Tindie
RFC2795 Ltd
Overall Rating:
All Reviews
Adam | Oct. 17, 2020
Upgrade your RC2014 Mini
For RC2014 Mini CP/M Upgrade Kit
Easy build and looks great sitting on top of my RC2014 mini, also gives a quality weight and feel to the RC2014 mini kit.
I've not used CP/M before, so this is totally new and I'm enjoying the learning process with this kit.
Great communications and the kit arrived the very next day (both seller and I are in the UK).
I've not used CP/M before, so this is totally new and I'm enjoying the learning process with this kit.
Great communications and the kit arrived the very next day (both seller and I are in the UK).
Alexander | Oct. 13, 2020
Very Nice Kit
For RC2014 Pro - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
Very nice kit, build quality is very good. Being new to electronics I found the documentation lacking and not very clear but again that's probably down to me not being an experienced builder more than anything. Took me a few months to get round to assembly but once I did it came together pretty quick I even enjoyed putting on all the headers. I've now got the challenge of getting it to work. I've managed to power it on with no pops, bangs or smoke so I'm winning I think.
Alexander | Oct. 13, 2020
Very Nice Kit
For YM2149 Sound Card for RC2014 Retro Computer
I love the quality of these add-on boards for the RC2014. Easy to build and if I had the appropriate sound chip its probably a useful little board.
Alexander | Oct. 13, 2020
Very Nice Kit
For DS1302 Real Time Clock Module for RC2014
I love the quality of these add-on boards for the RC2014. Easy to build but unfortunately I'm having problems with the RC2014 so I've not been able to test yet.
Randy | Oct. 12, 2020
Great, well-packaged kit that was easy to build
For RC2014 Mini - Single Board Z80 Computer Kit
Love this kit. Clear instructions, and it came together quickly. Worked first time. Only downside is I've now been bitten by the Z80 bug!
Tobias | Oct. 12, 2020
Works great, very fast shipping to germany.
For SIO/2 Dual Serial Module for RC2014
Shipping to Germany was done in 3 days, assembly was quick and easy, PCB looks great and worked first try.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks a lot!
Shiela | Oct. 12, 2020
Not so much useful as essential
For CP/M Upgrade Kit for RC2014 Classic or Classic II
For me the CP/M kit 'completes' the basic RC2014. Of course it's never complete, there's always something new to add on and play with. I sometimes strip the system right back but have always used the compact flash and CP/M ever since I added this kit.
It's great to be able to store everything right there on the RC2014 itself.
As usual it's all through-hole, so it's fun to assemble. The CF card socket is surface mount, but that comes ready-soldered.
It's great to be able to store everything right there on the RC2014 itself.
As usual it's all through-hole, so it's fun to assemble. The CF card socket is surface mount, but that comes ready-soldered.
Hendrik-Jan | Oct. 11, 2020
RC2014 Pro - outstanding kit from a wonderful seller
For RC2014 Pro - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
I was looking for a 'retro-kit' that would allow me to delve in to computer architecture basics. The RC2014 fit that requirement and more. It is a fantastic machine that invites me to explore many different aspects of computer architecture, computer history, and electronics in general.
Just the layout is fantastic - the RC2014 is designed to have all major components of a computer - CPU, RAM, ROM, clock, I/O (and, for CP/M, also storage) in a modular fashion. Especially since in this kit you can have low clock speeds, this really invites to discover foundations of how a CPU works, e.g. by applying a cheap logic analyzer.
You have several tools to your disposal to interact with the system from ROM. Of course there is BASIC, but also a computer monitor (essential for delving into machine code) but there's also CP/M. This allows you to experience a bunch of 70s and early 80s software. One of my interests is history of programming languages. I have recently made my very first FORTRAN program on the RC2014, a full 63 years after it was invented. And next up is a walk down memory lane with Pascal, which was my 2nd computer language, and the first I learned in school, now 32 years ago. I also want to do machine coding/assembler, something I've done on my Commodore 64 for the 6502, but never so far for Z80. I recommend having a look at Oscar Vermeulen's Demodisk for software that you can use with the RC2014 CP/M (https://obsolescence.wixsite.com/obsolescence/multicomp-fpga-cpm-demo-disk).
