Re: need info about Laser 128EX

[supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer)]

Patrick Schaefer <PSchaefer@epost.de> wrote:

>I just picked up a Laser 128EX //c clone. This machine has a memory card
>inside that holds 1MB RAM. Now I need a manual or something like this to
>access its extra features.
>
>How do I access the RAM expansion? The RAMworks way (many AuxMems in
>parallel) or the Saturn way (many LCs in parallel)? ProDOS 1.1.1
>recognizes a /RAM5 volume with 256k, but this is only a quarter of the
>capacity.

The memory expansion is Apple II Memory Expansion Card compatible
so it is accessed as a "slinky" card not as an AUX mem card.  This
was Apple's official way of expanding memory.  ProDOS 1.1.1 is kind
of old for the Laser.  Try ProDOS 8 v1.9.  However, it is possible that
there is only 256k (1 of 4 banks) installed on the card.  You have to
open the computer to add more chips.  I had a lot of fun doing that
when I had a Laser 128EX/2.  The EX/2 is like the EX except that it
has MIDI, a battery powered clock and control panel, and supported
up to 4 daisychained drives (like the IIGS)...Laser's version of Apple's
SmartPort.

>I figured out that the missing switch on the bottom changes the video
>timing from 60Hz NTSC to 50Hz NTSC. Now I get color :-)
>What are the other two switches for? They are labeled "External Slot
>5/7" enable". What is "internal" slot 5, 7?

External slot 5/7 enable enables the slots in an external expansion
box.  Internal slot 5/7 are the RAM card and the 3.5" drive(s).

>Does the expansion connector accept a single Apple II interface card or
>do I need this expansion box?

Either.  If you plug a card directly into the slot, it will treat it as a
slot 5 card.  External slot 5 enable must be set.

>What kind of drives can be connected to the Disk port? Disk //c, Unidisk
>or Apple 3.5?

The Disk IIc and the Apple 3.5 will both work.  The UniDisks work
in earlier Lasers but not in later ones.

In my opinion, the UniDisk 3.5 sucks.  It was a hack to enable
the original IIc to use 3.5" drives.  With the advent of the Laser,
the IIc Plus, and the IIGS, a better way to run a 3.5 drive was
invented.

>What's the purpose of these function keys F1..F10? Holding F1 while
>pressing ctrl-Reset seems to switch to a faster CPU speed. BREAK seems
>to send a ctrl-C, PAUSE a ctrl-S.

They map control key sequences.  In AppleWorks with the TO
key macro utility, you can use them to setup AppleWorks
key sequences making the Laser a really nice AppleWorks
machine.

>Are there more gimmicks in this machine which I didn't recognize yet?
>Unfortunately all these "virtual computer museum" sites just show a
>photo of the computer, but no manual or FAQ.

I wrote a good data sheet for the Laser 128EX/2 which is similar
but more powerful to the Laser 128EX.  It can be found at the
ground ftp server.  ground.ftp.uiowa.edu unless it has changed.
I have been out of Apple II computing for the past year...