N8VEM topics, S-100 and Disk IO

Hi! There are a couple of projects I am working in the N8VEM Z80 CP/M home brew computer project that may be of interest to the CCTALK community. First, I am working on an ECB to S-100 bridge device am designing a small low cost S-100 motherboard as part of the project. It has 4 slots and is intended for hobbyist use testing, prototyping, debugging on a bench. There is no case, power supply, or other advanced features. It is separate from the ECB to S-100 bridge board so it can be used by itself for related projects. I tried to send a message to CCTALK previously with a URL but it never gets posted to the list. So if you are interested in seeing the design just go to the N8VEM wiki page and the PDF file is in the "ECB to S-100 Bus Bridge" folder on the lower right hand side. The design is not yet final but main goal is low cost functionality so I will not be adding active/passive termination, more connectors, power supplies, or other things which will increase PCB area unless there is a compelling reason. Second, the N8VEM Disk IO board is finally available. It has an IDE interface and FDC based on the i8272. Initial testing seems pretty good although testing has uncovered some issues. There are several devices which are known to work with the IDE ranging from older hard drives to CF units. It is all documented on the wiki and in the mailing list. Several N8VEM builders are working with the Disk IO board and development is underway. If you are interested in either of the above, please join us on the N8VEM project. All the PCBs are available and all the information for hardware and software is freely and publicly available. In particular, I would especially ask those who have S-100 backplane and/or IDE and FDC design experience for help. Even if you don't build your own system we certainly could use some expert help in making this a better project. If you have any *constructive* comments, suggestions, questions, or would just like to discuss the subject you can reply here, on the N8VEM mailing list, or contact me by email. Thank and have a nice day! Andrew Lynch