IBM 5155 Ethernet Adapter \ VOGONS

IBM 5155 Ethernet Adapter

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First post, by mikeyp

Posted on 2022-07-25, 19:32

mikeyp Offline

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I have a lovely IBM 5155 which I could do with installing a network adapter in. I bought a 3COM card as I hade success with my 5160 but facepalmed when I opened the machine to install it. The 3 longer slots are already occupied by the CGA card, AST SixPak Plus and IBM floppy controller.

I've found something like the Western Digital 8003WC 8-Bit ethernet card would fit but the only one available is silly money.

I had considered swapping the floppy controller for something shorter but wouldn't know what to get and would lose the ability to connect an external drive.

Are there any sensibly priced alternatives that won't involve me selling a kidney?

Thank you in advance.

Reply 1 of 12, by weedeewee

Posted on 2022-07-25, 20:04

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Well, if you like DIY, there's this https://github.com/skiselev/isa8_eth

Right to repair is fundamental. You own it, you're allowed to fix it.
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Reply 2 of 12, by rmay635703

Posted on 2022-07-25, 20:30

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Why not remove the floppy controller and replace with any generic all in one Floppy + I/O?

Even 16 bit floppyIO will run in an 8 bit slot, just the hd controller disappears

“Long” generic floppy cables are available, string through and open cover and run a normal floppy externally in an enclosure

Last edited by rmay635703 on 2022-07-25, 21:28. Edited 1 time in total.

Reply 3 of 12, by Grzyb

Posted on 2022-07-25, 20:40

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8-bit cards with RJ45 connectors are uncommon, and indeed can be expensive.
On the other hand, cards with BNC+AUI are pretty common, so are hubs with BNC and RJ45 ports, and AUI-RJ45 transceivers...

Nie tylko, jak widzicie, w tym trudność, że nie zdołacie wejść na moją górę, lecz i w tym, że ja do was cały zejść nie mogę, gdyż schodząc, gubię po drodze to, co miałem donieść.

Reply 4 of 12, by BitWrangler

Posted on 2022-07-25, 21:32

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weedeewee wrote on 2022-07-25, 20:04:

Well, if you like DIY, there's this https://github.com/skiselev/isa8_eth

He also had them in his Tindie store assembled, but they seem to be out of stock right now... though there was ppl getting them in June so not "abandon hope" out of stock, might be some more coming.

Unicorn herding operations are proceeding, but all the totes of hens teeth and barrels of rocking horse poop give them plenty of hiding spots.

Reply 5 of 12, by weedeewee

Posted on 2022-07-25, 21:50

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BitWrangler wrote on 2022-07-25, 21:32:

weedeewee wrote on 2022-07-25, 20:04:

Well, if you like DIY, there's this https://github.com/skiselev/isa8_eth

He also had them in his Tindie store assembled, but they seem to be out of stock right now... though there was ppl getting them in June so not "abandon hope" out of stock, might be some more coming.

Hey thanks, I was thinking they must be for sale somewhere.

Right to repair is fundamental. You own it, you're allowed to fix it.
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
Do not ask Why !
https://www.vogonswiki.com/index.php/Serial_port

Reply 6 of 12, by mikeyp

Posted on 2022-07-25, 21:56

mikeyp Offline

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Grzyb wrote on 2022-07-25, 20:40:
8-bit cards with RJ45 connectors are uncommon, and indeed can be expensive.
On the other hand, cards with BNC+AUI are pretty common, so are hubs with BNC and RJ45 ports, and AUI-RJ45 transceivers...

I do have a BNC/Ethernet hub. That's an option if I can find a card small enough. I'm struggling to find small cards.

weedeewee wrote on 2022-07-25, 20:04:

Well, if you like DIY, there's this https://github.com/skiselev/isa8_eth

Viable, affordable option. I like it. I'll look into it. Thank you.

rmay635703 wrote on 2022-07-25, 20:30:
Why not remove the floppy controller and replace with any generic all in one Floppy + I/O?

Even 16 bit floppyIO will run in an 8 bit slot, just the hd controller disappears

“Long” generic floppy cables are available, string through and open cover and run a normal floppy externally in an enclosure

No point unless it can fit in one of the 4" 8 bit slots behind a floppy drive. Also wouldn't be able to connect my external drives that hook up to the rear connector.

weedeewee wrote on 2022-07-25, 20:04:

Well, if you like DIY, there's this https://github.com/skiselev/isa8_eth

Viable, affordable option. I like it. I'll look into it. Thank you.

BitWrangler wrote on 2022-07-25, 21:32:

He also had them in his Tindie store assembled, but they seem to be out of stock right now... though there was ppl getting them in June so not "abandon hope" out of stock, might be some more coming.

Even better. 😀

Reply 7 of 12, by rmay635703

Posted on 2022-07-25, 22:08

rmay635703 Offline

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4”, interesting, it does exist.

Voila

283729440716

I like how if you mention a product the seller on the place that can’t be named marks the price up 50% because 2 people look at it
(Remember I do not buy or sell anything now and the thing I show might be a scam)

Reply 8 of 12, by mikeyp

Posted on 2022-07-26, 06:32

mikeyp Offline

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Yeah. I was aware of that one but it doesn’t quite tick the boxes.

Given the limited connectivity in the machine, I’m looking for the unicorn parts to make best use without too many compromises.

I may well end up swapping out the floppy controller anyway so I can shoehorn in a sound blaster 2.0 I have sitting around.

Reply 9 of 12, by mikeyp

Posted on 2022-07-26, 12:32

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weedeewee wrote on 2022-07-25, 21:50:

Hey thanks, I was thinking they must be for sale somewhere.

I have ordered parts to build 5 PCBs. I only need 1. When they all arrive, I have built them, and IF they work, I will be selling the other 4. It'll be a while. You know... China Post...

Reply 10 of 12, by weedeewee

Posted on 2022-07-26, 16:17

weedeewee Offline

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Yeah, could be two weeks or three months. Which continent are you located on ?

Right to repair is fundamental. You own it, you're allowed to fix it.
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
Do not ask Why !
https://www.vogonswiki.com/index.php/Serial_port

Reply 11 of 12, by mikeyp

Posted on 2022-07-26, 17:43

mikeyp Offline

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weedeewee wrote on 2022-07-26, 16:17:

Yeah, could be two weeks or three months. Which continent are you located on ?

UK.

I’m guessing the Realtek chips will take the longest to arrive.

Reply 12 of 12, by mikeyp

Posted on 2022-08-20, 20:30

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They're done, tested and working. I'm very happy with how they turned out. Looking to sell 4 if anyone is interested.

Edit: They're all sold now.

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