First post, by Gigaah
Well the time is comming(ok its already arrived) where these 486 dos/win3.1 machines will need replacing hardware wise(not just the hard drives).I could use some assistance to make the absolute right choice.
The computers in question are used for industrial control...but I know where to find the people who REALLY know this hardware..gamers. here is a description of the existing computers.
EXISTING:
486DX(misc)(orslower) 2 com ports,floppy,3gb hdd, dialup modem, parallel ports, and either isa or pci expansion card for analog to digital(temperature readings) from metrabyte called das8. I have a clone of this card sourced in isa and pci). AT style keyboard plug(would like ps2). A keypad and associated driver. Lots of communication via the serial and parallel ports to Logic controlers or keypads programs and drivers that seem to be probably firmly rooted in 486 or prior hardware.
There are a few units with "upgrades" running win95, oddball on win2000..but they are not as functional or stable as the dos units despite having nice thigs like usb ports.
I think some programs MAY do something directly to UART?
LOOKING TO HAVE (in new system)
Stability: Operation with AMBIENT(outsidecase) temp up to 100F. Perfer passive cooling...but really it just needs to bulletproof (air into system is semi pre filtered) concerned for dust and overheating issues.
Speed: these systems have had functions added etc and the existing 486's seem to struggle a bit and can get bogged down. Not sure if its disk operations,bus side, or just the IO data to/from the ports having to wait for....unknown.
Ideally Flash storage to eliminate HDD failure issues. External access to it would aleviate frustrations getting data in/out of them for backup.
Dialup modem needed for occasional use but normally not used.
Keypads run into an ide type cable pin block that is just routed to an LPT port(no worries i can manage this one)
Video is all text except for some programs use PCX or PIC image background and display text over that. Color mind you.
Hardware options?:
Cost is always kept an eye on.
Ease of finding a replacment again in the future(or cheap backup replacments now).
I've been looking at single board 486's. You add a backplane for any pci or isa connectors etc.
Some offer far advanced things like flash and usb ports..some under dos.
There is even the Vortex86DXclocking in at 800mhz to 1ghz but seems yet to be aimed directly at DOS compatability upgrading. Even if its too fast if you can clock it down it could easily be a winner due to dissapation/heat/reliability.
Or is a straight up 486box the right route? I don't care to build these things from vintage, used parts. So i'm hoping someone can help me figure if these single board units are the right way to go or not.
Any help is appreciated.