Re: Apple ii projects for kids?

[The Wizard of Oz <Wizard@EmeraldCity.gov>]

On 11-09-04 03:41 PM, Sam Latella wrote:
> The Wizard of Oz wrote:
> > On 11-09-04 08:44 AM, Sam Latella wrote:
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Does anyone know of any good apple ii projects for kids be it software or
> > > hardware based for the Apple IIe or IIgs.
> > >
> > > Something simple but still has a learning potential about computers
> > > either
> > > hardware or software.
> > >
> > > We are thinking of this year's science far project and would like to show
> > > case the Apple iie as the center piece, and give it a wow factor!
> > >
> > > Basically a blast from the past!
> > >
> > > Any ideas would be much appreciated.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Sam
> >
> > 	As I recall the ][+ and //e had a set of pins called annunciator
> > outputs on the motherboard. I think there were four pair. They could be
> > used to control a series of lights.
> >
> > 	For older kids it might be fun to make an array of LEDs (with
> > additional circuitry) and control it from those outputs. Finding the
> > parts will take the most time. Putting it all together just requires a
> > little design and planning.
> >
> > 				Later
> > 				Mike
>
>
> Cool!
>
> Any schematics or books that I can reference for the Apple II for that
> design?
>
> I've got the spare lights and wiring to do this.
>
> Sam

	Just the //e reference manual. That will give you the Apple side of the 
hardware. The rest will have to be created by you and the kids.

	The design of the array of lights shouldn't be too bad. If you are 
starting from scratch then choose something simple. Maybe something 
which stores a series of bits you can manipulate via shifting to the 
left or right. The interface to the annunciator outputs (or what ever 
method you choose) would be equally simple. For example any non-zero 
input would mean there is a command. There would be a total of 15 
commands (1 - 15). Command 1 could be accept a series of bits. Command 2 
could be rotate the array right one space and in the last spot use the 
data stored from command 1. It would take a few minutes with a pencil 
and paper to work out the logic. From there it would be a matter of 
finding some cheap RAM and logic chips (the 74-LS series is what they 
taught us at university).

	If you were to buy an off the shelf unit then you'd have to see what it 
expects in the way of commands and make some circuitry capable of the 
appropriate I/O.

	Everything else is a matter of programming.

	Apart from the array of lights and the computer, everything else 
/should/ cost less than $10.00. Any circuitry you create could be 
powered by an AA battery.

				Later
				Mike