Re: Problem with Apple //c

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <5SEP199501230426@vax2.concordia.ca>,
Mitchell Spector <spector@vax2.concordia.ca> wrote:
> 	Yesterday I finally added an Apple //c to my collection, [snip]
> Next I proceeded to connect an external Apple 5.25 drive to the
> disk-port. This works after you issue a PR#7

Note: this only works with the original IIc ROM.  Later versions no
longer support booting from an external 5.25" drive.

> yet something strange is going on. All software thinks disks are
> write-protected, and I tried two separate drives and had the same
> problem.

It could be the IWM chip, or a faulty track on the motherboard, or a
conflict with the other drive.  Have you tried removing the internal
drive then booting from the external one?

> 	Another strange thing, the built-in self test refuses to run when
> CTRL-SA-RESET is pressed, unless I press CTRL-OA-SA-RESET (both Apple keys).

The original IIc ROM doesn't have a proper self-test (there wasn't
enough ROM space).  You need ROM version 0 or later to get a real test.

> 	This is an original Apple //c. The ROM version is 255 and the 
> motherboard production code is about mid-1984. If I'm not mistaken this
> falls within the period //c's were made with the serial port timing problem. 

Almost certainly.  I've never encountered a IIc with an original ROM
that _doesn't_ have the serial port timing problem.

> Now for my question -- is it still possible to get the free motherboard swap 
> and ROM update?

Maybe - asking Apple is probably the best way to find out.  The
motherboard swap was only free if you could demonstrate the serial
port problem.  The ROM upgrade was only free if you owned a UniDisk
3.5 drive (or could provide proof of purchase of one).

Alltech Electronics can probably sell you a replacement motherboard
and/or ROM upgrade.

> If so, this would clear up all my problems. I could use an
> acceptable speed modem, UniDisk 3.5 _and_ clear up the problem with the
> defective IWM or other zapped chips. If the offer is still available, I
> need the that special Apple authorization code which I can't seem to 
> remember. 

ODL660 is one authorization code.  I believe it is for the ROM
upgrade.  I have a couple of old messages that have conflicting
information about what it authorizes.


-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand