Re: Help with old Apple ][+

[John_L._Graham@adbbs.antioch.edu (John L. Graham)]

Ahhh, the II+ is a great machine for tinkering. For some neat project ideas a
visit to your local library would be in order, and a catalog from Vernier
Software (vernier@vernier.com).

The VIDTEX card was an 80 column card, the II+ originally supported only 40
columns as that was considered about as small as you can get on a TV. If I
recall right you couldn't view graphics while using the 80 column mode so I
think the second connector was there so you could switch between the text and
graphics mode. I have a VIDTEX around here somewhere and may even have the
manual, but a little fiddly should make it clear.

The wire jumper is called a shift-key modification. Jeesh, I installed one
ages ago while using ScreenWriter II but I can't recall exactly what it did.
The gist of it was so that the Shift key would work the way you'd think it
should. The original II+ firmware could only produce upper case characters
and the shift-key mod was part of the work-around for word processors that
generated lower case through software.

The video-out from the II+ is raw video and works great with relatively
simple monitors. To use it with your TV you need an RF-Modulator. I used to
get them at RadioShack (RF-Mods are pretty generic). However, if you have a
VCR you should also be able to connect it in through the aux video source
jack.

A good source of parts (like a drive would be nice) is Alltech Electronics.
Call 'em at 1-619-724-2404 and ask for a catalog.

Have fun!

John