Homebrew Microcomputer...sourcing ICs and Stu

[lezanderson]

For anyone interest in homebrew microcomputer design or just making add-ons and electronics gizmo's..this might be of interest.

Sourcing affordable ICs at reasonable prices can be quite tricky, as well as getting datasheets and schematics. I've listed some ICs below which are quite cheap and readily available. There's also plenty of schematics and datasheets for free!

Video ICs

V9958 (plus D41464 DRAMs 4pcs) enhanced TMS9918 good for homebrew video cards . Easy to interface lots of TEXT and Graphics modes, Sprites, Hardware accelerator functions too ! 256x192 (256 Colors), 512 x 192 (16 colors) 40x24 Text, 80 x 24 Text


V6366 (plus EEPROM+DRAMs D41464 2pcs) used in early IBM PC cards gives CGA/EGA type modes. 320 x200, 640 x 200 (16 colors) 640 x 350 + 80 x 25 text etc..and lots of other modes too.

datasheets for these can be found at alldatasheets.com

Sound ICs.. the AY-3-8910, plus things like SN76849 & SAA1099 can be easily sourced and cheap $1.50 - $2.50 !

CPLDs such as the EPM7160SLC84 can be used to create a ULA and Glue logic. A ZX Spectrum's ULA fits into 144 Macrocells or so. so you might be able to pop QL ULA onto an EPM7160 !


Other bits and Bobs are : MC68008FN10 $2.50, W65C02P14 $2.50, Z84C0020PEC $2.0, R65C02P4 $2.0, HD63B09 $2.50..plus lots SRAM, EEPROM and miscellaneous Stuff..beats paying ebay prices !
I tend to source my stuff from G&C bypassing ebay and saving all the ebay fees !

Hope you find this useful !