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
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