Javier Rivera – Call-A.P.P.L.E.

New 3D-Printed Apple II Joystick

Javier Rivera — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:07:20 +0000

Introducing the amazing 3D Printed Apple II Joystick – A Fusion of Nostalgia and Innovation!

I am thrilled to unveil a product that seamlessly blends classic design with updated technology: The 3D recreation of the iconic Apple II Joystick, keeping all the classic features with brand new mechanical parts. The moving parts brand new, adapted to work seamlessly with Apple II’s that use the DB9 port.

The switches are brand-new Matias key switches, a new version of the ALPS keys that were so successful in most original keyboards.

By using these materials, the quality and durability are better. The 3D printed case and switches resemble the original and is crafted to be enjoyed and used with your retro systems.

Features:

Paying homage to the iconic Apple II era, this joystick mirrors the classic design that gamers fondly remember.

Precision Engineering: Crafted with precision using advanced 3D printing technology, delivering the same accuracy and responsiveness.

Community-Centric: I understand the passion of the Apple II community and have created a product that resonates with your love for retro gaming.

Future options: different colors to match your computer system, custom switch colors too!

This product will be offered as a custom, non-commercial homebrew item, it is not by any means trying to take advantage of Apple trademarks, but in honor of the original and to keep it as close as possible, the Apple logo is used in the case and label.

Because this is a homebrew limited item, it will only be offered as an on-demand item. The price will try to be competitive but at the same time pay for the countless hours of design, prototyping and testing.

Kickstarter for Clear Case IIe and IIgs is NOW LIVE!

Javier Rivera — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 02:32:29 +0000

MacEffects, LLC, creator of the clear Macintosh SE case, just released the kickstarter for an Apple IIe case, and it’s fantastic!

From their project:
Our custom case will make your Apple II stunningly unique, yet still recognizable by its classic shape. You will have the ability to peer inside the system at its beautifully engineered internal components. This will instantly revitalize your computer and will allow it to serve as an amazing display that is sure to be a conversation starter in any environment.

The kickstarter can be backed here:
Clear Case Project

Disk II LED – first look

Javier Rivera — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 21:25:35 +0000

When it comes to Apple II, I’m easy to please. Every time I see a new product or something that gives new use, combines new technology and makes my retro computing more fun, I’m very happy with it.

Now add some lights to the equation and let me control it within the computer – I’m in heaven!

That’s just what Plamen Vasilov from a2heaven did: the newDisk II LED, is a perfect addition to the retro gadgetry. It allows me to control the disk LED lights, using a RGB LED, a small hardware adition and Apple II software to configure.

The hardware itself is very simple, a small card that goes between the internal connector and the cable that connects to the computer, with a 4 wire LED included.

The setup is pretty easy – just make sure you notice the pin numbers marked on the board – connect and go!

It was tricky to install on the //c, as it’s designed to fit nicely on the Disk II.You have to bend the cable a bit, but will work fine. Also I lay the LCD cable under the drive, which worked perfectly.

to make the installation reversible, I masked the drive LED with black masking tape, and attached the new LED with a rubber band. It holds it in place nicely.

After that fired the computer, ran the software and configured it. It’s very nice, it allows you to set the colors for standby, write and read states. Each one has five options: on, off, color, pulse and heart.

On and Off are obvious, color performs a constant change to all available colors. Pulse will fade the light in a pulsating form, and heart will do it like a heartrate.

The colors are Blue, Cyan, Violet, Purple, Magenta, Pink, Custom, White, Red, Orange, Amber, Yellow, Green, Teal. You can also add your custom color via HEX color, just like HTML values. The software allows you to also change that value by clicking on the R, G & B keys (Red, Green and Blue) and it will change in real time!

Overall I’m very happy with it. I’m a sucker for color LEDs and being able to control and have them in my //c, makes me real happy.

This is a nice, easy to set and fun gadget. Works real nice and gives a new functionality to my drive light, i can see when is writing or reading.

Disk II LED is not yet available on A2Heaven store, but I’m sure will be very soon, and it will sell like pancakes!

Two player Karateka released!

Javier Rivera — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:17:36 +0000

Charles Mangin from Retroconnector has released a version for two players! Here is the info from his site:

One of the first games I ever played on my family’s Apple IIe was the Jordan Mechner master work, Karateka. Fight the bad guys, save the princess – it’s a simple but classic formula. My brother and I would take turns making our way through Akuma’s fortress. Even then, we wanted a two player version.

