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Vintage Computers Any vintage computer systems, calculators, video games etc., but with an emphasis on 1980s and earlier equipment. |
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1st Apr 2018, 2:23 pm | #1 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 1,186
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Any Apple II Users Here?
For a while I've have been looking (on and off) for a Super Serial Card for my Apple IIe and have not turned anything up.
Recently I saw a different serial card and snapped it up. The problem is that I can't find any information about it online, making it difficult to set up. It is a Symtec LP-106. It has adjustable switches for setting transfer speeds (I think?). Is there anything I can do to know that it is working? Such as a command that tells me that the Apple IIe can see the card? Thanks |
1st Apr 2018, 3:40 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,224
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Re: Any Apple II Users Here?
I avoid the Apple ][ as much as possible, but...
Are you sure it's a serial interface card, because I don't think it is. The ICs are not what I would expect. The Super Serial card had a hardware serial-parallel converter IC on it (I forget if it was a 6551 or a 6850), as opposed to using the Apple's 6502 processor to bit-bang serial data (which is what the original serial card did). But both the original card and the Super Serial card had a couple of PROMs on them containing firmware to drive the card (you could do PR#<slot> where <slot> is the number of the slot the card was put it and all output would go to the serial port, for example). I've seen other Apple ][ serial cards with the 6850, etc, on them, all have firmware PROMs. I do not see such PROMs or a hardware serial-parallel converter on that board. And there is not enough TTL to do the conversion that way. The DE9 connector (if it's original to the card) is wrong too. A serial port in those days would be a DB25. |
1st Apr 2018, 5:55 pm | #3 |
Hexode
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Burnham on Crouch, Essex, UK.
Posts: 391
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Re: Any Apple II Users Here?
The lead doesn't have a suitable connector on the board, so probably is nothing to do with it. A similar, though not identical board made by Symtec is a light pen interface.
http://www.computerhistory.org/colle...alog/102647175 |
3rd Apr 2018, 1:28 am | #4 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Invercargill, New Zealand
Posts: 3,458
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Re: Any Apple II Users Here?
Quote:
I'd also guess this is a light pen interface - especially given "LP" in the model number! It also has a couple of preset pots - you'd have no need for those on a serial card, but they are used on the light pen interface. Documentation for a similar card is here. I have three IIes and a IIc - I tend to use the IIc if I ever need serial because of the built-in port. Considering I haven't paid anything for my Apples to far, I probably should splash out on a Super Serial sometime but just haven't gotten around to it. |
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3rd Apr 2018, 9:56 am | #5 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 1,186
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Re: Any Apple II Users Here?
Thanks for all of the information everybody!
I'm now convinced that this is not what I thought it was. It was sold as a generic serial card so that is why it grabbed my attention. |
7th Sep 2018, 12:50 pm | #6 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 1
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Re: Any Apple II Users Here?
Hi there,
I have a serial/parallel card for Apple II and a couple of EPROM programmers, as we are both in the same city, you are welcome to have them. Regards |