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
Amstrad PC1640DD — Dual Floppy Desktop System
The Amstrad PC1640 was the successor to the hugely popular PC1512, launched in 1987 with 640KB RAM and an EGA-compatible graphics chipset from Paradise Systems integrated on the motherboard. The 1640DD variant shipped with two 360KB 5.25-inch floppy disk drives. Also marketed as the PC6400 in the United States and sold under the Schneider brand in Germany, it was one of the most successful IBM PC compatibles in Europe and helped open the consumer PC market.
- CPU
- Intel 8086 @ 8 MHz
- Co-processor Socket
- Intel 8087 math co-processor (optional)
- RAM
- 640 KB (on-board)
- Storage
- Dual 360 KB 5.25-inch floppy disk drives (DD model)
- Graphics
- EGA-compatible (Paradise Systems chipset), CGA and Hercules modes supported
- Display
- Colour (ECD) or monochrome monitor; ECD model supports full EGA modes
- Sound
- PC speaker with physical volume control
- Expansion
- Three full-length 8-bit PC/XT ISA expansion slots, supports optional VGA board
- I/O Ports
- RS-232C serial, Centronics parallel, light pen connector
- Input Devices
- Full QWERTY keyboard with Atari joystick port, two-button Amstrad mouse
- Dimensions
- 372 x 284 x 135 mm
- Weight
- 7.75 kg (DD model)
- Power Supply
- Integrated into monitor housing
- Operating System
- MS-DOS 3.2, Digital Research DOS Plus (CP/M compatible)
- Bundled Software
- GEM Desktop, GEM Paint, Locomotive BASIC 2
- Manufacturer
- Amstrad plc (Brentwood, Essex, UK)
- Released
- 1987
- Also Known As
- Schneider PC1640, Sinclair PC500, PC6400 (US)
