Announcing the LiNC80 SBC1 Z80 microcomputer kit!

529 views
Skip to first unread message

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 3, 2018, 3:56:15 PM5/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
I contacted Spencer a while ago asking if it would be OK if I made a product announcement on this group, and got his go-ahead. When I asked that question, I had already put quite a lot of work in to get a working prototype that I felt was ready for prime time. Since then I have done a few more tweaks to the design, and got on board our fantastic Steve C. Cousins who has ported and extended his SCMonitor for my computer kit.

And now it's all ready. I announce that as of now, the LiNC80 SBC1 microcomputer kit is available for purchase at Tindie!



Based in deep inspiration from the original RC2014 as well as Grant Searle's breadboard design, 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, SIO/2 providing two serial ports for terminals and communication, dual 8-bit I/O via PIO and a CTC timer for SIO/2 clocking and general-purpose use. An IDE connector is built in to the design, allowing easy connection of an IDE-CF adapter and CP/M goodness.

* 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 banked 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
* CP/M compatibility
* Z80 Interrupt Mode 2 in the core

Upcoming additions include a Z50Bus backplane for multiple expansion cards, and an RC2014-to-Z50Bus adapter that will allow you to use/test/prototype your existing RC2014 expansions with the LiNC80


My own product page for the LiNC80 SBC1 is located at:

The product listing for KIT is at:

The product listing for bare PCB is at:

You can read about the journey from idea to product launch (and more) at:



David Hardingham

unread,
May 3, 2018, 5:20:46 PM5/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
I think this will be the seventh Z80-based computer that I own.

David

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 3, 2018, 5:24:46 PM5/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
That sounds like a healthy addiction to me :D

And I believe you will have no issues with assembling the kit, and I really hope you enjoy it.

Steve Cousins

unread,
May 3, 2018, 5:35:49 PM5/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
Hi David

You've just taken the wind out of my sails, I only have 6 including my LiNC80. Only one of these is a consumer style boxed computer and that is very nearly 40 years old.

Steve

CubeCentral

unread,
May 3, 2018, 7:01:43 PM5/3/18
to rc201...@googlegroups.com

When I woke this morning, I wasn’t thinking to myself that I needed another Z80 kit.

Now I can’t wait for it to arrive!

 

I’m sure that Spencer and this Group will be glad I get my hooks into something else for a bit, to give y’all a break!  ;)

 

I’m going to put a limit on it right away and tell myself I will only get ones that come in Kit form, and nothing that was sold as a complete unit to the computering public.  The very first computer I ever used was one that ran CP/M that my Father and I put together – and if memory serves, that one wasn’t as well thought out as any of the Retro ones I’ve seen (or built!)

 

I am looking forward to the LiNC80 Modules, and would love to know where that CF Card module came from in the promo photo  … it looks like just an IDE/CF card adapter, but I’d love to get the one that is known to work. 

 

                -Randal   (at CubeCentral)

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RC2014-Z80" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rc2014-z80+...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rc201...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rc2014-z80/c15a2a73-1a94-44ad-9386-9b2078b7d02e%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 3, 2018, 7:15:46 PM5/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
Thank you, Randal!

The CF Card module is indeed a standard IDE-CF adapter, the interface is described at http://linc.no/products/linc80-sbc1/on-board-devices/#idecf
The actual product I use is a StarTech one, available via Amazon: https://www.startech.com/HDD/Adapters/40-44-pin-IDE-to-Compact-Flash-SSD-Adapter~IDE2CF
Worth mention is that Steve has had great success with a different IDE-CF adapter, but I can't tell you what make/model or source that is.

I also received your message on Tindie. Thank you for the kind words. As for the question, I choose to respond to it here, as it may be of general interest :)
The upcoming backplane, protocard and adapter should all be set up with a letter/small parcel option that should allow for multiple products in one parcel. If we encounter any issues with multiple products in one shipment once the products are live, I'd like to resolve it, as shipping out from Norway is expensive enough as it is. The kit unfortunately can't share shipping options with the smaller products :(

I'd also take the opportunity to mention that you are all very welcome to join the LiNC80 group at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/linc80 if you'd like. It should be open for application, if I haven't messed things up.


