Re: Need help identifying this card...

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

Quadrajet1 <quadrajet1@aol.com> wrote:

> >> Card has 'Z-RAM' on it on the center.
> >
> >That is Applied Engineering's memory expansion card for the Apple IIc.
> >It is functionally equivalent to a RamWorks card for a IIe.
> 
>    The Z-RAm was a memory expansion card AND Z-80 card for the //c, giving it
> CP/M capabilities.  Least, that's what I remember about the AE products.

The name "Z-RAM" was also used for the plain memory expansion card, just
to confuse things.  I think the one with the Z-80 had a slightly
different name - something like "Z-RAM Plus", perhaps?

> >> 16 socketed chips labeled
> >
> >That will be the RAM (1 MB total).
> 
>   Sounds like 2 Megs to me.  8 chips equals 1 Meg in the Apple world, anyways.

Whoops.  You're probably right.  I was assuming the card was a direct
clone of the RamWorks, and didn't notice the "16".

> >> 18-pin ribbon cable connecting to a small module which looks like it plugs
> >> piggyback on top of a PLCC socket
> 
>   Must be a part of the Z-80 processor.  I remember seeing Z-80 processors in
> PLCC format towards the end of their popularity.

But the Z-80 (if any) would be on the Z-RAM board, not connected by some
kind of flying lead.  It must be something else.  In any case, a Z-80
would need a lot more than 18 pins.

I'm wondering if it might be intended to connect piggyback onto a RAM
chip on the IIc motherboard, to get memory refresh signals.  The RAM
chips on the motherboard are either 16 or 18 pins, but they are narrow
DIP, not PLCC.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P O Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand