512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014

Name: 512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014
SKU: 11867
Price: 102.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.68 (11 reviews)

(11 Reviews)

ROM and RAM Module for RC2014 Z80 computer with RomWBW CP/M style operating system

Designed by RFC2795 Ltd in United Kingdom

512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014 1

512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014 2

512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014 3

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ROM and RAM Module for RC2014 Z80 computer with RomWBW CP/M style operating system

What is RC2014? RC2014 is a simple 8 bit Z80 based modular computer. It is inspired by the home built computers of the late 70s and computer revolution of the early 80s. It is not a clone of anything…

What is RC2014?

RC2014 is a simple 8 bit Z80 based modular computer. It is inspired by the home built computers of the late 70s and computer revolution of the early 80s. It is not a clone of anything specific, but there are suggestions of the ZX81, UK101, S100, Superboard II and Apple I in here. It nominally has 8K ROM, 32K RAM, runs at 7.3728MHz and communicates over serial at 115,200 baud.

As a bare minimum, you will need a CPU, ROM, RAM, Clock and Input/Output module. The RC2014 is designed in such a way that you can build your own modules to expand it. As such, if you have access to similar components, or have specific needs, you might not need all the items I have on offer.

What is this module?

This module is a combined 512k RAM and 512k ROM module that has been designed to run RomWBW operating system on the RC2014 with a Z80 CPU. Due to the 64k of addressable memory limitation of the Z80, the memory in this module is divided up in to multiple 32k pages.

It is designed to replace both the ROM and RAM modules in the RC2014 Classic, RC2014 Plus or RC2014 Pro, and can also be used with the RC2014 Mini if the ROM and RAM chips are removed.

The circuit is largely a reproduction of the ROM/RAM part of Sergey Kiselevs Zeta 2, with some modifications inspired by Dr Scott Bakers ROM/RAM Module

What is RomWBW

RomWBW is a ROM-based implementation of CP/M-80 2.2 and Z-System for all RetroBrew Computers Z80/Z180 hardware platforms including SBC 1/2, Zeta 1/2, N8, Mark IV, and RC2014. Virtually all RetroBrew hardware is supported including floppy, hard disk (IDE, CF Card, SD Card), Video, and keyboard. VT-100 terminal emulation is built-in.

The RomWBW ROM loads and runs the built-in operating systems directly from the ROM and includes a selection of standard/useful applications accessed via a ROM disk drive. A RAM disk drive is also provided to allow temporary file storage.

As the author of RomWBW, Wayne Warthen has ported this operating system to the RC2014, and it will auto-detect either the 68B50 ACIA or the SIO/2 UART, and will, if available, use the Compact Flash Module for storage. It can also support Ed Brindleys IDE Module and RTC Module, as well as Dr Scott Bakers WDC and FDC Floppy Disk Modules with a recompiled base image.

For detailed information on RomWBW see https://github.com/wwarthen/RomWBW

What do I get?

Standard Kit This includes all the components to build the 512k ROM 512k RAM Module, including PCB, RAM, pre-programmed ROM, Support chips and passive components.
PCB Only Go on, take a guess what this kit includes ;-)

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RFC2795 Ltd Shipping Policy:

Products are normally shipped next working day, however during busy periods this may extend slightly.

Tracked or Tracked & Signed options are available to most locations. This may not get your kit to you any quicker, but it adds peace of mind that you know where it has got to.

It is your responsibility to pay any import duty or other taxes where appropriate.

Important note for European Union customers Tindie is unable to comply with new EU tax regulations, so unfortunately I am no longer shipping to the EU via Tindie, but do sell them through a website which is does handle the VAT and tax payments.

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.82)

Documentation: (4.45)

Shipping: (4.91)

Communication: (4.55)

David | May 12, 2021

512K ROM PCB

I built the RomWBW module using parts I sourced myself. I did all the research necessary before I purchased the parts. All the chips I used are HCT types. Why they need to of this type only was a little difficult to understand why but after some research it all started to make sense. The kit is very easy to assemble and I programed the flash rom myself using a TL866II programmer.

Andrew | Sept. 5, 2020

Good addition to RC2014 board

Buying this enabled me to run CP/M on my RC2014 system. In addition, a single board replaces the previous 2 boards for the ROM and RAM. Plus using flash chips works well with my flash chip programmer.
Easy build, no problems.

Gerald | April 7, 2020

RomWBW Rocks!

Before buying into the RC2014 ecosystem, I spent (quite) some time looking at which 'retro micro' would best meet my expectations. In that pre-purchase analysis phase, it became pretty clear that RomWBW support should definitely be a key capability of the platform I was about to make an investment in. It did not disappoint!

