NC-Super89 Board and W5500 Application Overview

A recent project with the NC-Super89 Wiznet/SD board has demonstrated an interesting use of the W5500 Ethernet Controller, so I’d like to share a brief introduction.

Heathkit H89 and the Role of NC-Super89

The Heathkit H89, released in 1979, was an all-in-one Z80-based retro computer.

It combined a keyboard, CRT monitor, and floppy drive into a single enclosure.

It typically ran CP/M and became a popular personal computer of its era.

Original hardware is now rare and difficult to maintain.

The NC-Super89 board was developed to recreate the H89 architecture with modern FPGA/MCU hardware, enabling classic software to run again.

In short, it preserves the retro computing experience while adding modern expansion options such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and SD card storage.

VCFMW, SEBHC Group, Heathkit Computers

VCFMW (Vintage Computer Festival Midwest)

One of the largest retro computing festivals in the world, held annually in the U.S., showcasing restorations and demonstrations of classic systems.

VCFMW 2024 Video Link

SEBHC (Society of Eight-Bit Heathkit Computerists)

A community dedicated to Heathkit H8, H89, and other 8-bit systems.

Members actively share firmware, software, and hardware restoration projects since 2008.

Heathkit Computers(facebook channel)

W5500 on the NC-Super89

The NC-Super89 Wiznet/SD board integrates the W5500 Ethernet controller, making it possible to enable Ethernet communication in the H89 environment.

Resource Link