This was not an easy build for me, I must admit. I consider myself a little beyond novice, but I'm certainly not highly skilled in soldering or electronics. The build instructions in itself are clear. There's loads of soldering involved though, and you really should be careful not to rush. The documentation is certainly more than adequate, but that doesn't mean that every single thing that you can do wrong is pointed out in detail. I had a few issues getting the machine going at first, which I now attribute to some ICs probably not being seated well. Seating especially the large ones (SIO and CPU) does require a bit of care, I've bent a few pins of my SIO chip, but fortunately I could get it out right, straighten the legs, and seat it right in the end.
Then, there's a bit of fiddling around with different jumpers to get the ROM options right, which also need to correctly align with the RAM jumpers. Factor in various clock settings, and you get a nice number of variables that you can mess up. Of course, as you discover how to do this right, you also get the understanding of the architecture of the thing at it's most basic level, which was in fact one of my goals for getting one.
In the end there's very little you can destroy... well, kind of. I had a major screw-up, when I wanted to power up the RC2014. I was working with my laptop as terminal device. That laptop happens to have a similar power jack.... but is not 5V of course, but 19V. I accidentally took that jack, stuck it in my RC2014 - the moment it happened I realized what I did but of course, 1 second is already too much. Fortunately Spencer was very helpful in helping out - in the end it took a considerable chip-transplant (and CF card too) to get my machine working again, but it worked out fortunately. Applying the wrong voltage is probably one of very few ways in which you can harm your machine, btw.
Finally, I want to highlight that Spencer Owen has been wonderful in his responses to my questions early on when I was investigating the RC2014 - as well as helping me out reviving my fried RC2014 by supplying spare parts and providing pointers where to troubleshoot. This kind of open and helpful atmosphere is something I have experienced many times from people that have an interest in the RC2014 - there's really a very nice RC2014 community out there. I really like these communities - similar to e.g. Raspberry Pi, although that one's bigger of course - where you can get (or provide) input and support, from novice to expert.
In all, if you have an interest in retrocomputing, or maybe more generally in computer architecture, then the RC2014 Pro is a fantastic kit to consider. In retrospect, given my limited experience, I perhaps *should* have started with a somewhat smaller build, but I did persevere, and with some help of Spencer and RC2014 community (Google Groups, Facebook etc) managed to get it going fairly easily, while learning tons of stuff along the way. There's tons more of things still to discover so I'm expecting I'm going to use (and expand) my RC2014 Pro for some years to come.
Just the layout is fantastic - the RC2014 is designed to have all major components of a computer - CPU, RAM, ROM, clock, I/O (and, for CP/M, also storage) in a modular fashion. Especially since in this kit you can have low clock speeds, this really invites to discover foundations of how a CPU works, e.g. by applying a cheap logic analyzer.
You have several tools to your disposal to interact with the system from ROM. Of course there is BASIC, but also a computer monitor (essential for delving into machine code) but there's also CP/M. This allows you to experience a bunch of 70s and early 80s software. One of my interests is history of programming languages. I have recently made my very first FORTRAN program on the RC2014, a full 63 years after it was invented. And next up is a walk down memory lane with Pascal, which was my 2nd computer language, and the first I learned in school, now 32 years ago. I also want to do machine coding/assembler, something I've done on my Commodore 64 for the 6502, but never so far for Z80. I recommend having a look at Oscar Vermeulen's Demodisk for software that you can use with the RC2014 CP/M (https://obsolescence.wixsite.com/obsolescence/multicomp-fpga-cpm-demo-disk).
This was not an easy build for me, I must admit. I consider myself a little beyond novice, but I'm certainly not highly skilled in soldering or electronics. The build instructions in itself are clear. There's loads of soldering involved though, and you really should be careful not to rush. The documentation is certainly more than adequate, but that doesn't mean that every single thing that you can do wrong is pointed out in detail. I had a few issues getting the machine going at first, which I now attribute to some ICs probably not being seated well. Seating especially the large ones (SIO and CPU) does require a bit of care, I've bent a few pins of my SIO chip, but fortunately I could get it out right, straighten the legs, and seat it right in the end.
Then, there's a bit of fiddling around with different jumpers to get the ROM options right, which also need to correctly align with the RAM jumpers. Factor in various clock settings, and you get a nice number of variables that you can mess up. Of course, as you discover how to do this right, you also get the understanding of the architecture of the thing at it's most basic level, which was in fact one of my goals for getting one.
