25 Dec
2001
25 Dec
'01
1:29 p.m.
On Tue, 25 Dec 2001, Ernest wrote:
I don't really consider these cards to be hard to find, you just won't
find them in most used computer shops. The 515 isn't too popular, since
there isn't much gain with it compared to a less expensive 509.
If you are looking for the setup utility and packet drivers for this card,
try here: http://support.3com.com/infodeli/tools/nic/3c515.htm If you are
looking for Linux drivers, have a look at a modern kernel and here:
http://www.scyld.com/network/3c515.html Crynwr Software
http://www.crynwr.com/ also has many packet drivers available, often for
cards that are not supported by the original manufacturer.
The setup for these cards is very similar to that of any of the Etherlink
series adapters 3com made. Almost all of their cards use the same menu
setup for the configuration software, so it's mostly just a matter of
getting used to 3com's way of doing things. One issue with the 515 that
tends to annoy people is that it needs a plug-n-pray bios and or an
enabler program to enable the card before a driver can recognize it.
-Toth
There were
very few *ISA* 10/100 NICs ever made. The 3C515 is one of
them. One of the local junk shops has a couple behind the counter.
They are marked $20. I have no idea if that's a reasonable price or
if they are gouging (they also have some used RTC8139-based boards
next to them for $7, for comparison).
Just curious, but not curious enough to drop $20 up front.
$20.00 is reasonable in my opinion, since these cards can be hard to
find. The problem that I ran into was finding drivers for them. I'm
not sure if I have a 515 or different one but the drivers were
difficult or impossible to find (for MSDOS) and the setup was arcane
to say the least. On the other hand, Linux might support the old stuff
like this much better. What OS were you hoping to use with the card?