RC2014 is a family of modular Z80 computer kits, not one fixed machine. The Classic II is a good fit for builders who want a backplane-based computer they can expand; the smaller Micro offers a more compact build. Both need to be judged by the exact kit configuration and its external setup, especially if the goal is CP/M rather than BASIC.
What is the RC2014?
The official site describes RC2014 as “a simple 8 bit Z80 based modular computer originally built to run Microsoft BASIC.” Its overview gives nominal figures of 8K ROM, 32K RAM, a 7.3728 MHz clock and 115,200-baud serial communication. These are platform-level specifications, not a guarantee that every RC2014 variant has the same hardware. RC2014 official overview
The kits use through-hole components and are designed to be assembled and expanded by their owners. The Classic II illustrates the modular approach: its CPU, ROM, RAM, serial I/O, and clock/reset modules plug into a passive backplane. Its guide lists 32K RAM, 8K banked ROM, and a 7.3728 MHz clock. Classic II kit information Classic II assembly guide
What is it like to build and use?
Classic II: modules on a backplane
The Classic II is assembled from separate modules and a passive backplane, rather than a single densely populated board. Its documentation describes using a terminal emulator on another computer to interact with the machine and programming in BASIC or Z80 assembly. The product page links the assembly guide and schematic, making those the appropriate references for the particular revision being built. Classic II assembly guide Classic II product information
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Micro: a compact single-board build
Jo Hinchliffe’s Raspberry Pi Official Magazine review covers the RC2014 Micro, not the Classic II. The reviewers reported completing soldering in about an hour, connecting it to another computer over serial, selecting Microsoft BASIC, and running a short BASIC program. Hinchliffe notes that the reviewers had soldering experience and that some experience helps; the reported time is their experience, not a general build-time promise. The review also notes that its FTDI cable was not supplied. Raspberry Pi Official Magazine review
Before starting any build, check the assembly guide for your exact kit and confirm what it includes: in particular, the serial cable, power arrangement, and ROM configuration. A terminal emulator on a separate computer is part of the documented use pattern, so account for that equipment as well.
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What software can it run?
Microsoft BASIC is central to the platform’s original purpose, and the Classic II material also identifies the SCM monitor ROM as an option. The documented setup is well suited to exploring BASIC and low-level Z80 programming through a serial terminal. RC2014 official overview Classic II assembly guide
CP/M is possible with supported hardware configurations, but it is not an out-of-box capability to assume for every RC2014 kit. The CP/M-IDE documentation describes supported configurations and hardware requirements; it identifies documented CP/M setups for the Pro and upgrade paths for the Classic and Classic II. Check those requirements against the model and modules you own before buying parts. CP/M-IDE configuration documentation
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Classic and Classic II CP/M upgrade
A listed upgrade kit for the Classic or Classic II includes a pageable ROM module, a 64K RAM module, and a Compact Flash module. It is an upgrade, not a complete base computer: owners reuse components from their existing Classic kit. Confirm that the listing matches the revision you have and that the configuration meets the CP/M documentation’s requirements. Classic II CP/M upgrade listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Classic II or Micro: which variant should you choose?
| Consideration | Classic II | Micro |
|---|---|---|
| Form and build | Separate core modules plug into a passive backplane. Assembly guide | Smaller single-board form factor, as described in the Micro review. Review |
| Expansion | A specialist listing describes five core modules and three of the backplane’s eight slots left available. Classic II listing | Equivalent expandability is not established for this variant by the cited material. |
| Reported build/use experience | No comparable timed build report is established here. | The magazine review reports about an hour of soldering, serial-terminal use, and a BASIC program; the reviewers had soldering experience. Review |
| CP/M route | Documented upgrade path; check the required modules and revision compatibility. CP/M-IDE Upgrade listing | Not established by the cited material. |
Choose the Classic II if a visible, swappable module layout and documented expansion room are central to the project. The Micro is the compact option described in the independent build review. For either, decide first whether BASIC and monitor use meet your goals or whether you specifically need a supported CP/M configuration. These are documentation-based distinctions, not results from a controlled head-to-head test; the available evidence does not establish a universal winner for speed, reliability, or value.
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What to verify before buying or building
- Exact model and revision: RC2014 specifications and included modules vary; use the assembly guide for the kit in hand.
- Terminal connection: Identify the serial interface and whether the required cable is included. The Micro review’s FTDI cable was not supplied.
- Power and ROM: Confirm the kit’s power arrangement and ROM configuration, especially if choosing between BASIC and monitor options.
- CP/M requirements: Match the model and installed modules to the CP/M-IDE documentation; treat the Classic/Classic II kit as an upgrade requiring an existing base kit.
- Expansion plan: If you expect to add modules, check available slots and compatibility for the exact backplane and revision.
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