Fast forward more than 30 years, and I’ve taught myself 6502 assembly after getting back into the Apple II, through the thriving community online. The idea of a two player version of Karateka came back to me while at KansasFest a couple of years ago. I noodled a little on it back then, getting distracted by finding the code that created the unique music in the game.

Long story short: I finally found the places in the game code that needed patching to allow a second player to control the enemies in the game, and create a functioning two player version of Karateka. The resulting patch is only 42 bytes long.

New ReactiveMicro IIc Plus Universal Power Supply

Javier Rivera — Thu, 24 May 2018 03:22:27 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to beta test the new ReactiveMicro Apple IIc Plus Universal Power Supply, and it’s a beauty!
The Apple IIc Plus was the last version of the already popular portable version of the Apple II. It featured a 4 MHz processor, expandable memory, internal 3.5 floppy drive, and new serial connectors. But the best feature was the lack of “brick on a leash” that plagued the original //c. This gave this model the freedom and portability that people liked. A normal power cable connected directly to the back of the computer, and that’s it. All the power supply was contained inside a nice and small metal box.

The kit is very simple: a replacement board for the internal power supply metal box. It really is easy and safe, even for a non technical person to perform the replacement. You only need a Philips screwdriver, cutting pliers and maybe a flat screw to help remove the original board.

The PSU box gets lifted from place by pulling two plastic tabs that hold it in place. There’s only two screws holding the top of the metal box, hen removed it reveals the board. Two other screws hold the board to the bottom, after removing them just pull the board out carefully. It’s a little tight, but comes out after all.
Then you just need to cut the power wires from the PSU. It comes with a nice connector that allows to insert the cable to metal slots, making it easy and convenient.

After that is a matter of inserting the board, it is an exact match, replace the screws and put the top metal and you’ll be set!

This kit is specially good for people that use their IIc Plus overseas, remember this computer was never sold outside the US therefore there was no need for different power support.

You will find the Universal IIc Plus PSU a strong, reliable and modern replacement, and like all ReactiveMicro products will give your retro gear another 30 years of perfect performance.

The Universal PSU will be available at the usual ReactiveMicro site.

Updating a Vulcan Drive

Javier Rivera — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 20:42:01 +0000

A few months ago i acquired an Apple IIgs, and to my surprise it had a Vulcan drive inside. The Vulcan was an internal combo of hard drive/power supply with a controller card. At that time, the only hard drive options were an external drive or an IDE card.
The Vulcan was attractive by combining a strong power supply that also housed the hard drive. It was black colored and looked really nice replacing the internal power supply. The controller card connected to slot 6 or 7.

When I first started the computer, it made loud noises. these were the internal fan and the hard drive, both sounding like an airplane engine. After a few tests realized the drive was dead. I continue using the computer until the power supply started to make some noises. The power supply was starting to fail.

I thought about selling the whole thing, but after a few days listed on eBay realized not everybody was interested in failing Vulcan, and would get very little for such a nice piece of history. Decided to fix it and keep it, by replacing with modern options. Why? Just because I don’t want to struggle with old SCSI drives, noisy power supplies that could fail again.
My options were simple: new hard drive and power supply. The PSU was easy, as I already have a Reactive Micro PSU Kit.
After several searches found a CF to IDE adapter, and a guy from eBay sold a kit that included an SD card formatted, the adapter and a ROM (v2.0) for the AE Vulcan card.
Fortunately my ROM was already version 2, so just had to connect the adapter and CF (it uses 5V for the adapter) card for it to get recognized. After that was a piece of cake to install the latest OS.
After the PSU and HD replacement, wanted to keep things like original, so added a cabler adapter and installed the CF adapter inside theVulcan power supply enclosure, which has lots of space now. Finally I replaced the internal fan with a silent one, as I hate noise. added a small switch to turn it on and off, as it’s really not needed with both PSU and CF being so efficient.
The result is a nice, fast replacement that kept all the good looks, but guarantees no failures or issues, and gives my IIgs a great advantage by allowing me to add more peripherals without worrying on PSU capacity.

Fast Chip IIe: First Look

Javier Rivera — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 03:20:08 +0000

– One of the simplest cards I’ve ever used, just connect and run!

