IBM 5170 tips needed

[modem7]

There are some EPROM burning basics at http://www.arlabs.com/help.htm
If you buy the EPROMS new or new-old-stock (NOS), they'll be in an erased state.

For the 5170, you will definitely need 27256 or 27C256 EPROMs. For the type 1 motherboard (at factory set 6MHz), IBM specify the use of EPROMs with an access time of 150nS (or faster).
Probably best to get 100nS rated ones, in case you get an 8 MHz 5170 or similarly rated machine.
Most 27256 or 27C256 EPROMs rated at 100nS access time will have a "-10" at the end of the part number (e.g. M27C256B-10)

By the way. I bought one of the EPROM erasers at eBay item 130269202777, mainly because of the low cost. Don't expect the timer to work perfectly. Because the unit contains a tube with filament (like a light bulb), there is a reasonably high risk of damage to the tube during transit. Mine survived the Hong Kong to Australia trip.

 

[Amigaz]

Two eproms bought http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=250292758942


They are brand new according to the seller

Think I'll grab that UV eraser too for future use, thanks for the link

 

[per]

The PC XT got support for both EPROM and EEPROM (A14 placed on pin 1 on the EEPROM). However, to get it to work safely, I have to solder pin 27 (_WriteEnable) to pin 28 (+5V). EPROMS should be fine without doing that.

IDK if the AT support EEPROM, but it definately support EPROM.

 

[per]

Here are the ROM interface of the XT. I don't have a scan of the AT techref, so I cant provide info on that.

 

[billdeg]

IBM

If you want to stay "IBM", you could try the final revision 5170 BIOS (dated 05/09/86).
Compared to your first revision BIOS, it will allow the use of 720K and 1.44M drives without drivers, and support the enhanced keyboard.
I've only ever tried that BIOS on a type 1 board (@ 6 MHz) for a few hours.

The BIOS is at http://members.dodo.com.au/~slappanel555/bios.htm
Details of the BIOS is at http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/showthread.php?t=12995

AMI

You could try the AMI BIOS at http://members.dodo.com.au/~slappanel555/bios.htm
It has a user defined hard drive type (type 47).

Award

You could try the Award BIOS at http://members.dodo.com.au/~slappanel555/bios.htm

Are you "biosed" in favor of any one of these, or do you like them all equally well

 

[modem7]

Are you "biosed" in favor of any one of these, or do you like them all equally well

Ha Ha. I'm the type who likes to keep my machines as original as possible, and so my first revision 5170 has the original first revision BIOS. Therefore, if I was forced into an upgrade, I would try a later revision IBM BIOS.

 

[modem7]

The PC XT got support for both EPROM and EEPROM (A14 placed on pin 1 on the EEPROM). However, to get it to work safely, I have to solder pin 27 (_WriteEnable) to pin 28 (+5V). EPROMS should be fine without doing that.

Like with the IBM 5170, 27256 (or 27C256) EPROMs can be used for the IBM 5160 (XT), but you can use slower versions - 200nS or faster.

As for the IBM 5150 (PC), the following post shows how a 27256 (or 27C256) EPROM can be used there.
http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/showthread.php?t=13399