8086/NEC V30 XT class computers

[jasa1063]

I've always had a fascination with 8086/NEC V30 systems, probably because there were far fewer than 8088/NEC V20 systems. I recently acquired an Epson Equity Ie. It's a curiosity being the only non IBM computer that I know of to have MCGA graphics onboard. I am in the process of upgrading it with a NEC V30. I also have a Tandy 1000 SL upgraded with a NEC V30 and a Tandy 1000 RL (No NEC V30 love for this one with a soldered 44-pin PLCC 8086). I am just curious of others experience with these type of computers.

 

[Chuck(G)]

There should be a boatload of information on the Epson.

But I've replaced 8086 CPUs in several systems with NEC V30s, including a GridCase and an AT&T PC6300. No problems at all.

 

[jasa1063]

There should be a boatload of information on the Epson.

But I've replaced 8086 CPUs in several systems with NEC V30s, including a GridCase and an AT&T PC6300. No problems at all.

I am just waiting for the NEC V30 to arrive. I currently have it on order. I was able to find the manual online and software on Epson's Europe FTP site.

 

[Cloudschatze]

The Tandy 1000 RL is something of an anachronism, being very outdated at the time of its 1990 release, and having rather restrictive options for expandability. Notwithstanding, I find it to be surprisingly capable for an 8086-based system, and it remains my second-favorite Tandy 1000-class system overall, ranking higher than even the V30-upgraded SL.

 

[bladamson]

I have a PS/2 Model 25 with a V30 in it. Great little machine. The Caddilac of such boxen, imo, although it would be nice to have a couple more ISA slots.

 

[jasa1063]

I got the Epson Equity Ie all finished today. It now has:

NEC V30 CPU @10MHz
Intel 8087 Math Copressor @10MHz
ET4000 1MB SVGA
Sound Blaster 16 CT4170
XT-IDE CF with 2GB CF Card
Lo-Tech 1MB memory card with D000-EFFF configured fot 128KB of upper memory
Logitech Wingman Gamepad
PS/2 Mouse
XT 101 Keyboard with a PS/2 to AT adapter
MS-DOS 6.22

Very nice computer overall and I am please with the way it turned out.

 

[Trixter]

the only non IBM computer that I know of to have MCGA graphics onboard.

Wow, I didn't know that! I guess if I write any more MCGA code, I'll have to add Epson as a second detection method (currently only PS/2 Model 25).

But I've replaced 8086 CPUs in several systems with NEC V30s, including a GridCase and an AT&T PC6300. No problems at all.

The only issue I've ever had replacing 8086 with NEC V30 is that Geoworks Ensemble no longer starts. Likely a bug in their detection routines.

 

[jasa1063]

Wow, I didn't know that! I guess if I write any more MCGA code, I'll have to add Epson as a second detection method (currently only PS/2 Model 25).



The only issue I've ever had replacing 8086 with NEC V30 is that Geoworks Ensemble no longer starts. Likely a bug in their detection routines.

I also found out that there was an Epson PSE-30 (I think it was only sold in Europe) that also had MCGA graphics. I believe it was just a rebranded Epson Equity Ie.