For a long time, the Apple II has enjoyed a plethora of hardware that extends, connects, and enhances it. Among them, speed accelerators have been sought and venerated.

The Apple IIe had a few of them: the TransWarp, Titan, Speed Demon, Zip Chip, and Rocket Chip. These products have not been manufactured for 30+ years and hence they are sometimes expensive and hard to obtain, leaving some Apple users out of options.

This is all about to change: A2Heaven.com, (Plamen Vasilov) the Bulgarian genius that has provided the Apple community with amazing devices such as memory, storage, and sound enhancements, is about to release an accelerator specifically designed for the Apple IIe. Unlike older speed enhancement products, it does not require the removal of chips or modifying the hardware in any way. You simply insert the small card into any slot and start enjoying the enhanced speed!

The ‘FASTChip //e’ accelerates the Apple //e by replacing the on-board 6502/65C02 CPU with a faster and more advanced 65C816 CPU. The original Apple //e memory is clocked at the same 1Mhz as the original CPU. To achieve higher speeds the FASTChip //e needs to access much faster memory (SRAM). The clever design allows the acceleration of programs running in both main and auxiliary memory. In addition the FASTChip //e provides more memory, in the form of 512Kb fast memory on the board. The magic happens when programs are loaded into SRAM memory, allowing them to run at full speed. The additional memory can emulate either 192 KB fast RamWorks compatible RAM or 256 KB fast RamFactor (slinky) compatible RAM.

The card is designed to draw low power and stay cool, unlike some earlier accelerators which drew substantial power and ran hot. The FASTChip //e has a small footprint, a very nice modern design, white PCB, sandwiched between two acrylic plates with the A2Heaven graphic. The card logo is illuminated with LEDs which allows the user to select from an array of colors.

The most notable feature of the card is the hardware control panel: connected to the card with a long cable that allows the display and control of the CPU speed. Yes, you heard it right. You can control the CPU speed in real time. The control panel includes control knob, buttons, and four digit-seven segment LED display that shows the current selected function. In additional you can stop and pause the CPU. The LED display also gives useful information such as speed, CPU status i.e. paused, stopped, as well as memory mode and bank number.

At startup, you can press the ‘escape’ button to access the card’s software control panel where you can set the standard CPU speed, slot configuration, along with different options like startup graphic, slot speed, sound mode, or even LED colors. You can also test the CPU, memory, speaker, video and finally save your settings.

After you set your configuration and start using the Apple IIe, the real fun begins. Every program runs faster, and pushing the hardware control panel knob will “stop” or freeze the computer which comes in handy for pausing games/other operations. You can also set the speed that you find most comfortable while using the program by rotating the knob. By pressing the left panel button you can change between current and standard 1Mhz CPU speed. Clicking the center button pauses/stops the CPU. By pressing the right button you can choose between functions. The rotary knob will change the CPU frequency from 0.20Mhz to 16.6Mhz.

My evaluation/testing was performed on an Apple IIe Platinum with 1 MB RAM, a mouse card, CFFA 3000 and Disk Drive Cards. Booting from the CFFA and loading programs was easy and fast. The programs tested so far are:

Dung Beetles

Hard Hat Mack

Karateka

Drol

Prince of Persia

Alien Downpour

Galaxian

Zaxxon

Apple Disk Utilities (passed all tests)

Appleworks

Mouse Desk

GEOS

So far there has been no issues or concerns with the FASTChip //e board, as all programs have worked as expected, only much faster. This card is a must-have for any Apple IIe owner because it gives a new meaning to games that were slower in the past, hence creating a whole new gaming experience essentially.

I fully recommend the FASTChip //e card and if possible, combine it with the A2Heaven VGA adapter so the games and applications can be enjoyed in full color and hi resolution with all its glory.

8bitdo AP40 Apple II Bluetooth Joystick Adapter – first impression

Javier Rivera — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:25:10 +0000

Last year, 8bitdo, a Hong Kong company that specializes in Bluetooth and wireless controllers for retro systems, came out with a special receiver commemorating the Apple II after a successful kickstarter campaign. The key element of this device is the adapter that connects to the joystick port of the Apple II computers and converts it to Bluetooth, allowing the game pad to be used as a joystick on the Apple IIs.

