Hello everyone,
In a recent Ebay buy I got some "mysterious" PCBs included, as I found a 8237 DMA controller combined with
a Z80 CPU in the auction photos.
I was thinking, what's up with that?!
After some research I found that these PCBs are from the NCR Decision Mate V computer.
When I saw the photos I really regret to find only the mainboards and not the beautiful case with the CRT in it.
Still, this system intrigues me a lot because I love the Z80 and to see it combined with a system that can run as
an XT PC is quite fascinating. I might be interested in designing and rebuilding such a computer myself in
different form just for fun.
However, that strongly depends on how useful the most complete end result could become. I know much
depends on the BIOS software for example. I remember reading about DOS not running well on it? Did NCR
go too far away from the PC standard when you add the 8088 module? I mean, when I see the 8237, and the
8259 added on the module, I am thinking "XT", right? And having the interrupt and DMA, would it support other
interfaces such as sound and SCSI? Or even VGA?
Is there anyone here who could tell me more about what the limits are of the NCR Decision Mate V in its most
expanded form? I mean, with the most RAM expansion possible, the 8088 and interrupt controller included,
centronics, serial port, floppy drives, harddisk. I mean when you have all the expansions that this system could
support. Would IDE be possible? And could I use a normal AT Keyboard on the keyboard controller?
I would love to have a capable XT system which also includes a Z80 mode, that would be amazing!
I just wonder how compatible this DMV computer really could be.
I read somewhere that there were also color versions of the display PCB?
One of the two mainboards I have is fully populated but I don't have any display module. Which I could build
I am sure. I could try powering it up but I don't expect much besides maybe to hear some beeps or see some
diagnostic LEDs come on or to hear beeping when I type etc.
Kind regards,
Rodney
In a recent Ebay buy I got some "mysterious" PCBs included, as I found a 8237 DMA controller combined with
a Z80 CPU in the auction photos.
I was thinking, what's up with that?!
After some research I found that these PCBs are from the NCR Decision Mate V computer.
When I saw the photos I really regret to find only the mainboards and not the beautiful case with the CRT in it.
Still, this system intrigues me a lot because I love the Z80 and to see it combined with a system that can run as
an XT PC is quite fascinating. I might be interested in designing and rebuilding such a computer myself in
different form just for fun.
However, that strongly depends on how useful the most complete end result could become. I know much
depends on the BIOS software for example. I remember reading about DOS not running well on it? Did NCR
go too far away from the PC standard when you add the 8088 module? I mean, when I see the 8237, and the
8259 added on the module, I am thinking "XT", right? And having the interrupt and DMA, would it support other
interfaces such as sound and SCSI? Or even VGA?
Is there anyone here who could tell me more about what the limits are of the NCR Decision Mate V in its most
expanded form? I mean, with the most RAM expansion possible, the 8088 and interrupt controller included,
centronics, serial port, floppy drives, harddisk. I mean when you have all the expansions that this system could
support. Would IDE be possible? And could I use a normal AT Keyboard on the keyboard controller?
I would love to have a capable XT system which also includes a Z80 mode, that would be amazing!
I just wonder how compatible this DMV computer really could be.
I read somewhere that there were also color versions of the display PCB?
One of the two mainboards I have is fully populated but I don't have any display module. Which I could build
I am sure. I could try powering it up but I don't expect much besides maybe to hear some beeps or see some
diagnostic LEDs come on or to hear beeping when I type etc.
Kind regards,
Rodney