> working example of using pnpdump and isapnp to set such a beast up?

In most cases the config you are sent work work for your card anyway
because your PnP settings will be different.

I do have some tips for you:
In your bios, set PnP os to NO.
Scribble down what resources the card uses in windows.

in linux:
modprobe 3c509 irq= io=

When you find the settings that do work, you can add an entry in modutils.
something like

alias eth0 3c509
options 3c509 io= irq=
(anyone wanna double check that? Can't remember if that's correct...)

Or if you've compiled in the 3c509 driver you can add:
append="ether=irq,io,eth0"
to /etc/lilo.conf

I don't _think_ you have to use isapnptools with a 3c509, even if it is in
pnp mode, with linux, but I could be wrong. The driver has pretty good
autodetection as well so you might be able to get away with a simple
modprobe 3c509.

PnP is nice and all, but there was something to be said about being able
to manually set your system resources. ;)

Andrew S. Zbikowski | http://www.ringworld.org
"We can learn much more from wise words, little
from wisecracks and less from wise guys."
--William Arthur Ward