Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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DIY is nice. It is the feeling of creation, no doubt about that.
It is cheaper too!

During my attempt to built an XT-IDE-CF card for my 8-bit PC, i thought I should share some thoughts about KIT form hardware, that eveybody should be aware of.

I didn't make it on the first try so, here is the list of the essential things you have to consider before getting started with your KIT, or even before placing your order in the first place!


1. Is there any documentation and/or instructions/diagram and in hard copies delivered along with the kit?
2. Check if the EEPROM or EPROM has actually something written in it... :-) If there is firmware that is...
3. Keep a local copy of the .BIN file before you conduct the first test...
4. Watch out for the wrong BOM and any kind of suspicious surplus... :-)
5. Don't be discouraged in case of failure...
6. Find HIRES pics on the web, if in any doubt, then try to compare...
7. Check on GitHub for any recent changes or differences that are found on the PCB or the pictures of the ready made ones that you're trying to compare.
8. Follow the changes posted and test again!..


Good luck!