Homebrew Microcomputer...sourcing ICs and Stuff

[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!

Old Commodore Chips are hard to find especially NOS (New Old Stock).. but for none Commodore stuff....try...

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. Allows external video input (Genlock /Superimpose)


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..

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 ! .. not as good as SID Chip...but a lot cheaper for DIY projects !


CPLDs such as the EPM7160SLC84 can be used to create a ULA and Glue logic. A ZX Spectrum's ULA fits into 144 Macrocells so. these make good 'GLUE LOGIC' ICs

i tend to source my stuff from G&C bypassing ebay and saving all the ebay fees !