No Slot Clock Group Purchase FAQ v1.2 - 7 Aug 2003

[markREMOVE@syndicomm.com (Mark Percival)]

                No Slot Clock Group Purchase FAQ
                      (V1.2 - 7 Aug 2003)


Revision History
================

V1.2 : 7 Aug 2003 - Since I have now received the minimum 25 preorders
                    I have updated the info accordingly.

                    Also updated details regarding the NSC and 
                    accelerated Apple II's.

V1.1 : 6 Aug 2003 - Added information regarding NSC compatibility with
                    the Apple //c plus.

V1.0 : 5 Aug 2003 - Initial FAQ

** Denotes new or updated info


The FAQ
=======

Q: Who are you?

A: My name is Mark Percival and I live in Quebec, Canada.  I have been
an Apple II user since 1979.  Today I am an Apple II collector with a
dozen machines in my personal collection.  I am also a staff member of
Syndicomm Online and host a weekly chat (RTC or Real Time Conference)
in the A2 Forum every Wednesday from 7:00pm to 9:00 pm Pacific time.
However this group purchase I am organizing is not affiliated with
Syndicomm Online as I am doing it on my own.


** Q: What is in this for you?

** A: I have been a supporter of the Apple II for a long time and
typically do small requests for free (making disk images mostly).
When I heard that No Slot Clock's were still available for purchase I
ordered one and tested it in my Platinum IIe.  Once I found out how
easy they were to install and setup I decided to organize a group
purchase.  Since I have able to get people interested in putting
together a minimum order of 25 units, I am willing to go ahead with
the purchase.  I am doing this at cost + 10% of the unit cost per
chip.  With this 10% I hope to earn enough to take my wife and child
out to dinner.  I am not normally in the Apple II hardware business.


Q: Are the batteries fresh? Hasn't it been a long time since NSC's (No
Slot Clocks) were manufactured?

A: NSC's were originally sold for the Apple II by Systems
Manufacturing Technologies of San Marcos, California starting in the
late 1980's.  It is my understanding that all they did was re-sell
Dallas Semiconductor Smartwatch chips.  Dallas Semiconductor still
manufactures them as they are still used in a variety of components.


Q: Will these clocks work on Dos 3.3, CP/M and Pascal?

A: I am able to provide the proper patches for ProDOS only.  I am
unaware of patches for other OS's.  However I am including the source
code for the ProDOS patch so you may be able to devise your own.


Q: Which models of Apple II will they work in?

A: They will work in any Apple II with a 28-pin ROM socket.  The Apple
IIe, Apple IIc and Apple IIc+ all have such ROM sockets for their
system ROM's  (CD ROM, EF ROM or CF ROM) on the motherboard.  The
Apple II / II + lacks a 28-pin ROM socket on the motherboard but I've
been told they will work under a 28-pin ROM socket on a peripheral
card.


Q: Will this work properly in an accelerated Apple II such as a IIc
plus?

A: Yes, it works fine.  I tested this myself on my Apple IIc plus and
the only thing I found was the utility that sets the clock failed to
detect the presence of the chip if running at 4MHz speed.  Rebooting
at 1Mhz speed (holding down the 'esc' key on bootup) allowed it to
detect the chip and properly set the time.  The patched ProDOS *does*
read the time properly at either 1MHz or 4MHz speed.  So outside of
the occasion when you need to set the time there are no issues that I
found.

** Update: Syndicomm Online's hardware guru, Tony Diaz (of
www.apple2.org fame), has told me that the issue is one of the precise
timing required to write the updated time to the chip and would likely
affect all accelerated Apple II's.  Reading the time from the chip
does not have this timing issue.


Q: What is the cost?

A: Price is dependent upon quantity I am able to purchase.  Here is
the info I have at this time from Dallas Semiconductor (In US$):

Quantity   25-99: $21.47
Quantity 100-999: $17.68
Quantity   1000+: $14.51

These prices include Canadian GST (7%) and a 10% markup.  Sometimes
GST isn't charged so if that happens I will pass on the saving to you.
Shipping is extra but shouldn't be much since they are pretty light.
You pay whatever it costs me to ship it to you.  I do not make any
money on shipping.  Of course the more you buy the less the per unit
shipping cost will be.


Q: Will you ship International (outside Canada and USA)?

A: Yes but shipping cost will be adjusted accordingly.


Q: Where is the software available?

A: I will provide all the software you need to patch ProDOS and set
the clock via e-mail (free) or diskette (cost of diskette).


** Q: How do I put my name on the list?

** A: Send me an e-mail letting me know how many you would like.
Include in the e-mail your mailing address and if you require the
software on media and which format media (5.25" or 3.5").  I will send
you an e-mail confirming that you are on the list.  My e-mail address
is (decode spam block) "mark at syndicomm dot com".  If you don't
receive a confirming e-mail within a couple of days, resend.


** Q: When will you place the order?

** A: Since I now have found there is enough interest to place a 25
unit minimum order, I'm starting to pull together shipping quotes.  It
would be nice we could do a 100 unit minimum order but at this point I
don't think that is realistic.  Once I have everybody I think is
interested I'll make a "last call", provide specific shipping cost and
ask for money.  When all the money is collected I'll place the order.
Dallas Semiconductor says they have the chips in stock and estimate 4
business days for me to receive them.  I will then notify you when I
receive them and again when I ship your order.


** Q: How will I be able to make payment?

** A: I can accept payment from either non-credit card sourced Paypal
or a certified check / money order in US funds.   Send me an e-mail
for further details.


Q: Your e-mail address has you with Syndicomm Online.  Is this group
buy affiliated with Syndicomm Online?

A: No.  I am on staff with Syndicomm Online but they have no
connection with this group purchase.  The success or failure of this
purchase is totally my responsibility.


Mark R. Percival - RTC Host - Syndicomm Online Apple II Forum
"Midweek Madness!" Every Wednesday Night : 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Pacific Time

http://www.syndicomm.com