Apple IIgs - what do I need

4 posts / 0 new
Last post
Offline
Last seen: 9 years 4 months ago
Joined: Apr 25 2014 - 06:09
Posts: 2
Apple IIgs - what do I need

after following apple iigs sales for years I finally said screw it and ordered the one in my ebay post. Comes with two diskdrives, unknown to be working or not, no display cable and no software - lights up and bleeps when started apparently.

I got two problems I need to solve right away.

1. I'm in the sane part of the world that uses 220v/240v. I don't want to use a step down converter. I want to replace the psu. Anything easily available? I could use a computer psu, but they deliver +/-12v but only +5v. I'm no electronic expert (I can follow diagrams and whatnot, just not make stuff up) so I'm not sure how to source -5v from that. I'm sure someone here knows about this.

2. Outputting the image is a little challenge. I need to find a db15 to db9 cable to be able to use it on my 1084s (if that supports ntsc. which it should depending on the model). If not, I could try a crt tv or one of my scandoublers. However, my problem is to find db15 stuff? Where is it cheap? Ebay goes from expensive to crazy expensive. I mean, it's a cable, not a collectors item you frame on the wall.

a third problem would be to boot this to do something useful. I got a HxC floppy emulator, do that work? I need to boot into something before I could even do anything with the computer. I got a huge lot of 3.5" disk in both hd and dd format, so if I just could boot into something I would hopefully eventually be able to make some disk images to do something useful .. before i order a sd/cf solution of some sort.

Mr.Fix's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 3 weeks ago
Joined: Mar 21 2005 - 22:52
Posts: 104
Re: Apple IIgs - what do I need

Congrats on your purchase. you wont be disappointed in the hardware and use.

as for your questions, i dont have a response to your first or last question but i do have experience on the 2nd question.

I have used a 1084s with the iigs, and i can tell you that i did have to create my own cable to make it work with this monitor. The end result, the color and resolution is extremely very good and crisp. If it were not for the bulky dimensions of the monitor i would still use it. I am now using a component adapter that allows me to use modern flatscreen tv/monitors and the colors and resolutions is slightly just below that of the 1084 in my opinion.

As for getting your iigs up and running, google search is your friend, ADTPRO, is all you need to get dos, prodos or GS/OS onto your system.

Mr.Fix's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 3 weeks ago
Joined: Mar 21 2005 - 22:52
Posts: 104
Re: Apple IIgs - what do I need

Congrats on your purchase. you wont be disappointed in the hardware and use.

as for your questions, i dont have a response to your first or last question but i do have experience on the 2nd question.

I have used a 1084s with the iigs, and i can tell you that i did have to create my own cable to make it work with this monitor. The end result, the color and resolution is extremely very good and crisp. If it were not for the bulky dimensions of the monitor i would still use it. I am now using a component adapter that allows me to use modern flatscreen tv/monitors and the colors and resolutions is slightly just below that of the 1084 in my opinion.

As for getting your iigs up and running, google search is your friend, ADTPRO, is all you need to get dos, prodos or GS/OS onto your system.

Offline
Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago
Joined: May 27 2013 - 13:01
Posts: 849
Re: Apple IIgs - what do I need

1. I'm in the sane part of the world that uses 220v/240v. I don't want to use a step down converter. I want to replace the psu. Anything easily available? I could use a computer psu, but they deliver +/-12v but only +5v. I'm no electronic expert (I can follow diagrams and whatnot, just not make stuff up) so I'm not sure how to source -5v from that. I'm sure someone here knows about this.

You need to use a negative 5 volt regulator and attach it to the -12 volts on your power supply along with other components. Speedy has the precise method on how to construct this circuit. Scroll down on that page nearly to the bottom. You will find the information there: http://www.harrowalsh.de/Elektronik/APPLEBOX/powersupply_upgrading.htm

2. Outputting the image is a little challenge. I need to find a db15 to db9 cable to be able to use it on my 1084s (if that supports ntsc. which it should depending on the model). If not, I could try a crt tv or one of my scandoublers. However, my problem is to find db15 stuff? Where is it cheap? Ebay goes from expensive to crazy expensive. I mean, it's a cable, not a collectors item you frame on the wall.

When it concerns Apple II cables and Ebay, there is only one seller who makes his cables expensive. What you probably do not know is that this seller buys his cables from somewhere else and then puts a sticker over their logo so that you will not be able to discover the actual manufacturer of that cable - IEC. He then resells those cables for a profit.

Here is their website, and where you can get the same cables for less:

http://www.iec-usa.com/

Their Apple II cable section is here:

http://www.iec-usa.com/Browse05/MCApple.html

a third problem would be to boot this to do something useful. I got a HxC floppy emulator, do that work? I need to boot into something before I could even do anything with the computer. I got a huge lot of 3.5" disk in both hd and dd format, so if I just could boot into something I would hopefully eventually be able to make some disk images to do something useful .. before i order a sd/cf solution of some sort.

Have you taken a look at their website...? http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/ Under, "Supported Computer/Hardware" the Apple II is not listed although the method of operation of Apple II disk drives is mentioned: MFM I believe.

There may be a method of modifying that floppy emulator to work with an Apple II but my expertise does not go that far. What CAN be done immediately is to use a different floppy emulator which is made for an Apple II like this one: http://tulip-house.ddo.jp/DIGITAL/UNISDISK/english.html

Log in or register to post comments