Stephen C Cousins

3,488 orders since Sep 20, 2018

Stowmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom

Ships from United Kingdom.

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Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.97)

Documentation: (4.90)

Shipping: (4.91)

Communication: (4.92)

All Reviews

David | Dec. 28, 2024

Might be my very favorite computer.

For SC126 Z180 SBC/Motherboard Kit for RCBus

Okay, so I tend to leave rather gushing reviews for Small Computer Central equipment. I am often amazed and impressed by these designs. This, however, is truly an accomplishment.

Despite being one of Steve's older designs, it manages to pack in all the features I want into the single board computer. There's a built-in RTC and bit-bang i2c bus master and i2c signals can be optionally passed to the bus. Tadeusz Pycio's MPMII-RCBus build runs on this system (when using a CF card adapter modules, also pull DREQ1 low with the provided jumper,) a non-trivial accomplishment for the system. It even gives you optional software control over switching between ROMS, a feature I did not realize I wanted.

I'm glad I put together all my other Small Computer Central systems before obtaining this one, it allows me to really assess the board. This board is a final build type of build, as in it's the last system you'll need; or a z80 grail type of build. The i2c mechanism is different from the other SCC i2c bus master modules, which may be important to know if you're working with those newer i2c modules.

I've only just got the device put together and tested, using configurations from my existing SC792 Z180 system. I'm eager to spend more time with it and test the rest of my modules on it. It really saves a lot of space compared to my SC792 and I may replace that system with this one.

If you're even mildly considering buying this system, I'll tell you right now, it is worth it. The price is incredible for the base feature set you'll receive.

David | Dec. 2, 2024

SPI for Z80 is finally here!

For SC611 MicroSD Storage Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

Yes, it's a bit slow, as the community predicted, at 7-8Mhz. The Compact Flash card modules are faster; However, the build is simple, the SPI I/Os are exposed for easy access, the SD Card works reliably, and the affordability can't be beat.

This is a must have for any RC2014 and Small Computer Central enthusiast. Looking forward to putting together more from the SC600 series!

So far only RomWBW supports the module, but there is a great deal of potential for other firmwares such as CollapseOS and Small Computer Monitor.

David | Dec. 2, 2024

Inexpensive and reliable serial comms.

For SC705 Serial ACIA Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

This module is extended from the default RC2014 Classic revision with some added jumper options; making it a versatile serial interface that can be used for more than just the primary console. I have yet to explore all its features, but I plan to use it as a sort of dedicated "modem" port in an MPM/II build at some point, so the jumper options are appreciated; giving us options to tie interrupt to user lines or choices over clock sources, for example.

If you only need one dedicated serial port, or if you want to extend your serial port count by one for experimentation, this is a really great pick.

Keith | Oct. 28, 2024

Considering an RC2014? This is the one!

For SC126 Z180 SBC/Motherboard Kit for RCBus

I honestly feel like this is *the* choice for a good entry into the world of RC2014 compatible systems. RomWBW provides a ton of support programs and drivers to get you started; and having full RCbus compatibility is amazing. It was super easy and a joy to spend an afternoon with my soldering iron to put it all together, thanks to Mr. Cousin's extremely well-written documentation! Not to mention his gracious support and patience answering all my questions before I purchased. Plus the price really can't be beat! Shipping from the UK to the US was fast too! Can't wait to add more modules to an amazing little computer.

David | Oct. 11, 2024

Compact prototyping.

For SC115 Breakout Module Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin+

I have the larger, 80-pin standard for this one, with its prototpying area; but I wanted something smaller for pure breadboarding work. This is perfect, it does not include pins 40 and 80, but those are optional user pins rarely connected to anything and I don't need them for this module's use cases.

I use this with my SC720 to reduce its footprint slightly.

David | Oct. 11, 2024

Ultimate Expandability!

For SC710 Backplane Kit for RCBus-80pin

I use this for my SC794 build, and have yet to fill out the whole backplane, despite adding many modules to the system. This is the ultimate backplane for supporting advanced builds.