On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 1:01:43 AM UTC+2, Cube Central wrote:

When I woke this morning, I wasn’t thinking to myself that I needed another Z80 kit.

Now I can’t wait for it to arrive!

 

I’m sure that Spencer and this Group will be glad I get my hooks into something else for a bit, to give y’all a break!  ;)

 

I’m going to put a limit on it right away and tell myself I will only get ones that come in Kit form, and nothing that was sold as a complete unit to the computering public.  The very first computer I ever used was one that ran CP/M that my Father and I put together – and if memory serves, that one wasn’t as well thought out as any of the Retro ones I’ve seen (or built!)

 

I am looking forward to the LiNC80 Modules, and would love to know where that CF Card module came from in the promo photo  … it looks like just an IDE/CF card adapter, but I’d love to get the one that is known to work. 

 

                -Randal   (at CubeCentral)

 

From: rc201...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rc2014-z80@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jon Langseth
Sent: Thursday, May 3, 2018 15:25
To: RC2014-Z80 <rc201...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [rc2014-z80] Re: Announcing the LiNC80 SBC1 Z80 microcomputer kit!

 

That sounds like a healthy addiction to me :D

 

And I believe you will have no issues with assembling the kit, and I really hope you enjoy it.

On Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 11:20:46 PM UTC+2, David Hardingham wrote:

I think this will be the seventh Z80-based computer that I own.

 

David

 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RC2014-Z80" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rc2014-z80+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.

CubeCentral

unread,
May 3, 2018, 7:55:49 PM5/3/18
to rc201...@googlegroups.com

Jon,

 

Thanks for letting me know!  I had already ordered the StarTech one (I’ve a long history with their adapter boards) but am glad to know I got the correct one!  I look forward to the future “parcel” shipping and totally understand about the constraints with the kit.  I maybe should have sprung for the tracked shipping so that I can obsess over it.  Or maybe not.  ;)   Cheers!

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rc2014-z80+...@googlegroups.com.


To post to this group, send email to rc201...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rc2014-z80/c15a2a73-1a94-44ad-9386-9b2078b7d02e%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RC2014-Z80" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rc2014-z80+...@googlegroups.com.


To post to this group, send email to rc201...@googlegroups.com.

Chris Scullion

unread,
May 3, 2018, 9:03:16 PM5/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
Ordered mine. I'm running out of room on my workbench. I guess this will keep me off the streets for a while.

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 4, 2018, 4:41:16 AM5/4/18
to RC2014-Z80
Mark Bramwell contacted me over at Tindie and made me aware that the shopping cart system there can lead to very high shipping costs when adding multiple products.

I'd like to inform you that I am looking at making options for adding accessories on the main Kit product listing, so you can save significantly on shipping. I hope to be able to complete that change today, and will notify this thread when I have it sorted.

I also received a question about compatibility of the Z50Bus-to-RC2014 adapter. It is a passive adapter with the signals of the original, non-plus/extended bus. So it should work with cards that only use the first 40 pins. There's one caveat though: the serial RX and TX lines are included on the adapter, and are also connected to the SIO/2 of the LiNC80 SBC1. So any serial/UART board would need a slight modification of the adapter (cutting traces for RX/TX). As for actual tested expansions, I have personally only used the ACIA-board, the a ROM module, the Digital I/O and an YM2149 soundcard on the adapter.

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 4, 2018, 5:46:48 AM5/4/18
to RC2014-Z80


On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:41:16 AM UTC+2, Jon Langseth wrote:
I'd like to inform you that I am looking at making options for adding accessories on the main Kit product listing, so you can save significantly on shipping. I hope to be able to complete that change today, and will notify this thread when I have it sorted.

The add-on option structure to the product listing has now been added, and should go live some time within the next hour or so. I'm adding the same structure of options to the Z50Busboard later today, so that can be an option for saving on shipping for those who wanted accessories, but have ordered the kit standalone before I added the options...

