Description
Madge Straight Blue 16/4 ISA Plus Token Ring Network Card 152-301-01
The Madge Straight Blue 16/4 ISA Plus (part number 152-301-01) is a full-length ISA Token Ring network adapter card designed for IBM-compatible PCs with an ISA bus. It supports both 4 Mbps and 16 Mbps Token Ring operation, selectable via on-board DIP switches. The card features an RJ-45 port for UTP cabling and a DB-9 connector for Type 1/3 shielded twisted-pair (STP) IBM cabling. Manufactured in the United Kingdom by Madge Networks, a leading Token Ring vendor of the era.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Madge Networks
- Model: Straight Blue 16/4 ISA Plus
- Part Number: 152-301-01
- Bus Interface: ISA (16-bit, full-length)
- Network Standard: IEEE 802.5 Token Ring
- Data Rate: 4 Mbps or 16 Mbps (selectable via DIP switch SW1)
- Bus Width: 8-bit or 16-bit selectable (DIP switch SW2-2)
- Connector 1: RJ-45 (UTP Token Ring)
- Connector 2: DB-9 (IBM Type 1/3 STP Token Ring)
- Speed select label on bracket: "BLUE 16 Mbps"
- On-board DIP switches: SW1 (12-position speed/OEF), SW2 (bus width and compatibility)
- Main controller IC: large custom Madge ASIC (center of PCB)
- Secondary ICs: two blue RAM modules (top of PCB), AMP 9333 2-382394-2 connector block
- Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- FCC Class A certified
- Included: card only — no cables, drivers, or documentation
Applications
Token Ring was IBM's primary LAN technology through the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, used widely in corporate environments running IBM mainframes, AS/400 midrange systems, and IBM-compatible PCs connected via IBM Cabling System (Types 1, 2, and 3). Madge Networks was the dominant third-party Token Ring adapter manufacturer, and the Straight Blue series were workhouse ISA adapters commonly deployed in offices running Novell NetWare, IBM LAN Server, and early Microsoft networking over Token Ring backbones. The 16/4 ISA Plus supports the full 16 Mbps ring speed as well as the older 4 Mbps standard, making it compatible with mixed-speed Token Ring networks. By the late 1990s, Ethernet largely displaced Token Ring in new installations, but these cards remain sought after for legacy system maintenance, IBM network restoration, vintage computing, and museum/collection use. The ISA bus form factor places this card in the era of 286 through late Pentium-class PCs (roughly late 1980s through mid-1990s).
This Madge Straight Blue 16/4 ISA Plus Token Ring Network Card (152-301-01) has been visually inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The PCB, bracket, connectors, and components all look intact with no obvious damage. Note that NICs are not bench-tested at our facility, so this card is sold as-inspected; it was pulled from a surplus lot and has not been powered up or verified here. Please review all photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Madge |
Model: |
Straight Blue 16/4 ISA Plus |
MPN: |
152-301-01 |
SKU: |
18960 |
Type: |
Token Ring Network Adapter Card |
Bus Interface: |
ISA (16-bit) |
Network Standard: |
Token Ring 16/4 Mbps |
Data Rate: |
4 Mbps / 16 Mbps (switchable) |
Connector Type: |
RJ-45, DB-9 (Type 1/3 STP) |
Form Factor: |
ISA Full-Length Card |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United Kingdom |
Compatible With: |
IBM PC/AT, ISA-bus computers, IBM Token Ring networks |
Seller Notes: |
Card only — no cables, software, or documentation included. |
Condition Notes: |
Madge Straight Blue 16/4 ISA Plus Token Ring card 152-301-01 has been visually inspected and is in good used condition. Not bench-tested at our facility; sold as-inspected. Please review photos and contact us with questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