David | Oct. 11, 2024

The joy of iterative designs.

For SC730 Z80 CPU plus MMU Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

This moves the MMU of the SC714 to the same module as the Z80 CPU itself, opening possibilities for multiboot when paired with the more robust, linear memory modules. This module represents the core of the SC794, and I've built mine out to be an ultimate, Z80 development workstation. I really love the versatility this particular unit provides!

David | Oct. 11, 2024

Exactly what I needed.

For SC148 Power Module Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

I got this for my sc100 build, primarily to add its reset supervisor to the circuit. Now the system can be powered either by 8-15v or 5v inputs and it's added a great deal of versatility and reliability to my build!

David | Oct. 11, 2024

Verticality!

For SC729 Compact Flash Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

An excellent, vertical option for the CF card adapter. Very happy with it. This is paired with my largest backplane to reduce its footprint a little.

David | Aug. 31, 2024

Particularly useful for i2c testing.

For SC407 I2C Switches and Lights Module Kit

I've used this module with multiple devices both in and outside of the 8-bit computing space to test and verify i2c-connectivity and correctness. It's a very useful tool and can provide GPIOs and press button commands over i2c on any compatible platform.

This one is very affordable, very quick to build, and quite fun to put together (something about the lights and switches modules always make them particularly fun to solder together and I could not tell you why.)

Even if you aren't using SCC computers or other 8-bit designs, this little gadget is good to have on hand. It would be an excellent first-solder project kit for anyone new to it. This is true of most designs sold here, but this kit would be particularly accessible to children as it is quite simple and the switches hold themselves in pretty well during soldering.

I could imagine distributing these to a class alongside some arduino or adafruit project to teach kids how to both solder and then control the lights over i2c.

Gary | May 30, 2024

Great all round experience

For SC131 Pocket-sized Z180 RomWBW CP/M computer kit

Kit was delivered promptly, comms were great and the instructions were straight forward and clear with checks as you progress to ensure everything is correct. I highly recommend, assembled and working in under 3 hours despite my very rusty soldering skills.

Marco | April 23, 2024

Great Project kit!

For SC114 Z80 Motherboard Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

I purchased this Kit for a bit of nostalgia as my father and I put together a kit form Z80 computer in the garage in the early 80's (Dick Smith Super 80 kit in Australia). This kit brought back many fond memories of learning to solder properly and then programming my first BASIC programs. The kit was very easy to put together and worked first time, (unlike the earlier kit that had to go in for repair and mods to function :-) ). I am very happy with this product and am now going to buy more cards to add to its functionality and fun. Great job!!

Jonas | April 17, 2024

Easy kit to build, good instructions, great fun to play with

For SC131 Pocket-sized Z180 RomWBW CP/M computer kit

This review is a bit overdue, but better late than never.
I've ordered several kits from SC, but this was the first I built.
Kit is well packaged, parts easy to sort out and instructions excellent.
I ran into a problem with a cold solder, but managed to figure out the approximate whereabouts on the PCB and after that it was a breeze.
Kit works as advertised and I am really impressed at the !/$ factor.

Gerald | April 3, 2024

High quality SBC

For SC130 RomWBW CP/M Computer Kit for RCBus-40pin

I chose this machine for a specific project that needed the extra CPU throughput and memory offered, over a Z80 platform, and my experience of the maker’s SC126. It did not disappoint.

The component quality and documentation are superb making it easy to recommend this machine to those looking for a small but potent SBC.

Shawn | April 2, 2024

What a great kit!

For SC792 Z180 RomWBW CP/M Computer Kit for RCBus-80

Everything worked first time and is so well designed and documented it was a blast to assemble.

Thank you!