In the end there's very little you can destroy... well, kind of. I had a major screw-up, when I wanted to power up the RC2014. I was working with my laptop as terminal device. That laptop happens to have a similar power jack.... but is not 5V of course, but 19V. I accidentally took that jack, stuck it in my RC2014 - the moment it happened I realized what I did but of course, 1 second is already too much. Fortunately Spencer was very helpful in helping out - in the end it took a considerable chip-transplant (and CF card too) to get my machine working again, but it worked out fortunately. Applying the wrong voltage is probably one of very few ways in which you can harm your machine, btw.
Finally, I want to highlight that Spencer Owen has been wonderful in his responses to my questions early on when I was investigating the RC2014 - as well as helping me out reviving my fried RC2014 by supplying spare parts and providing pointers where to troubleshoot. This kind of open and helpful atmosphere is something I have experienced many times from people that have an interest in the RC2014 - there's really a very nice RC2014 community out there. I really like these communities - similar to e.g. Raspberry Pi, although that one's bigger of course - where you can get (or provide) input and support, from novice to expert.
In all, if you have an interest in retrocomputing, or maybe more generally in computer architecture, then the RC2014 Pro is a fantastic kit to consider. In retrospect, given my limited experience, I perhaps *should* have started with a somewhat smaller build, but I did persevere, and with some help of Spencer and RC2014 community (Google Groups, Facebook etc) managed to get it going fairly easily, while learning tons of stuff along the way. There's tons more of things still to discover so I'm expecting I'm going to use (and expand) my RC2014 Pro for some years to come.
Ettore | Sept. 30, 2020
buono
Card di buona qualità pronta per ospitare altre espansioni con il pettine di collegamento appropriato alla madre board.
Ettore | Sept. 30, 2020
buono
For Raspberry Pi Zero Serial Terminal for RC2014
Peccato per la mancanza della raspberry pi zero, e della relativa documentazione comunque sempre presente una buona serigrafia sul circuito stampato
Ettore | Sept. 30, 2020
Sufficente
For YM2149 Sound Card for RC2014 Retro Computer
Produzione ottima qualità peccato per la mancanza sia del chip più importante ma sopratutto una consegna di 3 card sonore invece di una sola oltre penalizzare il conto penalizza anche la spedizione restituzione e rimborso.
Ettore | Sept. 23, 2020
Sufficente
La pecca è sempre le istruzioni sia per il software che il montaggio, comunque qualcosa si vede anche su youtube.
La disponibilità alla comunicazione o eccellente.
Saluti
Ettore Frigo
La disponibilità alla comunicazione o eccellente.
Saluti
Ettore Frigo
Ettore | Sept. 23, 2020
Sufficente
For DS1302 Real Time Clock Module for RC2014
Manca di documentazione montaggio o assemblaggio, fattura buona del circuito stampato, grazie della vostra disponibilità alla comunicazione.
Cordiali saluti
Ettore Frigo
Cordiali saluti
Ettore Frigo
David | Sept. 21, 2020
Fantastic addition to the RC2014 Full Monty
For CP/M Upgrade Kit for RC2014 Classic or Classic II
Indeed, the documentation isn't perfect, but my advice is read it all through fully a few times. It is easy to miss bits, like needing to re-use parts from the boards you will replace. On the plus side this kit adds so much more to the RC2014, as well as extra RAM, the storage is a great addition so you don't have to start from scratch on each boot. Also introducing the CP/M OS instead of being limited to Basic brings with it a whole host of software you can find online. The CF comes set up with a number of CP/M drives, C: with some utilities and commands and A: with download.com for transferring files and the rest for storing your own files and CP/M software you can find online and transfer to the card via the terminal software. This caught me out for a while as I was unable to successfully transfer anything more than a few small files through the terminal. I found an article explaining that the transfer was too fast for the CPU and described a way to modify the clock to generate a lower baud rate, however I continued searching and discovered that the modification was not necessary to sort this issue. Instead it just required ensuring that RTS/CTS flow control was being used, which through Tera Term was simple enough to select in the settings. After that I was transferring everything, Fortran and C compilers, Zork I, II and III and more at full speed to the CF card with ease.
Currently looking for a way to add one or two 5.25" floppy drives, for the ultimate retro CP/M experience for project source files etc., and then keep the compilers, utilities and the like on the CF "hard drive" as it were.
Currently looking for a way to add one or two 5.25" floppy drives, for the ultimate retro CP/M experience for project source files etc., and then keep the compilers, utilities and the like on the CF "hard drive" as it were.
