The LiNC80 SBC1 is an 8-bit microcomputer kit, featuring a Z80 processor, a simple yet full-featured design that’s expandable. It features 64KBytes of RAM on-board, two serial ports for terminals and communication, dual 8-bit I/O and a timer available for your use. If you hook up a simple CF-to-IDE adapter you will be able to run the venerable operating system CP/M, giving you access to a world of software. Including the legendary underground adventure Zork!

This listing is for the Full kit. A bare PCB is listed as a separate product instead of as a selectable option here, because of significant differences in shipping & handling, and thus a significant price difference for you.

Core specifications of the LiNC80 SBC1:

• Available as Kit or as bare PCB
• Z80 CPU
• Feature rich SCMon ROM Monitor with online assembler and disassembler
• BASIC interpreter in ROM
• Zilog SIO/2 serial port controller with dual serial ports
• Zilog CTC for four channels of Counter/Timer, 2 of them dedicated to the SIO/2
• Zilog PIO for two Parallel ports
• Memory map designed to allow for graphics expansion
• For fun, option of a dedicated ROM Cartridge connector
• ROM part of memory from address $0000 disable-able
• 64KBytes of RAM on-board, expandable via bank-switching
• 32KBytes of ROM in 2 16K bank pages, bank-switching available both on-board and via expansion
• Expandable system through Z50Bus
• CP/M compatibility
• Z80 Interrupt Mode 2 in the core

This computer does not have built in graphics. Like the earliest microcomputers, interaction is normally done using the on-board serial ports, hooked up to a serial terminal. One very convenient way of talking to the LiNC80 is by using a so-called “FTDI cable”, connected to the TTL compatible serial port of the LiNC80 on one end, and a USB port on a modern computer of your choice on the other.

PCB layout of this microcomputer kit is designed with a physically open layout to avoid having to struggle with tight component placements, making assembly simple. It also uses only through-hole components, and all parts used are in current production (as of 2018). Connections to the board are all done using standard pin headers on 2.54mm pitch, except for the included power connector which is a screw terminal block on 5.08mm spacing.

The kit contains the base PCB, all semiconductors, passive components, sockets and headers needed to complete a working single board computer, including pre-programmed ROM. Printed instructions are included, with high res colour photos and full schematics available online. Additional parts are needed for CP/M functionality (not included are: CF-card, IDE-CF adapter, memory card reader).

It is assumed that you have your own soldering equipment (entry level soldering kit is sufficient), and have at least beginners experience.

You will need to supply your own 5V DC power adapter (500ma or higher) and an FTDI cable connected to your PC/laptop.

Expansions and adapters

The following adapters and expansions are a good fit for your LiNC80 SBC1 (and available as options on this product listing):

• Z50Bus Expansion prototyping card
• Z50Bus-to-RC2014-bus expansion adapter
• Z50Bus 5-slot backplane
• 8-bit Digital I/O expansion card
• ROM Cartridge kit

What makes it special?

The LiNC80 SBC1 is a compact 8-bit microcomputer with the features needed for a complete retrocomputing experience built right in, while still being easily expandable using it's well-documented expansion bus. With close core design relationship with other Z80-based microcomputers, it already has a solid software foundation.