William | March 21, 2024

Exceeded expectations

For SC131 Pocket-sized Z180 RomWBW CP/M computer kit

This was an interesting kit to build. The documentation was great, and included various points to test to ensure a smooth build. The only issue I had was forming the LEDs, but that's due to my sausage fingers. I did have to remove the LEDs to re-form them. While doing so, I noticed there are tiny flange-like protrusions on the legs of the LEDs and that was my marker. As soon as I powered on the finished board, I had two reactions: one, it booted first time! Second was "dang this thing is fast!". I built it over the course of two after-work sessions. Like usual, take your time, take a break if necessary. Would recommend.

Eric | Jan. 29, 2024

Great kit! No trouble with assembly!

For SC131 Pocket-sized Z180 RomWBW CP/M computer kit

The assembly went very smoothly using the online documentation that walks you through the process. The only thing I did differently was I desoldered the right angle headers from the SD card adapter and soldered new, straight header pins rather than bending the right-angle header pins straight and then trimming them.

I did not use an FTDI serial adapter with RTS and CTS pins. I used a generic CHM340-based USB to serial adapter. It wasn't a problem. I used PuTTY as my terminal software and was able to connect without issue.

I look forward to exploring the SC131.

Mike | Dec. 5, 2023

The kit worked first time.

For SC727 Real Time Clock Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

This was easy to build thanks to clear and detailed documentation. It even include 4 output lines and 2 input lines that can be used for other purposes. The only problem I had was figuring out how to use RTC.COM program in CP/M to set the time. After some experimentation I discovered that 2 digits are needed for the day, month, year, hour, minutes , seconds and the day of the week. With the backup battery fitted, it is keeping good time - the date and time was bang on even after my CP/M system had been switched off for the last week.

David | Nov. 26, 2023

RomWBW!!!

For SC714 RomWBW Memory Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

I noticed this module and upgraded one of my computers to it so I could work with RomWBW. Very happy with the purchase. As usual, the documentation is top-notch!

With six chips, six capacitors, and some headers, this was the quickest and easiest build in the whole sc700 ecosystem. I went from opening the box to booting in about 25 minutes.

David | Nov. 18, 2023

Another fun build!

For SC719 Digital I/O Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

This is almost as fun to build as the digital i/o module for z50bus. For some reason that one was a bit more enjoyable, but this one was quite fun as well. It's nice to have these lights for basic diagnostics and arbitrary testing of I/O.

David | Nov. 12, 2023

Quick and simple build with endless versatility.

For SC136 Digital Input Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

Arbitrarily read in data from any external device? Yes please! These are a great way to practice with peripherals!

David | Nov. 12, 2023

Quick and simple build with endless versatility.

For SC135 Digital Output Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

Arbitrarily write data out to any external device? Yes please! These are a great way to practice with peripherals!

David | Nov. 11, 2023

Light show central!

For SC404 I2C Digital I/O Module Kit (MCP23008)

I have found this module extraordinarily useful for testing, troubleshooting, and blinking lights in interesting ways over the years.

David | Nov. 11, 2023

Paged memory in such a compact space?!

For SC151 Paged ROM Module Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

How even? These compact little boards are doing things that I thought we needed a much larger board for. Studying this design will surely yield some fascinating new knowledge!

As with all these compact modules, the build is quick and easy; almost underwhelming after building so many of the larger systems. I still enjoyed it, though, it's a nice little relaxer to be able to solder each board up quickly during a break and slowly assemble the system.

David | Nov. 11, 2023

More paged memory in such a compact space?!

For SC150 Paged RAM Module Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

As I mention in my paged rom review, I'm still blown away that we have pageable memory in such a compact board. It's really fascinating. I made a mistake on this order, too, and the seller helped me sort out that mistake, refunding the necessary funds, and got me exactly the parts I was trying to order.

Thanks for everything, Steve!

David | Nov. 11, 2023

Very cool build!

For SC139 Serial Module Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

This is an extremely fun board to put together. I was a little intimidated at first, but the way the resistors are hidden beneath the ACIA IC is really interesting and fun to watch come together.

This module has its own clock circuit! Complete overkill and very much appreciated. You can isolate the bus clock from the ACIA clock, even in this compact of a space.

It also has configurable addressing, so you can place it on any port you need. So many features packed into such a small space!