Andrew | Sept. 19, 2020
Enjoyable kit - retrotastic childhood Basic experience
For RC2014 Pro - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
Relatively easy to build ( I'm an experienced electronic engineer ) although it does require a little hunting for details , and a couple of items may have you scratching your head for a short while ( the unmarked resistor values on the SIO card , the dual row headers which need pins extracting , the uncertainty about splitting the single row pins , the lack of a 7805 and associated capacitors on the motherboard , need to install 5v link on SIO board to power Usb serial adapter, a few concerns about plated holes under a couple of IC sockets which looked like they may have needed links , they don't ). Took me about 3 hours to build - worked first time. The issues are mostly just due to having to skip between the various pages and the build guides don't appear to be quite uptodate for the latest version.
Niels | Sept. 16, 2020
A wonderful Kit that teaches you a lot
For RC2014 Classic II - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
This RC2014 Classic II kit was easy to assemble and although I had some minor issues with bad soldered connections, the machine now works like a charm.
Assembly instructions are straight forward and even give you some details about how the computer accesses RAM or serial I/O components.
My kit was missing a 2.5mm barrel jack used to supply external 5V power but after contacting the seller the missing part arrived within three days without any additional cost. Communication with the seller as well as with the community (through Google Groups) is excellent!
I can recommend this Kit to anyone who wants to build their own machine. Even beginners can accomplish this as long as they have a little experience with soldering. In fact, building (and maybe debugging) such a kit should be a mandatory topc for anyone in IT training (e.g. university, apprenticeship, trainees etc.).
To sum things up: this is a great product!
Assembly instructions are straight forward and even give you some details about how the computer accesses RAM or serial I/O components.
My kit was missing a 2.5mm barrel jack used to supply external 5V power but after contacting the seller the missing part arrived within three days without any additional cost. Communication with the seller as well as with the community (through Google Groups) is excellent!
I can recommend this Kit to anyone who wants to build their own machine. Even beginners can accomplish this as long as they have a little experience with soldering. In fact, building (and maybe debugging) such a kit should be a mandatory topc for anyone in IT training (e.g. university, apprenticeship, trainees etc.).
To sum things up: this is a great product!
Ettore | Sept. 14, 2020
Sufficente
For RC2014 IDE Hard Drive Module
Le schede risultano bene definite i componenti ci sono tutti secondo le fotografie esposte, ma manca di documentazione e lista dei componenti nella spedizione, comunque esiste della documentazione audio/video scritto/fotografia in rete
Michał | Sept. 11, 2020
Michal
For RC2014 Mini - Single Board Z80 Computer Kit
Really easy to put together, everything described perfectly in the supplied short manual. Shipping was way faster than I expected. Will definitely buy again from this seller!
Andrew | Sept. 5, 2020
Storage for RC2014
For Compact Flash Module for CP/M RC2014 Computer
Bought the kit without the CF socket pre-soldered. Definitely not one for inexperienced solderers. Needs a very fine soldering iron, a steady hand, solder paste and plenty of desoldering wick to clean up the inevitable solder bridges.
Worked well with CP/M and z-system.
Worked well with CP/M and z-system.
Andrew | Sept. 5, 2020
Good addition to RC2014 board
For 512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014
Buying this enabled me to run CP/M on my RC2014 system. In addition, a single board replaces the previous 2 boards for the ROM and RAM. Plus using flash chips works well with my flash chip programmer.
Easy build, no problems.
Easy build, no problems.
Mike | Aug. 25, 2020
Took a while to get working but that was mostly my own fault
For RC2014 Classic II - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
I bought the bare PCBs because I already had the CPU and other chips. My original plan was to design and build my own Z80 based computer but use the RC2014 backplane to hold all the various boards. Progress was slow so I decided to get the RC2014 boards and solder them to get.a working machine then use the CPU and backplane as the basis for my own design.
I soldered everything, plugged it in and found that I could receive serial data but not send anything. Different terminal software or settings had no effect. Checking continuity with the multimeter didn't find any problems. In the end I reflowed most of the connections on the Z80 and serial boards and it then started working properly. There must have been a solder joint which wasn't quite good enough.
In summary, it works well and any problems were entirely of my own making.
