Intel AboveBoard Two Plus (?)
Card-ID FEFE ADF and Init File (both files req'd - like the Orchid RAMQuest II, this 'pretends' to be an IBM 16-bit 2MB memory expansion adapter)
Option Files (courtesy of Tim Knight)
AboveBoard MC16 (from Louis Ohland's Ardent Tools of Capitalism web site)
Card Outline
Components
U1-U6 TI 74AS27N
U7, U22 - Dallas DS1000C (U7 -8009, U22 -0810) Five Tap Silicon Delay Line
U12 - Intel PCEO 301237-001
U14, 15, 16 - Cypress CY7C149-35PC 1K x 4 Static RAM
U20 - Intel PCEO 301252-001
U23 - Empty 8 pin DIP socket (for what?)
SW - Four position DIP switch (see comments, below)
1-8 30 pin SIMM banks (uses 256K parity SIMMs and probably needs them in pairs)
"PCEO" stands for Intel's Personal Computer Enhancement Operation. The PCEO was the group responsible for the development and marketing of the Intel AboveBoard family of adapters.
When loading SIMMS into this adapter, be careful! The one I have uses plastic SIMM sockets, and these are incredibly easy to break. A repair doesn't look to be nearly as easy.
Comments
This all started when I found this adapter hiding in a box in my bedroom. That's odd, because I really thought I knew where all the MCA goodies were hidden. I guess my collection has grown to the point where I'm starting to lose things... I installed it, ran QBMCA for a card-ID (is this really the AboveBoard MC16 or is it another AboveBoard model, like the 2 Plus?) and started fiddling with the DIP switches in a test bed machine. With no RAM installed (and probably running the adapter in a machine that's way too fast for it--a Model 53SLC2) the switches did nothing, caused odd video colors at POST or made the machine fail to start entirely.
Tim Knight said in response to my questions about the DIP switches:
However, I think I read something years ago that each one of the dip switches represent 512kb memory installed........
However, I lie a lot...........(give it a try)
Don't forget to experiment with SOFTSET......you will need it......
David Ress dug around in some old Byte magazines and found some good information:
From the Fall 1988 Special Edition of BYTE, I found an Intel AboveBoard/2 (16 bit adapter) listed that supports a maximum of 2 MB of RAM, uses 256KB SIMMs, either 100 or 120ns. The adapter may be configured for Extended Memory use and is compliant with EMS 4.0. It originally cost $445 with 0KB on board, it included RAM disk drivers and print spooler software. Warranty was for 5 years.
This issue lists 25 memory boards and specs that were available as of Fall 1988.
I have another issue at home that explains why you are seeing the same adapter ID on this adapter as IBM 2MB adapter. Basically, it was done this way to make it easy for manufacturers to get into the MCA arena. (Ed. I'd have thought that this would trigger a legal reaction from IBM due to the drop-in compatibility, but maybe not. Those times weren't the times of aggressive "patent trolling"...)
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