How not to build a computer, step 0.

So you want to build a computer, this is the first part of a series on how not to do it.

Here's a better list of computers to buy or build instead of a home-brew S100 machine:

• Raspberry Pi 4
• Arduino
• SBC ARM
• SBC Z80
• A retro machine (TRS-80, Apple ][, Atari 400-800 or ST, Commodore 64 or Amiga, etc...)
• A pile of modern parts ordered from pretty much anywhere.
• Any modern laptop, desktop, all in one, SFF or the like.

Really, building an S100 computer will involve a lot of searching for obsolete parts, working around designs that are decades old and generally spending a lot of time, money and resources on a computer that the thermostat in your house can outrun.

Still with me? Now here's the reasons to build one.

• The Altair 8800 was the FIRST commercially available home computer
• The IMSAI 8080 from War Games
• Geek cred!
• You can build from components a real computer capable of real computing (slowly)
• The absurdity of building a computer from the mid 70's (sorta) nearly 50 years later 

For me, it's a "bucket list" entry. I'm just a little young for S100 computers, my first machines were the classic 8 bit machines.

If you are still interested, here's a good list of resources of parts, plans, information, and help that I'm using (Sept 2021).

• S100 Computers - John Monahan's site filled with invaluable history, information, Gerber files, software and instructions. Everything you need is here.
• S100 Computer google group - An active list of S100 computer enthusiasts 
• RetroBrew Computers Board Inventory - A place to order S100 Boards (and many others)
  
• Digikey - Parts supplier
  
• Mouser - Parts supplier
  
• Arrow - Parts supplier
  
• Jameco - Parts supplier
  
• Tindie - Electronics marketplace, some boards available
  
• ServoCity - Robot parts (chassis)
  
• ePlastics - Plastic supplier
  
• Albany County Fasteners - Hardware
  
• FMW Fasteners - Hardware
  
• PCBShopper - PCB fabrication shopping comparison
  
• OSHPark - PCB Manufacturer (Purple!)
  
• JLCPCB -PCB Manufacturer
  
• The usual suspects (eBay, Amazon, Newegg, AliExpress, Google, etc.)

One of the reason for the large number of parts suppliers is that older hardware tends to vary in price quite a bit from one supplier to another. Shipping times also vary greatly. I can get parts from Jameco or Arrow overnight via USPS to the Bay Area, for instance. One part to search for a bit harder than the others is the S100 Card Edge connector. The EDAC 346-100-520-802 is the one I ordered. Things to look for, 100 connectors, 0.125" pin pitch. Seriously, double check. 0.1" pitch is far more common and fewer connectors are common as well.  Depending on your initial setup, you may need a LOT of these connectors. They run $14±2 USD from the usual suspects, three pages down on my search results I found them for $5.18 from dgarbha, free shipping over $40, no tax 😀 (Sept 2021). 

⚠️ This is evidently a scam site. I paid via PayPal so I'm covered, now I'm waiting for my refund ⚠️

Disclaimers:

• I am not receiving any form of compensation from any of these sites. I am just enumerating the places I find useful or have discovered. 
• The opinions listed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of my employer, Apple Computer.