Building a Retro PC: An Introduction to the PC-Kharon-386

Are you a fan of vintage computing or simply curious about the roots of modern technology? Building a retro computer like the PC-Kharon-386 can be a rewarding experience, blending nostalgia with hands-on learning. This guide will take you through the process of assembling your own PC-Kharon-386, a tribute to the classic 386 architecture that laid the groundwork for today’s powerful systems.

In this blog post, I will cover everything you need to know—from sourcing components to assembly tips. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a newcomer to retro hardware, this guide will help you create a piece of computing history that’s both functional and fun to use. Let’s dive into the world of vintage PCs and bring a piece of the past back to life!

Bill of Materials

The table below lists the components needed to build the computer, along with links to purchase each item. Please note that I do not endorse any of these sellers; the links are provided solely for your convenience.

Main PCB

Top PCB

Building the PCBs

To begin building the PC-Kharon, follow these steps for assembling the PCBs:

Gather Materials:

• Ensure you have all necessary components listed in the BOM (Bill of Materials) documented above.
• Obtain quality PCBs from a trusted manufacturer using the provided Gerber files.

Prepare Your Workspace:

• Set up a clean, well-lit workspace with all necessary tools: soldering iron, multimeter, tweezers, and magnifying glass/microscope.
• Ensure proper ventilation for safety while soldering.

Soldering Components:

• Start with the smallest components like resistors and capacitors. Use the interactive BoM page available on GitHub to correctly place each component.
• Progress to larger components, such as ICs and connectors, ensuring correct orientation and placement.
• Double-check polarities and orientations before soldering to avoid errors.

Inspect and Test:

• After soldering each section, visually inspect for solder bridges or cold joints.
• Use a multimeter to test continuity and ensure proper connections.

Install the WiFi Module:

• Connect the WiFi module to COM4 as described in the documentation.
• Choose between Zimodem or ESP SLIP Router based on your network needs.

MIDI and Sound Mixer Configuration:

• Connect the MIDI synthesizer to the AUXB input of the ES1868F.
• Connect the PC speaker to the AUXA input.
• Adjust mixer settings to minimize noise by disabling unnecessary inputs.

Final Checks:

• Review the entire assembly for any overlooked steps.
• Power up the board and test all functionalities as outlined in the repository documentation.

Troubleshooting:

• Refer to the GitHub issues page or community forums for troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems.

By carefully following these steps, you’ll successfully assemble and test your PC-Kharon PCBs. For further details, refer to the full documentation on the PC-Kharon GitHub repository.

Enclosure

The project was created to use G738 or G706 standard plastic enclosures. Those are not widely available in Brazil so I decided to print the model using my 3D printer and then assembly the PC.