I soldered everything, plugged it in and found that I could receive serial data but not send anything. Different terminal software or settings had no effect. Checking continuity with the multimeter didn't find any problems. In the end I reflowed most of the connections on the Z80 and serial boards and it then started working properly. There must have been a solder joint which wasn't quite good enough.
In summary, it works well and any problems were entirely of my own making.
Ettore | Aug. 19, 2020
Sufficente
For RC2014 Pro - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
Buongiorno, manca documentazioni sull'assemblaggio componenti su le schede e scheda madre, ma spero di trovarle sul Vs. sito.
Saluti Ettore Frigo
Saluti Ettore Frigo
Jean-Michel | Aug. 14, 2020
Excellent
For YM2149 Sound Card for RC2014 Retro Computer
Good way to remind the good old time. Great communication with the seller, great services, great products. Feel free to buy with confidence.
Patrick | Aug. 13, 2020
Very tight little board, does as advertised
For RC2014 IDE Hard Drive Module
Got this board to kit out my z180 computer. Very quick to put together, and the included sheet is helpful to make sure that there are no parts missing.
There isn't any other documentation, so if you want to figure out how to set up a disk, you'll have to find it online.
I even put a chip in backward by accident but the board still works after flipping it the right way round!
There isn't any other documentation, so if you want to figure out how to set up a disk, you'll have to find it online.
I even put a chip in backward by accident but the board still works after flipping it the right way round!
Brian | Aug. 11, 2020
Excellent Kit
For RC2014 Pro - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
The RC2014 has evolved from it's original design to be quite elegant. I purchased the Pro kit and read all of the online information I could find several times before beginning construction. The kit went together smoothly with no issues but when I powered up the first time I got nothing. I backed off and probed with the scope and everything checked out so I plugged it all back together and this time it booted! Turns out it probably worked the first time — I even had all of the jumpers set correctly! What I didn't have was a reliable USB serial adapter. I recommend using a tried and known good cable to start or, if you don't have one, get a genuine FTDI cable from a distributor like Mouser. Avoid the crap on Amazon like I got. Shipping was prompt but, due to the current current global status, took over three weeks to arrive. The kit is beautifully packed but mine suffered a mild gash in the top which resulted in one of the TTL chips requiring "surgery" to straighten its pins. No other damage. The ROM comes with several boot images but, for the Pro kit, only the CP/M boot monitor really works. Not a problem, though, and it invites you to get involved and write your own custom boot image. The only thing I would have liked to see in the kit is a complete and detailed assembly manual. There's an opportunity there for someone. Over all, a great kit and a blast to use. I'm now kicking myself for not keeping any of the many CP/M software disks I got back in the day...
Neil | Aug. 11, 2020
Saved me a lot of work and time.
For YM2149 Sound Card for RC2014 Retro Computer
I was about to start wire-wrapping a prototype board when I learned of the existence of the sound card. I'm using this card with a rather elderly AY3-8910 programmable sound generator chip.
The board is plugged into a backplane extender on a Minstrel 4th RC2014 machine and I've written some simple drivers in Forth to implement "PING" , "EXPLOSION" and "GUNSHOT". Getting the Minstrel to handshake with the GI chip was difficult at first until I realised I'd confused the register-select and data I/O addresses. It's a very satisfying feeling when the sounds appear.
The AY3-8910 chip and the card also provide some extra digital I/Os ( 2 x 8-bit ports ) so this card is very good value. I now have proper, authentic 1980s sound effects rather than just the standard "BEEP" function. The sound generator is semi-autonomous, so it can be generating some repetitive sounds while the host machine is going about its usual business.
I've fed the audio-out from this card to one channel of a stereo speaker, with a speech-synth driving the other channel.
Please note that there a multiple revisions of this board so refer to the appropriate revision of the schematics for jumper settings etc.
The board is plugged into a backplane extender on a Minstrel 4th RC2014 machine and I've written some simple drivers in Forth to implement "PING" , "EXPLOSION" and "GUNSHOT". Getting the Minstrel to handshake with the GI chip was difficult at first until I realised I'd confused the register-select and data I/O addresses. It's a very satisfying feeling when the sounds appear.
The AY3-8910 chip and the card also provide some extra digital I/Os ( 2 x 8-bit ports ) so this card is very good value. I now have proper, authentic 1980s sound effects rather than just the standard "BEEP" function. The sound generator is semi-autonomous, so it can be generating some repetitive sounds while the host machine is going about its usual business.
