For Apple II enthusiasts, one of the essential tools in their arsenal just got even better. The Card Cat project, known for its dedication to preserving and recognizing the vast array of Apple II family cards, has released Card Cat version 1.4, bringing a host of improvements and enhancements.
Card Cat, which is both free and community-supported Apple II software, continues to pursue the ultimate goal of identifying all Apple II cards for those seeking to identify and understand the cards that make their vintage Apple II systems tick. With Card Cat 1.4, users can now take advantage of its improved features and contribute to the project’s ongoing expansion.
Here’s what you can expect from Card Cat version 1.4:
Recognizes Over 100 Apple II Family Cards
Card Cat’s extensive database now recognizes and catalogs over 100 Apple II family cards. This is a valuable resource for Apple II enthusiasts looking to identify the various cards installed in their systems. Whether you’re a collector, hobbyist, or vintage computer aficionado, Card Cat is definitely your go-to tool for card recognition and identification.
View a Card’s Active Firmware Bytes
With Card Cat version 1.4, you can delve even deeper into the cards installed in your Apple II system. The program allows you to view a card’s active firmware bytes, providing a detailed look at the card’s inner workings. This feature is a fantastic addition for those who have a need to explore the technical aspects of a particular card.
Improved Support for 40-Column Display
Card Cat continues to evolve with improved support for 40-column displays. The Apple II’s 40-column display mode is an iconic aspect of its vintage charm, and Card Cat’s enhanced support ensures that you can get the most out of this classic feature of the machine.
Various Bug Fixes
Card Cat version 1.4 also includes a range of bug fixes, further refining the software and ensuring a smoother user experience as well as contributing to the software’s overall reliability and performance.
Contribute to the Card Cat Project
The Card Cat project is a collaborative effort within the Apple II community, and you too can play a part in expanding its capabilities. If you encounter an unrecognized card in your Apple II system, you can assist by using the program’s [V]iew command to display the unrecognized card’s firmware. Take a photo of the firmware display and gather any information you have about the card.
Once you’ve collected these details, feel free to share them with the Card Cat project by sending the photo and additional information to cardcat@henrylowe.net. Your contributions will help Card Cat continue to grow and help give the program the ability to recognize even more Apple II family cards, ensuring the preservation of more Apple II history and the hardware.
To see what Card Cat version 1.4 can do and start identifying and understanding the cards in your Apple II systems, visit the official Card Cat website at https://henrylowe.net/card-cat/.
Card Cat version 1.4 is a free download available to all Apple II users today!
