Description
Tiara Lancard/E-PC 16 15-00415-3 16-Bit ISA Ethernet NIC Card 10BASE2 AUI 1988
The Tiara Lancard/E-PC 16 is a 16-bit ISA Ethernet network interface card manufactured by Tiara Computer Systems in 1988. It provides 10 Mbps Ethernet connectivity to ISA-bus desktop computers via BNC (10BASE2 thin coax) and AUI (DB-15) ports, making it compatible with both thin coax and external transceiver-based Ethernet segments. The card's network interface is built around the Reliability 2VP5U9 LAN-PAC module, a self-contained Ethernet controller package produced in Singapore.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Tiara Computer Systems
- Model: Lancard/E-PC 16
- Part Number (PWA): 15-00415-3
- Bus Interface: 16-bit ISA (AT bus)
- Network Standard: Ethernet — 10BASE2 (BNC) and AUI (DB-15)
- Data Rate: 10 Mbps
- Bracket Connectors: BNC coax port + AUI/DB-15 (15-pin D-sub) port
- Network Controller Module: Reliability 2VP5U9 LAN-PAC (Made in Singapore)
- Supporting Logic ICs: SN74LS38N, SN74S38N, 74S332N, 74LS245N, SN74LS688N, DM74LS244N, SP8830 (visible on PCB)
- Jumper headers present for configuration (IRQ, I/O address, boot ROM selection)
- Form Factor: Half-length ISA expansion card with steel bracket
- Year: 1988 (per PCB silk-screen copyright date)
- Included: Card only — no drivers, software disk, or documentation
Applications
The Tiara Lancard/E-PC 16 dates from the late 1980s, when thin coax (10BASE2) was the dominant wiring standard for small and mid-sized PC Ethernet networks before 10BASE-T twisted pair took over in the early 1990s. Cards like this were installed in IBM PC/AT-class machines and compatible 286/386 desktops to connect them to coax bus networks — segments where PCs, servers, and peripherals were daisy-chained together using BNC T-connectors and coaxial cable. The AUI port allowed connection to an external transceiver for thicknet (10BASE5) or other media. Today this card is sought by vintage computing enthusiasts restoring period-correct IBM AT or clone systems, retrocomputing hobbyists building historically accurate 1980s LAN setups, and collectors of early Ethernet networking hardware. Drivers for DOS and early network operating systems such as Novell NetWare and 3Com 3+Share were typically available from the manufacturer for cards of this type.
This Tiara Lancard/E-PC 16 ISA Ethernet NIC (15-00415-3) has been inspected and appears to be in good condition. The PCB is clean with no visible damage, cracked traces, or broken components. The bracket is straight, and both the BNC and AUI (DB-15) connectors look intact. Normal light aging is present consistent with a card of this era. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Tiara Computer Systems |
Model: |
Lancard/E-PC 16 |
MPN: |
15-00415-3 |
Type: |
16-Bit ISA Ethernet Network Interface Card |
SKU: |
44690 |
Bus Interface: |
16-Bit ISA |
Network Standard: |
Ethernet (10BASE2, AUI) |
Data Rate: |
10 Mbps |
Connector Type 1: |
BNC (10BASE2 / Thin Ethernet) |
Connector Type 2: |
AUI / DB-15 (15-pin D-sub) |
Network Chipset: |
Sypius LAN-PAC (Reliability 2VP5U9) |
Form Factor: |
Half-Length ISA Expansion Card |
Year / Era: |
1988 |
Compatible With: |
IBM PC/AT and ISA-bus compatible computers |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Singapore |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected and in Good Condition |
Seller Notes: |
Card only; no software or drivers included. |
Condition Notes: |
Tiara Lancard/E-PC 16 (15-00415-3) ISA Ethernet NIC inspected and in good condition. PCB clean, no damage, BNC and AUI connectors intact. Normal light aging for a 1988-era card. |
