Name that Ware: August 2025
Get ready for a blast from the past! In our latest installment of "Name that Ware," we have an intriguing piece of computing history that's sure to spark some nostalgia. The Ware for August 2025 has been identified, and it belongs to none other than the UK101 computer. Thanks to Curtis Galloway for contributing this amazing find!
This board boasts a unique look that's reminiscent of its hand-crafted past. Instead of using modern computers to design it, the creators opted for a more traditional approach – laying it out by hand using masking tape or rubylith. The soldering technique also appears to be hand-soldered, rather than wave-soldered. It's amazing to think that even today, many designers still prefer this method for creating boards.
The author of the post has had hands-on experience with designing and building their own computers using similar techniques. They recall using tape for design purposes and continuing to hand-solder boards, even with modern technology available. The need to fix bugs and hack into systems remains essential in today's world.
Identification
The author is confident that the Ware belongs to an Ohio Scientific Superboard II. The key features that led them to this conclusion were the notch in the corner of the PCB and the blurred name above the keyboard. However, there's some debate about whether it's actually an OSI 600 Superboard II or not.
According to the Ohio Scientific documentation, these boards came with either 4K or 8K of memory. But upon closer inspection, the author only sees 2K on this board. Nevertheless, if it's not that exact model, it's likely something similar.
The Chip Story
The 2114 chips used in this board are a fascinating piece of technology. Each one is capable of storing 1k x 4-bit static ram, and they were used as the main memory for both 4kB and 8kB versions of the Superboard II.
One interesting fact about these chips is that the empty slots on the board had soldered sockets, allowing users to upgrade their memory by simply buying DIPs and plugging them in. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the people who designed this system.
A Reproduction Project
Interestingly, there's an ongoing reproduction project for the Ohio Scientific Superboard II. You can check it out on YouTube, where enthusiasts are sharing their own experiences and creations inspired by this iconic computer.
The project showcases some impressive DIY skills, with bodge wires and makeshift repairs that will surely appeal to fans of retro computing. It's clear that these machines still hold a special place in the hearts of many people who've worked with them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our "Name that Ware" for August 2025 is indeed the UK101 computer. With its unique design and fascinating history, it's no wonder this board has captured the attention of enthusiasts around the world. We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!