Re: Converting files from Apple II to MAC?

[ratinox@denali.ccs.neu.edu (Richard Pieri)]

>>>>> "David" == David Empson <dempson@swell.actrix.gen.nz> writes:

> All you need is an Apple ][ compatable 5.25" drive that has a 19-pin "D"
> connector, plug it into the external disk port, fire up your File Exchange,
> and you're set.

David> Oh, yes?  Have you actually tried this?

Yep. In fact, I had to do exactly this a few months ago. So I unplugged the
5.25" drive from one of my housemate's Apple IIgs, plugged it into the back
of another housemate's Mac IIci, did the conversion, and put the disk back.

David> I was under the impression that the Mac disk port doesn't support
David> Apple 5.25 or SmartPort drives (such as the UniDisk 3.5).

Nope; it's the other way around. Macs can handle any of the drives, but the
][s need the drives with the "smart" chip. The Macs just disable it since
the chip is already built into the disk controller.

David> There are minor differences in the pinout of the Mac's drive
David> connector.  In particular, the Mac is missing the "3.5DISK" pin,
David> which enables a 5.25" drive - it is tied to ground, and the Write
David> Protect sense pin is defined as a motor speed control (for the
David> original Macintosh drives).

*Shrug* It worked. I guess if this is true, the I suggest not writing to
the 5.25" drive with this configuration.

David> The only way that I know of connecting a 5.25" drive to a Macintosh
David> is via the Apple IIe emulation card in an LC, LC II, LC III or
David> Colour Classic.  I don't know if Apple File Exchange can access this
David> drive.

This I don't know; I've never seen an LC.

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Northeastern's Stainless Steel Rat                          ratinox@ccs.neu.edu
And now we meet again, for the first time, for the last time.     --Dark Helmet