4341jew (03/12/83)
I just received a blank board to build the circuit cellar MPX-16 8088 computer (see Byte from a few months ago). In the box was a two page letter explaining that since the circuit board is five (5) layers, it is next to impossible to build by hand. They strongly recommend that you send the board back and for $295 more ($595 total), you get a socketed board, with no ICs other than BIOS ROM, that is guaranteed to work. My question is how much of this letter is directed to the average builder and how much is just trying to scare the builder into shelling out $295 more? Has anyone built this board yet and if so what troubles did you have? I called micromint and they are willing to take the board back and send out the finished one for the additional price. Should I do this or not? I have in excess of 20 years experience in building circuits so I am not a rank begineer to building hardware. I will summarize any responses to the net. Joe Wilkes ABI Freehold, NJ 201-577-5268 8-270-5268 (inside Bell System)