Unfortunately the users found out after receiving them that the joystick didn’t translate the signals correctly and didn’t show any smooth analog values, which rendered several games unusable with the device.

After a few communications with 8bitdo from some Apple II fans, there was an update to the firmware and they added some functionality. This encourage me to get one and test it, before they discontinued the device.
After receiving it immediately paired it to my game pad (a normal 8bitdo controller, not the Apple commemorative) and was pleasantly surprised: the joystick responded pretty well, and was able to play with almost all games from my library.

Overall I like the product a lot, maybe because it enables me to play without cables, or just having both buttons or joystick in the same device, but found very responsive and easy to use.At the end of the video I did some tests with a joystick testing software, and showed almost the same signal than a normal Apple II one does.

There was only one game that didn’t work: Evolution. Will have to keep playing with it.

Manila Gear Introduces the No Slot Clock

Javier Rivera — Fri, 19 May 2017 02:39:48 +0000

Mountain View, CA, 18 May 2017 — Manila Gear today announced the No Slot Clock for the Apple II series of computers. The No Slot Clock lets your Apple II remember the date and time.

No Slot Clock – Front Side

No Slot Clock – Back Side

This brings the amazing functionality of the Dallas Time Chip DS1215 to the Apple ][ and the Apple ][+ computer. No more typing in the date and time every time you boot up!

It also comes with a lot of new features:

Batteries – The No Slot Clock uses 1 or 2 user-replaceable CR2032 batteries. It also has break-off battery holders for flexible placement.
Configurable – The No Slot Clock can be configured for use on an Apple ][ or ][+, or an Apple //e or //c. It can even be used on a slot card that has an EPROM socket.
Sockets – The No Slot Clock has a machine pin socket on the top. This ensures secure and reliable connections to your EPROM. A regular IC socket is on the bottom. This preserves your motherboard or slot card IC socket. No more “socket stretch”!

A modified version of the NSC Utilities disk will be available on the Manila Gear website.

The No Slot Clock lists for only $49++ and is available for preorder at the ReActiveMicro online store at http://store.reactivemicro.com/product-category/49/apple2/ii-ii/.

For more information on the No Slot Clock specifications please visit
https://manilagear.com/product/no-slot-clock/.

Manila Gear Introduces the 2soniq and Announces New Partnership with ReActiveMicro

Javier Rivera — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 23:07:35 +0000

Contact: Jon Christopher Co

John Valdezco

https://www.manilagear.com

Henry Courbis

http://reactivemicro.com

Manila Gear Introduces the 2soniq and Announces New Partnership with ReActiveMicro

Mountain View, CA, 7 April 2016 — Manila Gear today announced the 2soniq interface card for the Apple IIGS. The card gives IIGS owners the ability to connect 2 powered speakers so they can enjoy stereophonic sound. This is a simpler version of the 4soniq – the quadraphonic sound card with a monophonic input digitizer that the company released almost a year ago.

Hardware – The 2soniq unlocks the capabilities already available in the Apple IIGS’ Ensoniq Digital Oscillator Chip. The simple design and robust engineering delivers clean, reliable sound. It features 2 channel output via one 3.5 mm stereo jack. Similar to the 4soniq, the 2soniq can also be setup for slotless operation.

Software – The 4soniq Programmer’s Guide is available on the Manila Gear website. The guide shows developers how to program for both the 2soniq and the 4soniq, and includes sample code on how to modify existing software to support multi-channel sound.

The 2soniq is now on sale for $69++ at the ReActiveMicro online store at http://store.reactivemicro.com/product-category/49/apple2/iigs/.

For more information on the card specifications please visit https://manilagear.com/product/2soniq-stereo-sound-card.

New Partnership with ReActiveMicro

In February 2017, Manila Gear contacted ReActiveMicro about working together to bring their projects to the Apple II Community. Manila Gear wanted to make sure their current and future products continue to be available to the community at scale. ReActiveMicro was Manila Gear’s first choice since they are the most experienced and longest lived Apple II vendor currently active in the Apple II Community.

Starting from April 2017, ReActiveMicro will be selling and supporting all the great items available from Manila Gear. These will include the new 2soniq stereo sound card, the popular Apple IIGS VGA Adapter, and a refreshed version of the 4soniq 4-channel sound card.

