IMSAI I-Series (IMSAI 8080) Systems
Here is the simplest way to configure and order your IMSAI system kit. Just follow these sections in order to choose the options.
If you need to choose more options for a particular item, click its hyperlink and you’ll be taken to that item’s page in a new tab.
When you close that tab, you’ll be right back here.
When you click one of the
 buttons,
it will add it to your cart and show you the cart.
To return to the system configuration, click the Continue shopping > link
at the upper-right corner of the cart page.
NOTE
It is important to understand that the system described here will not be ready to play “thermonuclear war”
(a reference to the 1980s movie, “War Games” which featured an IMSAI 8080).
That system, as depicted in the film, had a floppy disk drive. For the moment, we do not have a floppy disk system available.
Same for memory. For the short-term, you will need to use a third-party solution.
We are working on memory and storage solutions as quickly as we can.
The original IMSAI boards that provided these functions are not feasible to reproduce due to the lack of availability of key components.
The system will allow simple programs to be keyed in through the front panel. For example, you can key in a very small bootstrap
loader which can read a paper tape image of Micro Soft BASIC over the serial port.
You can use a PC terminal emulator to transmit the paper tape image over the serial port.
The good news is that this machine is modular and expandable, so the system can take advantage of new board functions as they become available.
Choose a Cabinet
Begin with an empty cabinet. We recommend the I-8080-PEM for most builders.
It has a detachable power cord inlet that will accept a power cord for your country.
[†] Marked products are heavy or ship in a large box.
To give you the best possible shipping rates, you will be billed for the shipping separately.
If you have items in the cart that are not marked as heavy or large, you will be charged for shipping those during checkout.
Contact Us in advance if you want to get the current shipping rates for your items and destination.
If you want a different cabinet option, click on the hyperlink in the description above.
You will be able to choose a cabinet with the original captive NEMA-15 US power cord, or a PEM cabinet without a cover.
Choose a Backplane
Add an IMSAI backplane below, or skip it if you have your own.
We recommend the 11-connector configuration for most systems. If you want to max-out the backplane, order the 22-connector configuration.
If you need fewer or more connectors, click on the Description hyperlink below.
Be advised that some third-party backplanes may not include the offset front panel slot.
Choose a Power Supply
Add an IMSAI power supply, or skip it if you have your own.
Choose a Cooling Fan
Add an IMSAI fan, or skip it if you have your own. If you added the IMSAI power supply above, any 120 mm PC case fan will work.
Choose a Front Panel
The IMSAI cabinet is designed to have a front panel (AKA “Operator Console”).
This is what gives the system its iconic IMSAI 8080 look.
Choose a Processor Board
Add the IMSAI MPU-A 8080A processor board below, or skip it if you have your own.
Add Memory
A usable system requires memory (RAM and optionally EPROM). At this time, IMSAI does not offer any memory boards.
In the meantime, we recommend the FLEX64K board from DeRamp.com.
It is sold as a bare board only. The manual contains the parts list.
The parts may be readily obtained from Digi-Key,
Mouser, and other electronic parts distributors.
Contact us if you need a parts kit for it. We’ll be glad to help.
Choose a Serial Port
Serial ports are typically used with a terminal or a PC running a terminal emulator.
Be sure to include two CABLE A which connects the SIO 2 board port connectors to a female DB25 on the back of the cabinet.
The SIO 2 is available with only one port. To see this and other available options, click on the Description hyperlink below.
Choose a Parallel Port
Parallel ports are typically used for specialized control applications.
Be sure to include two CABLE B which connects the PIO 4 board port connectors to two female DB25 on the back of the cabinet.
Please note that the IMSAI PIO 4 will not directly connect to a Centronics-compatible parallel printer without additional interface circuitry.
The PIO 4 is available with fewer ports. To see these and other available options, click on a Description hyperlink below.
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