The RC2014 was designed such that standard stripboard could be used as the backplane. This board essentially does the same as stripboard, but has been designed specifically for the RC2014 and has a few extra features features
- Expandable up to 8 daughter-boards – Although the standard RC2014 only requires 5 slots, this gives you the option to use up to 8 boards in total
- DC power socket – 2.1/5.5mm barrel jack. This will take a 5v regulated supply, such as from a USB wall-wart directly to the RC2014. A LM7805 v5 regulator (or switchmode equivalent) with appropriate capacitors can also be fitted if you wish to use a 7-14v supply. The 5v Direct cuttable link must be cut if you use a regulator. (Note that on boards prior to v1.3 the link is open by default and must be linked if using 5v directly)
- Isolating pads on data and address lines – Many Z80 designs have resistors placed between the CPU and some peripherals. This backplane gives you the flexibility of totally isolating any of the address or data lines, adding resistors or simply soldering links or jumpers across. Slots 1 & 2, slots 3, 4, 5 & 6 and slots 7 & 8 can all be partitioned off if required by cutting the cuttable links where shown. (Note that on boards prior to v1.3 the links are open by default and must be linked to use slots 1&2 or 7&8)
- 40 pin sockets – RC2014 modules typically uses 34 or 36 pins, but additional sockets are available for extended features.
- Clearly labelled pin identifiers.
- Nice rounded corners and mounting holes
- Power LED
- Reset button
For a minimal RC2014 I recommend using slots 2,3,4,5 & 6 with the clock in module 2.
Bill of materials – Full Backplane 8 Kit
RC2014 BACK8 PCB 1
2.1mm Power Jack 1
40 Way SIL Socket 8
100nf 8
Tactile Switch 1
2k2 Resistor 1
3mm Green LED 1
330r resistor 1