I've fed the audio-out from this card to one channel of a stereo speaker, with a speech-synth driving the other channel.
Please note that there a multiple revisions of this board so refer to the appropriate revision of the schematics for jumper settings etc.
Wouter | July 27, 2020
Great kit that's a pleasure to build
For RC2014 Classic II - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
The kit comes with clear documentation, both on paper and - in more detail - via the web. Assembly is straightforward and the finished product is a sleek little computer with a lot of expandability options. I managed to botch one section and emailed the seller for assistance; got a reply with the debugging tips needed to track down and fix the issue.
If you are looking for an 8-bit kit to build, I can't think of a better place to start.
If you are looking for an 8-bit kit to build, I can't think of a better place to start.
Adrian | July 22, 2020
Get twice the RAM or slightly less!
For 64K RAM Module For RC2014 - Z80 Homebrew Computer
This board gives your RC2014 a real upgrade! It gives you a new additional block of RAM with a variable size to match all your needs and ROM options. It even includes the option to map itself to ALL of the addressable space, giving you as an avid experimenter all the options for how to best make use of your RC2014 :)
Very happy with my new block of RAM and I'd highly recommend this to anyone with a RC2014 as it still works like the regular 32 kB board too.
Very happy with my new block of RAM and I'd highly recommend this to anyone with a RC2014 as it still works like the regular 32 kB board too.
Neil | July 15, 2020
Useful prototyping board.
I purchased a few of these boards for prototyping RC2014 designs. I'm currently prototyping separate single-channel ADC and DAC boards. Its a nice, clean, well laid-out board, with VDD and GND laid out for 0.3" wide DIP packages. Its certainly a cosmetic improvement when compared to using standard strip-board or perf-board. There's not a great deal of room if you want to use full address-decoding, but otherwise fine.
It also makes a nice tidy adaptor/plug if I want to connect up my 'scope or logic analyser to the bus.
The board really doesn't warrant any documentation so I've rated it "amazing" anyway. Pin 1 has a square pad rather than a round pad, following usual convention. Sorted! ;O)
It also makes a nice tidy adaptor/plug if I want to connect up my 'scope or logic analyser to the bus.
The board really doesn't warrant any documentation so I've rated it "amazing" anyway. Pin 1 has a square pad rather than a round pad, following usual convention. Sorted! ;O)
Kurt | July 12, 2020
Compact Flash Module for CP/M RC2014
For Compact Flash Module for CP/M RC2014 Computer
A very good product.
Unfortunately, I don't have the tools to make the connection
of the CF carrier.
I get a stencil.
Good support.
thank you
Unfortunately, I don't have the tools to make the connection
of the CF carrier.
I get a stencil.
Good support.
thank you
Adrian | July 6, 2020
So much fun!
For B-Grade RC2014 PCB selection
I bought these not expecting too much, but in my selection there where: three classic RC2014 boards with the silkscreen printing missing on the back and a backplane with a slightly messed up soldermask. While I was incredibly lucky to get those four boards, the digital I/O board with a wiring mistake was the must fun I've ever had with a PCB. With some magnet wire and friendly hits from RC2014 I got it working again. The last board was a micro keyboard that had some missing connections, all of which a bit of magnet wire could sort out quickly.
All in all if you're getting a kit anyway or want a really nice electronics puzzle, grab one of these selections too!
After all it's a fact that real computers have bodges in them.
All in all if you're getting a kit anyway or want a really nice electronics puzzle, grab one of these selections too!
After all it's a fact that real computers have bodges in them.
Ganning | July 5, 2020
Well designed Z80 kit
For RC2014 Classic II - Homebrew Z80 Computer Kit
K.I.S.S.
and
Beauty // Classic ][ ;)
I think this is THE modern Z80 computing platform!
and, Spencer is very nice!
and
Beauty // Classic ][ ;)
I think this is THE modern Z80 computing platform!
and, Spencer is very nice!
Gerald | June 26, 2020
Secure and simple CPU module V2.1
For Z80 CPU v2.1 for Enhanced Bus RC2014
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.
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.
Sean | June 22, 2020
Works great!
For 64K RAM Module For RC2014 - Z80 Homebrew Computer
It got shipped out quickly, though it took a while to actually arrive with all the COVID-19 delays in the US. It only took about an hour to put together, though I am relatively experienced with assembly at this point. Worked perfectly once I figured out the right jumper settings to work with the z80ctrl board!
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