro and extra boards

So I bought the RC2014 Pro, with extra I/O boards and the Raspberry Pi interface, Spencer gave me a refund since initially I did not order the kit correct. Started soldering and once completed put the power on. Hmmmmm, not working. I found out that you have to connect PORT A to the FTDI cable, I consistently used PORT B. Changed PORT and the computer booted. Started BASIC, but could not get a running light to work. After some more troubleshooting and mails back and foreward to Spencer I found out that the direct boot into BASIC version 32 or 57 starts up a BASIC version which contains a bug on the FOR loop. So this BASIC version isn't of much use. Note this only applies to the RC2014 Pro. The RC2014 Pro however has more options. So I changed to booting into CP/M, hmmmmm, not working. After some more debugging I found a soldering error. You really need to take care how to assemble the 64k RAM module. Corrected the error, bingo. Started CP/M but this does not contain a BASIC interrupter in the ROM. Spencer advised change to SCM, small computer monitor. Changed some jumpers, worked. From there you can start a BASIC version without the error. You can also boot into CP/M. Next I tried to make a small assemby program in asm80.com. Copied the HEX file into SCM, worked. So finally I was heading in the right direction. The components supplied are of good quality. The PCB's are outstanding and the kit itself was complete and I did not miss a single component. I see three improvement points. First a minor one, mounting the resistors is a bit tight. Second on the 64K RAM module the white box near the link mark should, in my opinion, be removed. I was thinking you have to mount there a header. You don't, the double row pins need to be soldered there, leaving one open pin. Last improvement is on documentation could be better organised, everything is there but it's a bit of a search. So I would advise anyone purchasing the kit, first read all documentation it really helps. And as general advice, don't just put power on the board after having completed the soldering work. You need to check, the build is not a fail-safe design. You also cannot expect this for a hobby project. Lot's of text has to be followed by an overall number, I would rate this kit as 8 out of 10. Fun factor a 10.

Dimitris | June 26, 2019

Very nice piece of kit

I really enjoyed building the kit. The quality of parts was great and all parts were carefully packed.

Jim | Feb. 18, 2019

The heart of a great system

The RC2014 is a great idea that has built a huge following for a reason. The latest CPU board brings out some of the CPU signals that are enabling things like the z80ctrl card. Great for the hobbyist. Easy to build.

Birko | June 15, 2018

Amazing product quality

The quality of the PCB is amazing and it is very easy to solder. It is always fun to build such a nice part.

Mr C | Aug. 16, 2017

simply does what it needs to

The is basically just the Z80 with most of the bus decoding etc taken care of by the modules themselves, as a result this has to be one of the simplest boards to build. start with this one!

PCB quality is good, with decent solder resist, but in common with most of the modules the 39th pin is very close to the edge of the board

Eric | June 14, 2017

Great

The quality is top.
Worked on first power-up (once you remember to hit reset ! )
Modularity is maximum.
I'll be using it for learning hardware development, drawing schematics, routing PCBs, and such.

Richard | May 21, 2017

Well thought out kit, easy to assemble.

My aim is to produce a CP/M computer using the RC2014. I like the way it is designed in modules so that one can pick and mix. I have the Backplane pro and and have now completed the Z80 c2.1. It went together without any trouble and works a treat. Fantastic kit and well supported by Spencer.

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