Re: Just found an Apple IIe in the trash. Need help.

[Linards Ticmanis <ticmanis@gmx.de>]

James Blackmon wrote:

> Bad thing is I have no boot disk or any software. I remember that computers 
> of that time could often be put in Basic programming mode but I do not know 
> what the keyboard combination might be (and usually it did not allow for 
> saving to disk if memory serves).

Do Ctrl-Reset for a warm start into BASIC.

You can also do OpenApple-Ctrl-Reset for a cold start, and
ClosedApple-Ctrl-Reset for a self test. The "Apple" keys are found
directly to the left and right of the space bar.

> Also how hard would it be to convert one 
> or both of the drives to a 3.5 drive. Would that drive need to be a 730K 
> double density or could it be the current 1.44mb density drive?

The Apple can use certain external 1.44MB Mac drives with the help of a
"Superdrive Controller" card, but these are incredibly rare and
sought-after. Otherwise it's best to stick with 5.25", much of the Apple
 II software isn't compatible with any other format.

> And I know I 
> might not get all the capacity out of those drives.

The problem with this is: The Apple uses a very low-level disk interface
for 5.25 inch drives, e.g. it doesn't tell the drive "step the head" but
"turn on this magnet of the stepper motor, then turn off that magnet,
etc." This code is simply not compatible with non-Apple drives, which
don't have the necessary signals on their connectors.

> I am interested in 
> getting a boot disk with any other software someone might be willing to 
> offer.

Realistically, you need a RS-232 card in your Apple to pull this off.
The so called "Super Serial Card" is fairly plentiful, and your Apple
might already have one. Look in Slot 1 or 2 (counted from the left).

> Also will a 8 bit PC modem work in it?

Internal PC cards don't work in the Apple, the pinout of the bus is
quite different. External serial modems work well enough.

> Anyone have any software for 
> PC to Apple II transfers?

Look at http://adtpro.sf.net for one. This program is also able to "boot
strap" a bare-metal Apple.

-- 
Linards Ticmanis