Lo-tech ISA CompactFlash Adapter — XT-IDE Storage Solution
The Lo-tech ISA CompactFlash Adapter is an open-source 8-bit ISA card that enables modern CompactFlash storage on IBM PC XT, AT, and compatible systems. Paired with the XTIDE Universal BIOS, it provides silent, reliable mass storage for vintage computers using inexpensive CF cards. The design uses only five through-hole ICs, making it accessible for home assembly. Originally designed by James Pearce at Lo-tech, with hardware schematics and BIOS source code freely available.
- Bus Interface
- 8-bit ISA (fits any PC/XT/AT 8-bit slot)
- Storage Media
- CompactFlash Type I/II via 40-pin IDE header
- I/O Address Range
- 300h–31Fh (300h–30Fh active)
- ROM Address
- C800h (32 KB window, directly flashable in-system)
- Flash ROM
- SST39SF010A 128KB (32 KB used) — in-system programmable
- Compatible Flash ICs
- SST39SF010A, SST39SF020A, SST39SF040, AMIC A29010
- Supply Voltage
- 5V from ISA bus
- IC Count
- 5 through-hole DIP ICs (basic build)
- PCB
- 2-layer, ISA form factor, through-hole only
- BIOS
- XTIDE Universal BIOS — GPLv2, supports up to 4 IDE controllers
- Transfer Modes
- PIO-8 (standard), PIO-8 BIU Offload, PIO-16 BIU Offload
- Max Drive Capacity
- Unlimited with MS-DOS 7.x/FreeDOS; 8.4 GB limit on DOS 3–6
ELKS - Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset
Introduction
ELKS brings a Linux-like OS to 16-bit Intel x86 hardware (8086/8088, 80286). It provides a multitasking, multi-user environment with TCP/IP networking on machines from the 1980s.
- Runs on genuine 8086 processors
- TCP/IP networking (NE2K, WD8003, 3C509)
- MINIX and FAT filesystem support
- Can boot from floppy disk or ROM
Turbo Clock Switcher - Engineering Application
Clock profile switcher for timing-sensitive software and test harnesses, enabling controlled transitions between true legacy rates and turbo operation.
- Profiles
- 4.77MHz, 8MHz, 12MHz, board turbo
- Switching Logic
- Debounced hardware line with deterministic latch state
- Feedback
- Status LED map plus software verification hooks
- Compatibility
- AT clones, 386SX, selected 486DX boards
- Use Cases
- Cycle-sensitive DOS software and diagnostics harnesses
- Field Harness
- Front-panel and relay control compatible
Fully Working Amstrad PC1640SD With Monitor, Keyboard & Boot Disk (Plus Printer) UK
The Amstrad PC1640 family (1987) helped make affordable IBM PC compatibles mainstream in Europe. This entry tracks a complete PC1640SD setup (monitor + keyboard + boot disk), aligned with the XT-Emporium catalog.
- CPU
- Intel 8086 @ 8 MHz
- RAM
- 640 KB
- Storage
- Floppy + HDD variants depending on model
- Graphics
- CGA/EGA compatible (model dependent)
- Manufacturer
- Amstrad plc (UK)
- Released
- 1987
Glitch Works XT-IDE Rev 4 — 8-Bit ISA IDE Controller
The Glitch Works XT-IDE rev 4 is an open-source 8-bit ISA IDE controller board that enables the use of modern 16-bit IDE devices (CompactFlash adapters, DOM modules, hard drives) on vintage IBM PC/XT, AT, and compatible systems. Designed in KiCad and licensed under GNU GPL v3.0, the rev 4 improves on the rev 3 with better silkscreen, larger jumper pads, corrected latch read/write timing, additional Slot 8 Support test points, and consistent parts numbering for easier kit assembly. When paired with the XTID
- Bus Interface
- 8-bit ISA (fits any PC/XT/AT 8-bit slot)
- Storage Media
- IDE/ATA — CompactFlash via adapter, DOM, or standard IDE hard drive
- Design Tool
- KiCad (fully open-source EDA)
- License
- GNU GPL v3.0
- PCB
- 2-layer, ISA form factor, through-hole components
- DIP Switch Banks
- 2x CTS 208-8 (8-position each) for address configuration
- EEPROM
- AT28C64B (8KB, 28-pin DIP) — in-system programmable
- Bus Transceivers
- 2x 74LS245 octal bidirectional transceivers
- Latches
- 2x 74F573 octal transparent latches
- Address Decoders
- 2x 74LS688 8-bit magnitude comparators
- Logic ICs
- 74LS138 3-to-8 decoder, 2x 74LS04 hex inverter, 74LS32 quad OR gate
- Pull-up Networks
- 2x 10Kx9 SIP resistor networks (RP1, RP2)
- Bypass Capacitors
- 11x 0.1uF axial ceramic + 1x 100uF 6.3V electrolytic
- Activity LED
- HP HLMP-3507 with 470R current limiting resistors
- BIOS
- XTIDE Universal BIOS — GPLv2, supports up to 4 IDE controllers
- Revision
- Rev 4 (2017) — improved timing, silkscreen, and Slot 8 test points