Tag: open hardware

Recreates the circa-1990 AdLib OPL2 FM-synthesis sound card as a buildable open hardware project.

This is a self-assembly reproduction rather than a currently sold assembled card. The repository has no packaged release; use the project files and parts list directly.

• ISA expansion boards Bus/interface

Recreates the Comspec SA-1000 sidecar to add a SCSI bus and real-time clock to an Amiga 1000.

This is a self-assembly project with a schematic, bill of materials, and fabrication package. It requires programmed GALs and ROMs plus careful alignment of the 86-pin edge connector. The alternate RTC-72421 clock chip is suggested but untested.

• Amiga 1000 Exact model

Open hardware expansion card that generates 640x480 VGA and implements the Apple IIe's native text and graphics modes.

• Apple IIe Exact model

Recreates the Gravis Ultrasound PnP ISA sound card around an AMD InterWave chip, with an optional IDE CD-ROM interface.

The maker has not fabricated or tested this board and has not generated a fabrication package. It also requires an AMD AM78C201 InterWave chip. Treat it as an experimental design and build at your own risk.

• ISA expansion boards Bus/interface

Open hardware SCSI emulator that uses disk images on an SD card as replacement storage for vintage computers.

• Macintosh SE/30 Exact model

A DIY USB floppy interface and cross-platform toolkit for reading and writing unusual disk formats with a conventional PC floppy drive.

Building the original interface requires a compatible PSoC 5 development board, a floppy connector, soldering, a conventional PC floppy drive, cabling, and drive power. The project warns that not every listed format has been tested on physical disks; its dinosaur markers identify encoders or decoders based only on captured data. Copy-protection schemes are not a core focus.

• Floppy preservation hardware Bus/interface

Adds Wi-Fi networking and platform-specific peripheral emulation to several vintage computer families.

The project lists small-batch hardware vendors and open design files. Stock and the required hardware variant vary by platform and seller.

• Apple IIe Exact model
• Atari 800XL Stated family

Provides MDA and CGA-compatible display modes with 31 kHz VGA output for modern monitors and capture devices.

This is a self-assembly project. The maker advises checking for shorts between each power rail and ground before installation; the oscillator configuration also affects CGA composite color accuracy.

• ISA expansion boards Bus/interface

Connects a modern computer over USB to a separate floppy drive for reading, analyzing, and writing disks at the raw flux level.

An assembled board still needs a compatible Shugart-interface floppy drive, ribbon cable, USB cable, and suitable drive power. Older 5.25-inch and 3-inch drives often need 12V or a separate supply. Remove the write-enable jumper while preserving originals. Apple II, Macintosh, and Commodore 64 GCR disks can require trial and error with drive choice.

• Floppy preservation hardware Bus/interface

Open hardware reproductions of the two interface cards used to connect an IBM PC or XT to a 5161 Expansion Unit.

• ISA expansion boards Exact model
• IBM Personal Computer 5150 Exact model
• IBM Personal Computer XT 5160 Exact model

Redesigns the SE/30 logic board as a buildable replacement with Gerbers, placement data, a BOM, and recreated programmable logic.

• Macintosh SE/30 Exact model

Recreates the 16 MHz 68030 MicroMac Performer accelerator for the Macintosh Plus, SE, and Classic, with an optional 68882 FPU.

Operation has been tested in the Macintosh Plus and SE, but not in the Classic; the maker has not found a socket that securely fits over the Classic's PLCC CPU. Host-specific U7 and SJ2 settings are mandatory. GAL16V8-15 and PALCE16V8-15 parts are tested, while ATF16V8 and other speeds are not.

• Macintosh Plus Exact model
• Macintosh SE Exact model
• Macintosh Classic Exact model

Current multifunction 8-bit ISA card that adds emulated storage, memory, networking, and USB or SD-connected devices to PC/XT-class computers.

• ISA expansion boards Bus/interface
• IBM Personal Computer 5150 Bus/interface
• IBM Personal Computer XT 5160 Bus/interface

Adds a 16 MHz 68030 to a Macintosh Plus with a compact hobbyist-buildable board derived from the MicroMac Performer.

This build requires a PGA 68030, five programmed 16V8 devices, and soldering a socket on top of the Macintosh Plus 68000. The maker does not recommend the System 7.0 GemStart driver, reports garbled or intermittent audio, and warns builders to watch the first SIMM's clearance.

• Macintosh Plus Exact model

Open hardware 10/100 Ethernet card designed around a modern controller for the Macintosh SE/30 PDS.

• Macintosh SE/30 Exact model

Recreates the 1989 Sound Blaster 1.0 with digital playback and recording, AdLib-compatible synthesis, CMS audio, and a joystick/MIDI port.

This is a self-assembly project. Follow the documented bodge resistor, MIDI jumper-wire, firmware, DMA, IRQ, joystick, and I/O-address instructions before use.

• ISA expansion boards Bus/interface

Implements Sound Blaster-compatible audio for Micro Channel systems with OPL2 synthesis and CPLD-managed bus, interrupt, and DMA logic.

Installation requires the supplied ADF and the host reference-disk configuration program. The maker warns against LS or HCT logic because it may not meet Micro Channel timing margins.

• Micro Channel expansion boards Bus/interface