—–

Manila Gear is an electronics company founded by Jon Christopher Co and John Valdezco. Jon has been a hardware hacker for the past twenty years and maintains a blog at http://damntechnology.blogspot.com.au. John advises Silicon Valley startups, and has a degree in Electrical Engineering. Both Jon and John attended Philippine Science High School, and have been working together on cool stuff since then.

ReActiveMicro was formed by Henry S. Courbis in 2005 as a division of Reactive. Since 1990 the parent company Reactive has had many different divisions. They have worked with hardware, custom software, auto security and sound, auto repair, pay phones and electronics to name a few. Henry’s current project at Reactive Computers is related to the Apple II and Arcade systems. He also plans on teaming up and working with others to provide new solutions for the Apple II Community.

Convert CH Mach III Joystick to Apple II

Javier Rivera — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:01:48 +0000

Convert CH Mach III Joystick to Apple II

About a year ago I bought a very cheap CH Mach III PC joystick and found some schematics on the web for convert it to Apple II. Everything went fine, the conversion was successful and moved on, even sold the joystick to a fellow enthusiast.

A couple of months ago I purchased again two PC CH Mach III joysticks, and started the conversion. This time I couldn’t remember the process and of course, lost the original sch ematic. after several attempts gave up and ask for advice in the Facebook group. Immediately a user helped me and with some trial and error, Finally got it working.

Here is a new schematic specifically focused on the CH Mach III PC joystick. The cable colors correspond to them, and it has been tested.

Manila Gear Announces Third Batch of Apple IIGS VGA Adapters For Pre-Order

Javier Rivera — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 00:07:30 +0000

The second batch of Apple IIGS VGA Adapters shipped out last week and should now be in their new happy homes. We love hearing about what monitor you are using with the adapter:

“Per your recommendation, I am using the adaptor with a Samsung 712N and it is working as advertised. This came just in time for me to fix up a ROM1 GS that I’m going to give to my son-in-law for Christmas.” – Bill from Pottstown, PA

Thank you Bill! It’s stories like yours that keep us going!

We’ve already started our third batch run. Place your pre-order now at:
https://manilagear.com/product/apple-iigs-vga-adapter

ManilaGear ready to ship 4soniq 4-Channel Sound Card

Javier Rivera — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 14:48:51 +0000

ManilaGear, a new Apple II hardware maker, is readying his new 4soniq 4-Channel Sound Card, a beautiful and functional sound card for the IIgs.

The 4soniq gives you four separate channels of sound for your Apple IIgs, instead of the usual one.

Each of the 32 oscillators available in the Apple IIgs’ Ensoniq Digital Oscillator Chip (DOC) can be assigned to play on any one of 8 output channels. One 4soniq card unlocks 4 of those channels. Pair it with a second 4soniq card to unlock all 8!

To enjoy four channel sound with the 4soniq, you will need four powered speakers (e.g. two sets of 2.1 computer speakers setup up as Front Left, Front Right, Back Left and Back Right), and the appropriate software.

Four channel sound is now supported in Ninjaforce’s Kaboom! and has been tested successfully on modified versions of Ninjaforce’s NinjaTracker * and Sheppyware’s AmperSound GS.

For software that does not support four channel sound yet, the 4soniq functions equally well as a two channel stereo card.

Features:

4 Channel Output (via 2x 3.5mm stereo jacks)
Single Channel Input (via 1x 3.5mm mono jack)
Ability to pair with another 4soniq to get 8 Channel Output **
Ability to power externally for slotless operation ***

What’s In The Box:

1x 4soniq
1x 4soniq-to-J-25 Connector Cable
1x Backplate and Cable Assembly

Sound never looked this good!

New Apple II mugs and shirts store

Javier Rivera — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:45:54 +0000

A new web store with on demand printing has opened, check it and fulfill your retro wearable!
Update: New products added: picasso style graphics, vintage games!

http://store.apple2faq.com

First look: New Apple II VGA card from A2Heaven

Javier Rivera — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 23:53:04 +0000

The Apple II computers are still very popular among retro hobbyists, but one of the problems some people face is the availability of video display options when their CRT fails. There are still some TVs that accept composite video, but sometimes the display is fuzzy or the colors are inaccurate. Then 80 column display becomes a nightmare, as much of these screens are not clear enough.

