Радио 86РК (Radio 86RK): Part 1 (Modern Homebrew Build) [TCE #0475]
51Thanks to #PCBWAY for helping make this project possible!
The Radio 86RK was an early Soviet home brew computer (not the first) designed around their version of the Intel 8080, the КР580ВМ80А. It is named after the magazine it was featured in, РАДИО (or RADIO), with the РК (or RK) standing for "Радио Компьютер" (or radio computer), indicating that it was targeted at ham radio enthusiasts, similar to the use of a "ham shack" computer in the West.
It was then used as the basis for a range of industrially produced computers, such as the Партнер 01.01 (Partner) and Альфа БК (Alpha BK) already featured on this channel, which provided a case & keyboard, as well as saving the builder from trying to source scarce parts on their own.
This isn't an original build but Sergey Kiselev's updated version - I'm using v1.3 of his board which requires 2716 (2KByte) EPROMs still and uses the quirky JCUKEN keyboard layout. He has created a v1.4 that allows larger/newer EPROMs to be used as well as switching to the more familiar QWERTY keyboard layout.
https://github.com/skiselev/radio-86rk
Getting a hold of the parts wasn't too difficult - I sourced the older ones from Unicorn Electronics in the US (as suggested by Sergey).
https://unicornelectronics.com/
The problem with 2716 EPROMs is not sourcing them but finding a programmer that can program them - I'm using the AR-32A from Andromeda Research Labs along with my Book 8088.
https://www.arlabs.com/eprom_plus.html
Shout out also to Adam (@adamradipat1715) for sending me both a Polish and a Soviet 8080! As I progress with this machine, I'll try to swap out as many of the Western parts for more authentic Eastern Bloc parts as I can.
Planning to try loading ROM and cassette software in the following videos.