From a build perspective, it's straightforward - just proceed steadily and with care and make sure you clean the board (solder flux removal et al) before you install the chips in their carriers/sockets. Mine worked straight from 'the off' in each of the selectable configurations - A HUGH benefit that RomWBW provides is a simple but really effective Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) - It's this feature that makes it so usable across a number of different platforms (The HAL approach is a key enabler for Microsoft's Windows OS success across many, many different hardware (motherboard/chipset/processor/memory etc) configurations).

Using RomWBW in the RC2014 is straightforward enough but let me raise a word of warning - This reviewer didn't fully appreciate that the ROM chip is actually a NOR-Flash type that can be written - Oh, how I laughed when I figured out that I'd managed to obliterate a good deal of the CP/M image store in the ROM, while 'tinkering' with some of the command binaries that were originally domiciled within - My fault - I should have been more diligent about checking the schematic which clearly shows that the processor's 'Memory Write' strobe is connect to a (Not-)Write_Enable pin on the ROM. Lesson learned - Fingers Burned - Red Faced etc. So, dear reader take note that there is no 'Write Protect' jumper on the RC2014 version of the RomWBW board (I know the SC126 does have such jumpers - on both ROMs) Anyway...

This card is a really great add-in. You use this instead of the ROM/RAM board that comes with the RC2014 Pro kit. In retrospect, I think I would have looked at putting a Zero Insertion Force socket on this board for the ROM chip (not because of my faux pas) because I can see that I'm likely to develop my own ROM, at some point (and I think I'd look at 'mod-ing' the board to optionally isolate the ROM's WE pin...)

Enjoy!

Ged

Anatoly | March 12, 2020

Good Module as an upgrade to an existing RC2014 system.

I purchased the Full Kit as an addition to an existing RC2014 Pro system that I recently built. The board was packaged well and arrived to the US in a reasonable time. The instructions and documentation were straightforward for assembly. One of the things I do after the soldering is done is to visually inspect each joint closely to make sure it was soldered well. I also clean the flux off the board with a small brush and alcohol. I installed the board in my system and it came up with no problems. It's a great purchase to reduce the board count on your system.

Nils-Arne | Nov. 4, 2018

Well worth the money.

Everything as expected and shipped as quick as should be. Quality is OK.

(BTW, I seldom place 5 stars.)

Conrad | Aug. 15, 2018

Very good kit and easy to put together.

The 512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW Module for RC2014 is a very good kit, well thought out and easy to put together.

Thank you Semachthemonkey

Karl Albert | July 5, 2018

It's must have

This is one of my favorite rc2014 modules (very well done Spencer).
It replaces any RAM and ROM modules.
It will be a central part of any rc2014 rig.
The software part is maintained by Wayne Warthen.
https://github.com/wwarthen - search for ROMWBW
It is relatively expensive but according to Spencer Owens its due to the component price.
You can buy empty boards and source the components cheaper, but for most people buying the complete kit is a good value considering the time and effort gathering all components.

Birko | June 15, 2018

Amazing product quality

The quality of the PCB is amazing and it is very easy to solder. It is always fun to build such a nice part.

Filip | June 11, 2018

512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW module - A must have supplement

I have procured a single board Z80 computer kit together with this 512k ROM 512k RAM RomWBW module. The kit is great, this supplementary module fits and functions perfectly, is easy to assemble, and arrived in a very sturdy package.

The documentation is more than clear enough to permit fluent integration of the base kit and this memory module.

If you are interested in a Z80 kit with more memory and more programs included, I advise this supplementary module and this company very much. Professionalism as it ought to be everywhere!

Randal | May 5, 2018

Gateway to more fun!

This excellent Module for the RC2014 with RomWBW allows the easy use of several 3rd Party cards, such as Ed Brindley's Sound Card and IDE Card. I cannot recommend this Module enough! While the original RC2014 (Pro) Kit is a wonderfully complete and highly capable system, this Module opens up more possibilities and opportunities for fun, learning, exploration, and expansion.
I would strongly suggest that a ZIF-style socket is installed for the ROM socket (Location U1) as you will find yourself putting a new version on that ROM frequently. It may be a tight fit, and the solution I found was to install the regular socket as instructed, then use some "Swiss Pin" type headers between the socket and the ZIF socket as a "stand off" to increase the clearance.
Overall, this is an outstanding addition to your RC2014 and am very pleased with it. Get yours today! :)

R W | April 30, 2018

Excellent module for RC2014 providing choice with RomWBW

I bought this module to give me more choice of CP/M builds on RC2014, allowing use of RomWBW which apart from providing ROM & RAM disk, has support for various disk and CF card add-ons and gives a choice of CP/M 2.2 and Z-System (ZSDOS 1.1).

The usenet group RC2014 is very supportive to newbies with build and debugging advice (not that that is always required). Spencer Owen (RC2014) and Wayne Warthen (RomWBW) are very supportive of their user-base.

I am not an expert, yet managed to build and run without problems, with each card my soldering gets better.

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