A2Heaven sent me a pre release of their new product: the Apple II VGA Scaler. It is a video card compatible with all Apple II series (minus //c and IIgs) and solves the problem of connecting the computer to modern VGA displays. It is compatible with NTSC and PAL systems. It supports all modes that the Apple II provides, but does not add any new capabilities.

The Apple II VGA Scaler supports the following Apple II video modes:

40 and 80 columns text, with 24 lines
Low-Resolution: 40 × 48 (15 colors)
High-Resolution: 280 × 192 (6 colors)
Double-Low-Resolution: 80 × 48 (15 colors) *
Double-High-Resolution: 560 × 192 (2 colors) * *
** due to advances in Apple II design, these modes are NOT supported on the earlier Apple II, Apple II+, Apple Europlus and Apple IIe revision A

The card is a beautiful and simple design, with the classic white color that distinguish a2heaven’s products, comes with several cables and an extension to connect to the back ports too.

The instructions recommended connecting the card to slot 7 – depending on the Apple II, you will need to connect some extra jumpers to some chips. After several minutes of reading the instructions and making sure the jumpers were connected to the card correctly, I went ahead and fastened the jumpers to the pins. It was easier than I thought. It worked!

I already have a //c VGA adapter and this one works just like it: by pushing a button you can change modes, from color to green, monochrome, amber and other clear modes for text reading. Also, all modes have a “scanlines” version which add lines to emulate old CRT monitors.
Overall it looks sharper and cleaner, and the colors are solid and brilliant.

Although my choice of monitor was not the best, you can see the different modes and colors available as it’s a LCD conversion from an original IIe monitor. I will try to get different monitors so the difference is more distinguishable.

RamFactor 8MB Card with Battery Backup – first look

Javier Rivera — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 23:14:31 +0000

I recently got one of the new RamFactor compatible cards from A2Heaven.com. The card is a modern clone of Applied Engineering’s RamFactor memory card. This new version is made with modern 8 MB SRAM, which uses less power and has extra features: a holder to add a small CR2032 type battery to hold the memory state just like the old RamFactor used to. It has a display that will show the current memory bank selected and RAM status.
Although it has the Applied Engineering Firmware, it also has Apple’s memory card firmware for more compatibility. It is user selectable via a jumper.

The card is small and very professional looking. After inserting it lighted up and I performed the AE internal RAM test. Is fun looking at the locations change in the display.

I’m very excited about the possibility of adding a RAM disk and copy my most used programs there, to have them available upon turn on.
In the next days I will try to make a ram disk, and maybe modify an Appleworks to use the memory and keep it with the battery. Stay tuned.

Ultimate Micro New Store Additions

Javier Rivera — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 15:07:20 +0000

A quick update that we have some new items now listed in the UA2 Store - The RAMWorks IIII Kit v1.0.

This Kit is mainly designed and meant for the SolderFEST part of KFEST to help add to the show.  We will however ship to users since there is a
demand for the board and a fun "kit" project for the Apple II.

KFEST Delivered Kit: https://goo.gl/SH6NUZ
Shipped Kit: https://goo.gl/nc86dZ


All details and pics are listed on the item's page in the Store.  I'll be posting a Facebook announcement tomorrow for the above items being active
in the Store.

A2Heaven releases new hardware

Javier Rivera — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 02:39:07 +0000

Three new memory cards have been announced from Bulgaria’s A2Heaven.

The cards, for the Apple II family, add 8 Megabytes of memory and other features:

Addon 8MB for Ramworks III
Ramworks III expansion to 8MB card , also emulates original Applied Engineering piggyback 2MB card and 512 KB memory extension form Applied Engineering. This card also supports 80 column mode.

The display on the card shows the current memory bank selected.

RamFactor compatible card ( firmware is same as original ) and 8MB, with jumper you can select from Applied Engineering or Apple firmware (to emulate apple memory expansion card).

The display on the card shows the current memory bank selected.

RamWorks III compatible card with 8MB battery powered RAM

The battery is for backup data (just like PowerFactor from AE) and can be used as Solid State Disk.

