PC-Retro IBM Clone

The PC-RETRO Kit (Catalog #PC-RETRO) is a hobby electronics kit for building a faithful reproduction of the classic IBM PC 5150 motherboard from 1982. We spent over 1 year in development of this product offering. We started with the original circuit diagrams, as published by IBM in their Technical Reference Manual. These open source circuit diagrams launched the explosion in PC clone products that followed the IBM PC introduction. Reverse engineering the original IBM board was a substantial undertaking, as we found some differences between the 'official' circuit diagrams and actual board construction. Additionally, you can imagine the complexity of trouble-shooting this board and verifying its correct operation! Not to mention the logistical challenge of sourcing the original vintage electronic parts, which continues to be very challenging. You will receive all the components to build a PC Motherboard exactly as shown here:

Obviously, this is a project for an advanced electronic hobbyist and computer enthusiast. The computer is supplied with the 'ANONYMOUS' BIOS operating system and memory. We also have added IC sockets for all chips, knowing this is a huge hobbyist advantage, despite the additional cost. You will need to provide all the other parts to create a working computer system, such as power supply, keyboard and video output card/monitor. There exists an unbelievable amount of software, diagnostics, documentation and hardware to support this board. After all... it is, for all intents and purposes, completely compatible with the original IBM PC.

We have created a Deluxe Kit, with the following features: 1) We are including an 8087 math coprocessor with every kit 2) We are including a complete 256K memory fill with every kit. 3) We are including a Diagnostic ROM with every kit (See description below)

Specifications: Electronic Kit to build a IBM PC Clone Motherboard of the 5150 Computer, with ANONYMOUS BIOS, 256KB Memory, All IC locations are socketed

Please note: This is an advanced electronic kit requiring careful assembly, which includes fine soldering, good attention to detail and knowledge of computers. Your project will need to be self-directed. Building a computer is an advanced electronic project. We are not able to offer returns on kits after construction has started.

DELUXE PC-RETRO KIT (Catalog # PC-Retro)...... Sorry, This item has SOLD OUT

ORDERING INFORMATION

We are an old fashioned mail order business! We have been in business for over 20 years.

MTM Scientific, Inc P.O. Box 522 Clinton, Michigan 49236

Question about availability. Other questions. Please write to MTM@MTMSCIENTIFIC.COM

PC-RETRO OPTIONS: ADDITIONAL MEMORY

The PC-RETRO MEMORY BANK OPTION (Catalog #MEMORY) is an optional item which will expand the onboard memory of the PC-RETRO by another 64 KB. The memory of the PC-RETRO is measured in 'BANKS' of 64 KB each, in exactly the same way as the original IBM PC. The PC-RETRO motherboard will hold up to 4 banks of memory, for a total of 256 KB. Since the PC-Retro Kit is supplied with one full bank already, you can add up to 3 more banks. Note: It is not necessary to add more memory for the PC-RETRO to work. The PC-Retro kit will boot and function with the memory included with the kit, so adding more memory with this 9 piece chipset is strictly optional!

PC-Retro Memory Bank (Catalog #PC-MEM)............ $22.50 each. Only available when purchasing a PC-Retro Kit

NOTE: Our deluxe PC-Retro Kit is supplied with a full memory fill of 256K RAM. You do not need this extra memory with the Deluxe Kit above.

PC-RETRO OPTIONS: DIAGNOSTIC ROM

The PC-RETRO DIAGNOSTIC ROM (Catalog #DIAGROM) is an optional diagnostic tool that PC-Retro Kit Builders and IBM 5150 PC Enthusiasts may find especially useful. This diagnostic ROM allows you to replace the BIOS ROM IC at location U33 with a pre-programmed IC which will execute a detailed series of functional tests on your Motherboard. This setup is great for troubleshooting either the PC-Retro or the original IBM PC. The software program is the vintage Landmark/SuperSoft Diagnostic as described here: Program Details. Note that this program requires either an MDA, Hercules or CGA video adapter to provide video output. The program also has audio output to relay some basic system information (without a display).
DIAGNOSTIC ROM.....(Catalog #DIAGROM)...................$22.50 each. Note: Only available when ordering a PC-Retro Kit

NOTE: You do not need to order this Diagnostic ROM. This ROM is included with the Deluxe Kit above.

PC-RETRO OPTION: BARE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB)

The PC-RETRO PCB (Catalog #PC-PCB) is an option to purchase only the bare PCB (Printed Circuit Board). We are offering the bare PCB after having received numerous requests from hobbyists. This PCB is useful for building-out different parts of the PC circuit at your own pace using the circuit diagrams provided in the IBM 5150 Technical Reference Manual. You will receive only the bare board via Priority Mail. This item is especially useful if you have an interest in experimenting with the 8088 CPU, or exploring the inner workings of the IBM PC. Please Note: This is an item for advanced electronic hobbyists!

PC-Retro PCB (Catalog #PC-PCB)............ $49.50, with Free Priority Mail Shipping. Sorry: No International

Note: The bare PCB is no longer available. (We are using all remaining PCB's to create Deluxe Kits.)

ORDERING INFORMATION

NOTE: The PC-Retro Kit is no longer available. The Kit is SOLD OUT.