Stephan van Radecke

unread,
May 4, 2018, 6:54:04 AM5/4/18
to RC2014-Z80
 @Jon: how is it possible to edit a kit order from today morning?

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 4, 2018, 7:10:57 AM5/4/18
to rc201...@googlegroups.com
I contacted you directly about this, Stpehan. I am sure we will find a nice solution, and I am sorry that the option-list was not set up when you placed your order.

On Fri, May 4, 2018 at 12:54 PM, Stephan van Radecke <ste...@vanradecke.de> wrote:
 @Jon: how is it possible to edit a kit order from today morning?

--
regards, Jon Langseth

Steve Cousins

unread,
May 4, 2018, 11:22:24 AM5/4/18
to RC2014-Z80
Jon mentioned earlier in this thread that I have been using a different Compact Flash adaptor.

The one I use, pictured below with my prototype LiNC80 SBC, seems to work well.




 
I got this one because it appears to be the same one Tom pictured with his SBC.

I really like this device as it mounts directly on the SBC, although that does mean the height could be an issue for some.

I got mine from Amazon (UK) for £8.66

However, there are cheaper adaptors on eBay that look to be the same device.

eBay from China for £0.99:

eBay from UK for £2.99:

eBay from UK for £2.31:

I have not tried any of these cheaper products, but they definitely look like the same thing.

Steve

Richard Deane

unread,
May 4, 2018, 11:26:15 AM5/4/18
to RC2014-Z80
Please can you explain the name choice for the SBC. I'd like to know the background.
Richard 

Jon Langseth

unread,
May 4, 2018, 11:26:18 AM5/4/18
to RC2014-Z80
Wow, I'm stunned by the positive response the announcement has received!

I feel that I need to inform the group that I'm actually now running out of stock, with 3 kits, 4 bare PCB's, two backplanes and none of the prototyping kits or adapter cards remaining. 
Unfortunately I have a bit of lead-time on getting more stock in, so I must apologize to those who will have to wait 2-3 weeks for the next shipping opportunity.

Jon Langseth

unread,
Aug 19, 2018, 2:32:59 PM8/19/18
to RC2014-Z80
I am waking up my old thread, in case someone here has interest, and is not following the LiNC80 Google Group.
First I have to update my post from May, and tell that I have now got a bit more control of suppliers and lead-times, so if I run out of stock again, lead-time should be reduced to 4-7 days. But the main reason I am waking up an old thread is this:

I have just recently had a new add-on product "go live" on Tindie: The Z50Bus Simple digital I/O Card.
It's concept is very closely related to the simple 8-bit digital I/O card for RC2014 systems, but has a different circuit design, and obviously is designed to plug in to a Z50Bus based system, like the LiNC80 SBC1. https://www.tindie.com/products/linc/z50bus-simple-digital-io-card/

This simple 8-bit digital I/O card adds demonstration of hardware I/O to a Z50Bus compatible system, like the LiNC80 SBC1. It provides 8 lines of digital output controlling 8 LEDs, and 8 lines of digital input via pushbuttons and/or a DIP switch. The card is intended to be used for learning digital I/O, and for demonstrating simple I/O operations.

The I/O card occupies a single I/O address. The address of the card can be fully selected as any one address value in the range 0x00 to 0xFF. Writes to the selected address will be latched as output, driving the 8 LEDs on the card. Reads from the selected address is taken immediately from the combined state of the input DIP and pushbuttons. The buttons have pull-down resistors in their passive/off state, and the buttons and the DIP switches are connected in parallel.

A proficient user that wants to use this card to connect to the “outside”, may choose to omit the buttons and LEDs. A connector J2 is provided to allow easy connection of inputs. Each LED position has an indicating marker for Pin2/anode, which corresponds to the Output signal pin from the 74xx273 chip on the card.

Available as full kit, or PCB only.

Jon Langseth

unread,
Aug 20, 2018, 5:29:51 PM8/20/18
to RC2014-Z80
I hope it's OK that I keep updating this thread with new LiNC80-related stuff, still in case someone here has interest, and is not following the LiNC80 Google Group.
Hot on the heels of my I/O card announcement: New on Tindie is the ROM Cartridge kit.