DB-19: Resurrecting an Obsolete Connector

Javier Rivera — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 01:27:50 +0000

Big Mess O’ Wires has the story of how they resurrected the first DB-19 connector to be made in the 21st century.
From the article:
“About 15 months ago, I first started looking into the idea of manufacturing new DB-19 connectors. So here’s the thing – how do you go about having something like this made? I had no clue, and it took me over a year. How do you find factories that might possibly build something like this, and then how do you find a contact person to whom you can explain your needs? Almost all the manufacturers that I talked to blew me off, or wouldn’t even talk to me at all. The US-based manufacturers weren’t interested, or couldn’t do it. In the end, I went through Alibaba listings for companies that make other types of D-SUB connectors, and emailed several dozen of them to ask if they could make a DB-19. Only a few even replied, and only two said they could, both located in China. “

KansasFest Early-bird Registration Ends May 31st

Javier Rivera — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:10:02 +0000

Discounted early-bird registration for KansasFest 2016, the 28^th annual Apple II convention, ends May 31. On June 1, prices rise $55, so reserve your spot now. Official KansasFest shirts are extra and optional and must be ordered by June 22; registration for staying on-site closes July 1.
Users, programmers, hobbyists, and retrocomputing enthusiasts are invited to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, from Tuesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 24, for six days and five nights of sessions, demos, announcements, contests, and camaraderie. Mike Harvey, a business executive, salesperson, technologist, project manager, entrepreneur, programmer, and best known in the Apple community as the founder and publisher of Nibble magazine, will join us with a keynote presentation. Harvey will be available immediately afterward for a Q&A and autograph session.
Attendees present all KansasFest sessions, so please submit your session proposal by May 31. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at new software, preorder opportunities for new hardware, a hands-on workshop, a podcast recording session, 4 player Kaboom! tournament, or an athletic round of Bite the Bag, there are experiences to be had and memories to be made at KansasFest that aren’t possible except in the company of surprising, brilliant, diehard Apple II fans.

Ultimate Micro Releases the Universal PSU Kit and Upgrade

Javier Rivera — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:43:16 +0000

The Kit is the user installable version of the Universal PSU, and the Upgrade is the service UltimateMicro performs for the user. We also have a KFEST deliverable option and special show price. We’re still not sure about holding an informal session, possibly during SolderFest to assist in upgrades, but we’re working on those details and looks like it will happen.

The Universal PSU Kit is designed to be installed in your existing Apple II or /// Power Supply Enclosure and replace your old Power Supply PCB. All connections can be made by the user and are safe, simple, and designed to last for the next decade and beyond of use. The Kit is also uninstallable and the enclosure isn’t modified in any way. So those concerned with collecting and authenticity of hardware need not worry.

Orders are planned to start shipping about July 15th or once we have received stock from the factory.

All details and pics are listed on the item’s page in the Store. I’ll be posting a facebook announcement tomorrow for the above items being active in the Store.

Here are two videos showing the process for the IIe and IIgs Enclosures:
IIgs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klCgfsONVLo&feature=youtu.be
IIe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_1186590479&feature=iv&src_vid=klCgfsONVLo&v=YCbQIoLNPYA

New Scalable oscillator from Ultimate Micro

Javier Rivera — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 00:19:17 +0000

Ultimate Micro just released the Scalable Oscillator v2 for use in the TransWarp GS and ZXIP-GSX. Each Scalable Oscillator is now custom tailored to fit each board better. It also now uses a better grade clock IC which provides a cleaner signal, although with this better signal came complexity of design.
this item comes with a Power LED to let you know it’s working, and a resettable fuse on the +5v power line to protect the board from any damage related to shorts.

The gospel according to C (humor)

Javier Rivera — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:53:36 +0000

A famous Apple collector from down under, send us this funny piece…

Retroconnector now offers geek jewlery

Javier Rivera — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 17:02:11 +0000

Retroconnector, the maker of modern connectors and 3D printed cases inspired in Apple II and retro computers, now offers Retro inspired jewelry, desktop gadgets, cases & docks.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroConnector?section_id=18668490

A2 Disk Controller from Ultimate Micro

Javier Rivera — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 16:56:46 +0000

Ultimate Micro unveils the new A2DiskController!

It’s a clone of the Apple 3.5″ Drive Controller card which allows 800k and HD 1.44MB 3.5″ Floppy Drives to be connected to your IIe and IIgs systems. It a great option to allow users to connect 3.5″ Floppy to their IIe, and the only one currently available.

Here’s the link to their store product.