RC2014 is a range of homebrew computer kits reminiscent of what was available in the late 70s / early 80s. They are not a clone of anything specific, but there are suggestions of the ZX81, UK101, S100, Superboard II and Apple I in there.

The RC2014 Zed is a modular computer with an 8 slot standard backplane. It has a Z80 CPU running at 7.3728MHz, 512k ROM, 512k RAM and communicates over serial at 115,200bps via a Zilog SIO/2 UART. It runs Z-System or CP/M 2.2 operating system from ROM and uses either compact flash or IDE hard disc storage. The backplane allows expansion modules such as official RC2014 Modules or a selection of 3rd party "Designed for RC2014" modules. The design is simple, and the standard 0.1" pitch headers encourages building your own add-ons. The RC2014 Zed Pro consists of the same modules, but supplied with a 12 slot enhanced backplane

The RC2014 Zed consists of the following modules;

• z80 2.1 CPU Module
• 512k ROM 512k RAM Module
• Dual Serial SIO/2 Module
• Dual Clock Module [1]
• Backplane 8

The RC2014 Zed Pro consists of the following modules;

• z80 2.1 CPU Module
• 512k ROM 512k RAM Module
• Dual Serial SIO/2 Module
• Dual Clock Module
• Backplane Pro

Although not strictly required, either the Compact Flash Module or IDE Hard Drive Module [2] are recommended for storage. The Compact Flash Module includes a blank CF card, but you will have to provide your own IDE hard drive for use with the IDE Module.

Assembly of the kit is very straightforward for anyone with basic soldering skills. All components are through-hole, except for the compact flash socket which is pre-soldered. All chips are socketed.

When assembled, the RC2014 Zed boots in to either CP/M 2.2 or Z-System. This can be accessed through an FTDI cable and a terminal program (PuTTY, TeraTerm, Screen, etc) on your PC or laptop. Alternatively, you can use a Pi Zero Serial Terminal to plug in directly to monitor & keyboard.

Why Choose RC2014 Zed

RC2014 Zed and RC2014 Zed pro run RomWBW, which include both an original CP/M 2.2 operating system and also Z-System which is an enhanced CP/M clone that was written specifically for the Z80 (as opposed to 8080 for CP/M) which runs all original CP/M, and adds several useful additions. With 512k RAM and 512k ROM split in to 16k pages, you should never find yourself running out of memory either. To find out more about CP/M 2.2 or Z-System, see the RomWBW documentation on Github

If you are looking for a cheaper, simpler RC2014, take a look at the RC2014 Mini, RC2014 Classic, RC2014 Plus or RC2014 Pro

Each of the modules are available individually if you are upgrading an existing RC2014, or have non-standard requirements. However, for a complete computer kit, buying the RC2014 Zed or RC2014 Zed Pro will work out cheaper.

What is included

The RC2014 Zed and RC2014 Zed Pro Kit includes all PCBs, sockets & headers, ICs, pre-programmed ROM, passive components and USB power lead. Simple assembly guide is included, and more detailed info available on the RC2014 website. See Bill of Material link for exact list

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 USB power adapter (500ma or higher) and an FTDI cable connected to your PC/laptop

Optional Extras

If ordering a RC2014 Zed or RC2014 Zed Pro Kit, you may wish to add optional extra modules with it, which will work out cheaper if ordering from this page, as well as saving you postage. (Of course, more modules are available. Please see my Other Products for the full list)

Digital I/O Module Let the RC2014 interact with the real workload through it's 8 switch inputs and 8 LED outputs. For further info see here

DS1302 Real Time Clock Take advantage of file timestamp and more using Z-System with this DS1302 based real time clock. For further info click here

USB CDC Serial Adapter (5v) The RC2014 is designed to work with a standard 5v FTDI cable. Most USB to Serial adapters will work just fine too, but if you don't already have one, why not add this USB CDC Serial Adapter by 8086 Consultancy to your order Or buy direct from the creator here

Note [1] Whilst the non-Pro version of the RC2014 Zed includes a Dual Serial Module and a Dual Clock Module, in order to run the 2nd serial port at a different speed than the 1st serial port, you will need to connect a jumper wire between the two modules. The RC2014 Zed Pro does not have this limitation . Note [2] Some photos show the older 8255 Based IDE Disk Drive Module. This has been discontinued and replaced with the RC2014 IDE Hard Drive Module which does the same thing at a cheaper price.

RC2014 is a trademark of RFC2795 Ltd.