Re: Using Apple ][ 5 1/4 " disks with an older Mac IICi

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

Ruud Dingemans <rtech@home.nl> wrote:

> DVS wrote:
> > I have some old Apple II floppy disks I would like to access on a Mac.
> > 
> > I have an external 5 1/4" drive, a Mac IIci (which has a floppy port on the
> 
> It can be done, but not without hardware I'm afraid. There is a 5.25 
> drive plus Nubus-card combo that will let you read such disks on a Mac.

No, it won't.  The drive you are thinking of is able to read PC
compatible (MFM 360K double sided) 5.25" floppies, via Apple File
Exchange.  This drive doesn't support Apple II 5.25" (GCR 140K single
sided) disks.

> Do *NOT* attach the 5.25 drive directly to the IICI's floppy port - 
> you're pretty likely to damage the computer that way.

I agree.

> Well, I'd say the best/easiest way is probably to pick up a IIGS (or 
> visit someone who has one) and attach a 5.25 drive and a 3.5 drive on
> that machine.

I'd agree with that.

Another option is to find a Mac LC (or a later LC-compatible model with
the same slot) which has an Apple IIe emulation card installed, and the
adaptor cable to split the drive and joystick connectors out from the
special connector on the card.

You can connect an Apple II 5.25" drive to that (with D-19 connector,
e.g. UniDisk 5.25 or Apple 5.25 Drive, but a Disk ][ won't work, even
with an extra adaptor to convert the cable - the LC doesn't supply all
the voltages required by the Disk ][).

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz