Re: A couple of newbie questions

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article richtw@cybernex.net (Richard T. Waters) writes...

>I recently got an Apple IIc.

>1) If I want to hook this upto my TV, can I just use the cable from my
>old original nintendo or atari?  I suspect this may not work, since I
>recall having to choose between channel 3 or 4 when I hooked those up.

    Sounds like your talking about using an RF switch-box, in which case
the answer is no. The circular RCA phono connector in back of the IIc is
for composite video only and does not produce an RF signal. However, if
your TV is relatively modern and has 'Video IN' jacks, just connect the
Apple IIc to that (or alternatively, if you have a VCR connected to the
TV, use the 'Video IN' connector on the VCR and switch it to 'Aux' or
'Video 1', etc. You'll then be able set your TV to channel 3 or 4 and
view the IIc's video just as you would a tape playing from the VCR).

>If this will not work, what do I need?

    If your stuck and have nothing but an old TV set to work with, there
is an RF-modulator available for the Apple IIc. It connects to the Video
Expansion port in back (the DB15 connector) and produces an RF signal.
I suppose you could search comp.sys.apple2.marketplace for one, they used
to be included free with the original IIc.

>2)  I understand that while the nine pin mouse/joystick port has the
>same form as the PC serial port, the pinouts are not the same.  Are
>the pinouts the same as the old Atari/Commodore  64 joystick ports? If
>so can I use my joysticks and paddles from them?

    Nope, the Apple uses analog joysticks and paddles. The Commodore and
Atari used digital. The only way to use them would be with some kind of
adapter/convertor (I believe such a device existed for other Apple II's,
I noticed some games asking if you had an "Atari Joyport" over the years).
Before you ask, IBM joysticks are not directly compatible with Apple, at
least not without modifications.

>3) Do I need to clean the floppy drive head(s)?  I have a 5 1/4
>cleaner disk which requires me to put a few drops of Alcohol on it and
>then do a directory on my IBM-PC.  Can I insert the disk in the IIc
>and do a CAT or will I screw up the disk drive?

    Not unless your experiencing read/write problems, and then usually
all that is required is re-calibrating the drive speed by turning a pot.
If you do attempt the clean the head, take note that Apple drives are
single sided, accessing only one surface of the disk (if you want to
use both, you'd cut an extra notch and flip the disk over). If I'm not
mistaken, Apple drives have the r/w head on the bottom.

    I've personally never had a problem with dirty drive heads on my
Apple II 5.25's (some of which are 15 years old or more). OTOH, I've
seen 3.5 drives get clogged with dirt and dust to the point they no
longer work, although inserting disks and blowing gently inside often
cures that. One local newspaper columnist used to constantly advise
readers to avoid those "disk cleaner kits", claiming they'd do more
harm than good. ;)

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca