PC-RETRO Motherboard Kit: IBM Clone Computer

The PC-RETRO Kit Beta (Catalog #PC-RETRO) is a hobby electronics kit for building a faithful reproduction of the classic IBM PC 5150 motherboard from 1982. We have been in development on this new product offering for over 1 year. 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 many differences between the 'official' circuit diagrams and actual board construction. Additionally, you can imagine the complexity of trouble-shooting this board and verifying the correct operation! Not to mention the logistical challenge of sourcing the original vintage electronic parts. 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 64K of 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.



As a special bonus we are now including an 8087 math coprocessor with every kit!



Specifications: Electronic Kit to build a IBM PC Clone Motherboard of the 5150 Computer, with ANONYMOUS BIOS, 64KB 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.

PC-RETRO MOTHERBOARD COMPUTER KIT (Catalog #PC-RETRO) ... $247.50 , Free USA Shipping, International Customers see below.

NOTICE: HAVE ONE KIT IN STOCK AT THIS TIME. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR REQUEST AND WE WILL SEND A PAYPAL "REQUEST FOR PAYMENT" TO PURCHASE. ($247.50 IN USA, $287.50 INTERNATIONAL) WE WILL INCLUDE A COMPLETE MEMORY FILL AS A BONUS.

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 OPTION (Catalog #MEMORY)...$20.00 each, Free International Shipping when ordered with kit. (Otherwise inquire.)

SORRY: SOLD OUT

PC-RETRO OPTIONS: IC ADAPTER with DIAGNOSTIC ROM







The PC-RETRO DIAGNOSTIC ROM ADAPTER (Catalog #DIAGROM) is an optional diagnostic tool that PC-Retro Kit Builders and IBM 5150 PC Enthusiasts may find especially useful. This adapter 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. Using an IC adapter allows use of the more common 27XXX series ROM chips, as described here: Adapter 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 information without a display.

PC-RETRO DIAGNOSTIC ROM ADAPTER (Catalog #DIAGROM)...$27.50 each, Free International Shipping only when ordered with kit. (Otherwise inquire by email.)

SORRY: SOLD OUT

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 1st Class Mail. Please Note: This is an item for advanced electronic hobbyists!

PC-RETRO PCB (Catalog #PC-PCB)...$39.50 each, with Free Shipping in USA (Internationl: $65.50...Use 2nd button)

BY PAYPAL: click the "PAYPAL, "Add to Cart" button. (Change quantity at checkout for more than one.)

PC-RETRO PCB INTERNATIONAL (Catalog #PCB-INT)...$65.50 each, with International Shipping. We apologize for the extra expense, but this reflects the increased cost we now pay to ship internationally.

ORDERING INFORMATION

We keep ordering simple! Prompt, courteous 30 day refund policy on kits that have not been started.

SORRY: SOLD OUT! BY MAIL ....please send a Check or Money Order in US Dollars for $247.50 for the PC-RETRO, $20.00 for each Memory Kit Option, or $27.50 for the Diagnostic ROM Adapter to:

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

There are no shipping delays for Personal Checks or Money Orders. We ship promptly by Priority Mail.

BY PAYPAL ... Click the "Buy Now" button above, or send payment directly to: mtm@mtmscientific.com

(Paypal is a great way to send money using email and a credit card... check it out!)

International Customers: The PC-Retro Kit is available for $287.50 shipped to any destination worldwide by postal mail. We apologize for the additional expense, but it is not in our control. The PC-Retro Kit for international destinations can be ordered for $287.50 using the Paypal link below (Catalog #PC-INT is for International Delivery). Please Note: Tracking information is not available for postal mail packages. Delivery time to most international destinations is approximately 2 to 4 weeks. We will send a confirming email with custom declaration number when your kit is mailed.

PC-INT (International Delivery of PC-Retro Kit) for $287.50