VOGONS


First post, by manawyrm

User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

Hi,

I designed an open-source NE2000-compatible ISA network card.
It uses an RTL8019 chipset and is compatible with XT 8bit machines (through the modified driver from profdc9).

It's not particularly special in any way, but it's open-source and can be machine assembled at jlcpcb.com from new parts only.
All components on this card are from the last couple of years 😀

ucveqtkjwsp.jpg
Filename
ucveqtkjwsp.jpg
File size
1.46 MiB
Views
971 views
File license
CC-BY-4.0
ixhkevgnmby.jpg
Filename
ixhkevgnmby.jpg
File size
1.52 MiB
Views
971 views
File license
CC-BY-4.0

ISA parameters can be set via jumpers, via the EEPROM or via ISA PnP.

mrxbnfwevci.jpg
Filename
mrxbnfwevci.jpg
File size
1.16 MiB
Views
971 views
File license
CC-BY-4.0

Project details, schematics, etc.:
https://github.com/Manawyrm/ISA8019/blob/master/README.md

Feel free to order your own cards at JLC, all required files are in the .zip Download.
Only the RJ45 jack, jumper headers and Boot ROM IC socket have to be hand-soldered. The last 2 are optional.
Without jumper headers, the card can operate in EEPROM/jumperless and ISA PnP mode, which should still be fine for 90% of applications.

No support for 10Base-2, it requires special transceiver ICs which aren't easily available anymore.
But it's open-source, so if anyone wants to have support for Base-2 or AUI, feel free!

I can now chat on the internet with my micro8088 computer, with only PCBs I soldered myself. I do quite like that 😀

Manawyrm

Last edited by manawyrm on 2023-08-06, 20:49. Edited 1 time in total.

Reply 2 of 6, by manawyrm

User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie
maxtherabbit wrote on 2020-12-03, 21:50:

Very nice. There should not be solder mask on the edge connector though.

Very good point, I've missed that, thanks!
I'll add it to an Errata list for now and will fix it if I need to do a Rev.B.

For now it actually seems like Rev.A is pretty much working 100%, which is surprising and very nice 😀

Reply 4 of 6, by GigAHerZ

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

I'm sorry i'm so lazy, but would it support thinnet coax medium as well?
Also looks like the board could be half the height / 2 boards per one pcb.

Amazing work!

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." - And i intend to get every last bit out of it even after loading every damn driver!

Reply 5 of 6, by manawyrm

User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie
GigAHerZ wrote on 2020-12-04, 11:55:

but would it support thinnet coax medium as well?

No, unfortunately not.
That requires somewhat rare 10Base-2 tranceiver ICs. Those are not available anymore (at least not new and in big quantities).
These cards (as is) can be made in basically unlimited supply.

Reply 6 of 6, by GigAHerZ

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
manawyrm wrote on 2020-12-04, 13:25:

These cards (as is) can be made in basically unlimited supply.

And that is absolutely amazing!

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." - And i intend to get every last bit out of it even after loading every damn driver!