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Wanted: Low profile 8-bit ISA ethernet card

J

jmetal88

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Joined
Jul 23, 2010
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Derby, KS
This is probably a long shot because I don't even know if such a thing exists, but I'm interested in finding a low-profile 8-bit ISA ethernet card. Basically, I want to see if I can install it in the modem slot of my Compaq Presario 2200 and have it work.

Thanks!
 
Absolute limit--how "low" is low-profile--i.e. maximum distance between top of edge connector to top of board? I'll have a look if I know--the bracket will be up to you. It'll almost certainly be a 16-bit ISA card that works in an 8 bit slot, though.
 
In lieu of an ethernet card are you aware that you can successfully run a full client/server network between two machines via their parallel ports?
 
Stone said:
In lieu of an ethernet card are you aware that you can successfully run a full client/server network between two machines via their parallel ports?
Click to expand...

Yeah, and I even have a Xircom PE3, so it's not that I don't have options there, I just like the idea of having it internal since I'll likely never use the dial-up modem again.
 
Chuck(G) said:
Absolute limit--how "low" is low-profile--i.e. maximum distance between top of edge connector to top of board? I'll have a look if I know--the bracket will be up to you. It'll almost certainly be a 16-bit ISA card that works in an 8 bit slot, though.
Click to expand...

Looks like 2.5" would be about the max, maybe 2.75". The port would have to be accessible within the bottom 2" of the card, though.

EDIT: Actually yeah, 2.75" would fit, scraping the top of the case. The bracket on the modem looks like they just cut off the top of a standard bracket and put a threaded hole through it to secure it to the case, so I don't think that will be an issue for me to replicate.
 
Oh, and maximum depth would be about 8.25". I don't think that will really be an issue as most of my 16-bit cards are about 7.5" deep, but I thought I'd mention it.
 
I've never seen an internal parallel port. You meant "built-in" perhaps?

Either way, he's looking for Ethernet .. not a parallel port point-to-point solution. Please let him seek it without badgering him further.
 
Chuck(G) said:
How's this: (1 square on the paper = 1/4")

View attachment 47571

Mike would know about 8-bit support, but IIRC, it should work. UMC9003 chip.
Click to expand...

That is exactly as tall as the existing modem and it looks like the jack is in approximately the correct location. There are some reports of a UMC9003 card working in an 8-bit slot, although your card looks like it's a plug and play. I know it could be configured in another computer if it won't configure properly in an 8-bit slot, but since my machine does have Windows 95 on it, I'd be a little bit worried that it might try to reconfigure as the drivers install and potentially mess something up...
 
No, there's a standard PNP install floppy. Run the installation from an MS-DOS prompt. You do know how to shut down Win95 to MS-DOS command mode (or boot into it)? ISA PNP in this case is a bit of a misnomer--all it means is that settings are kept in the 8 pin NVRAM; i.e. "software configurable" != ISA PNP.
 
Chuck(G) said:
No, there's a standard PNP install floppy. Run the installation from an MS-DOS prompt. You do know how to shut down Win95 to MS-DOS command mode (or boot into it)? ISA PNP in this case is a bit of a misnomer--all it means is that settings are kept in the 8 pin NVRAM; i.e. "software configurable" != ISA PNP.
Click to expand...

Right. I know how it's handled in DOS because I have a similar card (not low profile though) in another computer. I just didn't know, if I configured it in DOS, would Windows attempt to reconfigure it after I boot into Windows? I'm guessing you're trying to tell me it won't, although you're not saying that directly.
 
It's been many years since I've used these (I have several), but IIRC, Win95 recognizes it as a stanard NE2000 card and doesn't play with the settings.
 
Well, Chuck got me all set up! This card works perfectly in the Presario 2200's 8-bit slot. The setup program works as-is, and I'm using Windows' built-in NE1000 clone driver to access the card. I was even able to re-use the slot bracket from the modem on this (it's not a perfect fit, but if you secure it by the bottom screw, it does line everything up properly). I'd say this was a very successful experiment!
 
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