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The uIDE concept is not terribly new (search for GIDE). The idea was to produce a '''low cost''' IDE adapter, suitable for connecting to Z-80 computers via a shim board that fits between a (socketed) Z-80 and its main board socket. From the shim, a 40 way IDC cable is connected to the uIDE adapter board, then a CF card or DOM plugs into the other end of the uIDE. Once the hardware (if there is installedspace inside your Z-80 computer, drivers need you may be able to be written connect the shim and installed (see belowuIDE cards directly together without a cable). uIDE cards are "universal" because their I/O base address is fully configurable via a row of 2 position jumpers on the board.

'''uIDE 16''' is a universal Z80 IDE card that can be configured for use on any Z-80 microcomputer such as Once the CPC range of computers. It hardware is called "uIDE-16" because it decodes all 16 address bus lines installed, drivers need to provide access to the IDE ATA registers as is required by the Amstrad CPC machinesbe written (see below).

'''uIDE 16''' can be configured for use on any Z-80 microcomputer such as the CPC range of computers. It is called "uIDE-16" because it decodes all 16 address bus lines to provide access to the IDE ATA registers as is required by the Amstrad CPC machines. '''uIDE-8''' is a similar design that just decodes the low 8 bits of the Z-80 adddress bus, and this can be used on the PCW and most other Z80 machines. uIDE-16 has a user-configurable 8-bit mode that allows it to work with 8-bit addressed I/O. In this mode, some components (U1 and its socket and smoothing capacitor) may be left out of the board. However, uIDE-8 is slightly smaller and cheaper than uIDE-16.

As of now (Early Feb 2017) uIDE-16 is in the design phase, but the board has been laid out. Click the image above for a closer look. 

* Can be connected to the PCW expansion port (see below) or internally via a Z80 shim card (note, this requires a socketed Z80).* Driver supports Amstrad CP/M Plus only at this time (it is implemented as a FID). * A separate driver exists for Lifeboat CP/M 2.2 on the TRS-80 Model II that can be ported to other CP/M 2.2 variants.* The CP/M driver runs the IDE device in LBA / 8 bit mode, so DOMs or CF cards are recommended (up to 128MB).

* Can be used on any other Z80 computer with a socketed processor.* Uses what will become Implemets a standard bus connector that exactly matches the Z80 pinout. Further expansions are planned, including a Z80 bus board.

These small cards are inserted between the Z80 and its socket, and present all 40 pins of the CPU via a 40 way header. This header is the "Z80 Bus" that the uIDE 16 connects cards connect to.

Choose the one that fits best inside your machine. A 6128 CPC6128 needs the left hand shim, although space is very tight under the keyboard (the processor sits directly behind the expansion port) and it's not known yet whether it will fit. PCW machines have more space, so either shim should fit.

Use one of these cards if you prefer to connect your uIDE card to the machine's expansion port rather than via its Z80 socket.