David | Nov. 11, 2023

CP/M Anyone?

For SC145 Compact Flash Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

I've never been able to run CP/M on my RC2014 classic before. I've been retiring genuine rc2014 components in favor of SCC revisions lately, and this really brings my work station together. Having CP/M available on this low profile computer is both impressive and amazing.

I've been playing zmachine games on this system with the Vezza zmachine interpreter by Sijnstra since I finished building this module last night! The computer looks amazing with this module installed, and I really can't get over the design of the system as a whole.

You learn a lot putting these things together, and these low profile modules make a particularly good entry into the ecosystem.

David | Nov. 11, 2023

The one you need!

For SC720 Z80 RomWBW CP/M Motherboard Kit for RCBus

This system rounds out my collection of SCC computers and is the culmination of several years of collecting. I love this system's design, as it combines pretty much the best of the z80 and z180 computer designs for the rcbus. I have plenty of modules and extensions I can use with this board, and it will quickly become my primary 8-bit workstation.

I'll be buying more computer kits in the future as gifts for friends and family, but this is the last of the SCC computers I'll need. If you aren't sure which system to get, and you want something that covers all of the basics and then some, this system will keep you happy for years to come!

Update after a couple days working with it:

This thing really is a motherboard! That's the best descriptor for it. It feels like a complete computer and, whenever I get some kind of display driver and PS/2 driver hardware installed in it, it will be easily standalone. The three slots are typically sufficient for expansion, though I do have a larger expansion board that fits it nicely. It starts to get a little unwieldy, but it sure looks cool! It really looks its best when it's got two cards installed directly on the board.

The build was very fun, too, I forgot to mention. It was different from the modular builds, with everything being on one board. Take your time and work section-by-section. While the build itself was less work than a full modular system, it can be a little intimidating when you first open the box. In the end, this build flew by quickly and I had a blast doing it.

The low profile compared to the modular systems is a nice change, though it is a little harder to display effectively when not in use. Overall, having RomWBW on a true Z80 system has been quite enjoyable. I even got a C compiling running on it!

David | Nov. 10, 2023

Purchased the wrong kit, seller subbed out the correct one.

For SC111 Z180 CPU Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

I purchased this kit by mistake, contacted Steve, the seller, and had the order updated to the correct module instead. 10/10, great customer service! It's no secret I'm a fanboy, check my other reviews of SCC equipment!

David | Nov. 10, 2023

Sleek, Cute, and Useful

For SC138 I2C Memory Card Kit

You need sneakernet on your 8-bits? This thing is pocket friendly, supports 64k if you have it (supplied with 32k) and looks slick both on its own and plugged in. Get one or three.

David | Nov. 10, 2023

Fun, Quick, and useful.

For SC406 I2C Temperature Sensor Kit (TC74)

I plan to use this to seed random number generators. It's a pretty fun build for how small it is! Also useful for keeping an eye on temp around the system, particularly if you build inside of a case.

David | Nov. 10, 2023

i2c baybee!

For SC137 I2C Bus Master Kit for RC2014/RCBus-40pin

To have i2c on my RC2014 is simply amazing. Next up SPI! I really love having access to the lineup of peripherals this board brings to the table. While I have yet to master its use, this module is an empowering and educational choice for any rc2014 owner!

David | Nov. 10, 2023

Just cool!

For SC401 I2C Prototyping Module Kit

I use these to adapt adafruit i2c modules to my 8 bit computers. These are too cool for school and you probably need a few.

David | Nov. 10, 2023

I really love it!

For SC715 Compact Flash Module Kit for RCBus-80pin

I was a bit dubious at the design of this one but the way it juts out of the horizontal expansion slot really puts the finishing touches on the system. Mount the standoffs opposite as shown and it will always sit flush with your system. You can also put it in the front for vertical mounting, which looks more natural than you'd think. Hardcoded to live at address $10-$17 (hex), it follows the RC2014 standard to a T.

Extraordinarily useful, needed for CP/M on z80. A must-buy product.

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