The LiNC80 SBC1 has an on-board connector designed to connect to a card-edge connector for rapid and accessible swapping of ROM. The ROM Cartridge kit  enables the use of the ROM Slot connector, letting you swap your own ROM content quickly and easily by using ROM Cartridges. The kit consists of ROM Card, optionally a ZIF socket or DIL socket, an adapter PCB with mounting holes, a 30-pin 805-series card edge connector, one 2×15 pin 2.54mm pin header, two 30-pin female IDC connectors, and a 30-wide ribbon cable.

The ROM Card/cartridge is designed to be large enough to comfortably insert and remove. It has a 28pin location for either a direct soldered or socketed ROM chip, and a central mounting hole for encased cartridges. The two two-position jumper locations allow for any ROM chip size between 16 and 64kByte, taking advantage of the LiNC80 ROM Bank select signals for ROM sizes above 16kByte. If your ROM application fits in a 4k or 8k chip, it’s naturally no problem to use chips of those sizes, as the pinout on the connector is JEDEC compliant.

The Tindie product/shop page is at https://www.tindie.com/products/linc/linc80-rom-cartridge-kit/

The product page on linc.no for the ROM Cartridge kit at http://linc.no/products/linc80-rom-cartdrige-slot-kit/
The schematic and board-layout files are available at https://github.com/linc80/SBC1-ROMCartridge

Spencer Owen

unread,
Aug 20, 2018, 5:36:43 PM8/20/18
to rc201...@googlegroups.com
On Mon, 20 Aug 2018, 22:29 Jon Langseth, <jon.la...@gmail.com> wrote:
I hope it's OK that I keep updating this thread with new LiNC80-related stuff, still in case someone here has interest, and is not following the LiNC80 Google Group.

No problem with me :)

Spencer 

Jon Langseth

unread,
Nov 3, 2018, 9:19:36 AM11/3/18
to RC2014-Z80
Another update to this thread, to announce a new product I have made available.

As of yesterday, my Z50AYMSound soundcard for Z50Bus based micros like the LiNC80 SBC1 is now available for purchase at https://www.tindie.com/products/linc/z50aymsound-ay3-8910ym2149-sound-card

Note: I will only supply this kit without the YM/AY chip

The Z50AYMSound is a chip-sound card designed around the General Instuments AY3-8910 and the compatible Yamaha YM2149 sound chips. Being based on the sound chip from the ZX Spectrum (and addons) and Atari ST, it is a well-understood sound chip, with much existing music and easily ported software. The design of this card is built around my own address-decode logic, combined with a standard implementation of the AY/YM chip it self, and an output stage based on a third-party addon for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. The card is (because of the sound chip, method of generating audio clock, and the output stage) closely related to Ed Brindley's sound card for the RC2014 (see https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/rc2014-z80/AX3ykQC0B9c/nyVix6jsDAAJ).

Features of the card:
  • Z50Bus interface, designed to work with LiNC80 SBC1 and other Z50Bus based microcomputers.
  • Stereo line out, user selectable ABC/ACB.
  • Header for the two 8-bit digital I/O ports that the sound chip has built-in.
  • I/O address fully decoded to any even base address.
  • Generous prototyping area where you can build your own clock- or filter-circuits, or anything else you want.
  • The audio frequency clock is by default derived from the CPU clock, and can be set to Clk/4 (YM) or Clk/4 (AY).
  • The clock jumper can be omitted, letting you provide your own audio-frequency clock from the prototype area.
The schematics and software are all openly available at https://github.com/linc80/Z50AYMSound
The official product page is located at http://linc.no/products/z50bus-ay3-8910-ym2149-sound-card/
The store page, where it may be purchased is located at https://www.tindie.com/products/linc/z50aymsound-ay3-8910ym2149-sound-card/
Launch-announcent on the LiNC80 Google group: https://groups.google.com/d/msg/linc80/cZPyt2BcK_0/4qF5WslACgAJ


Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages