Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

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tokabln's picture
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Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

Dear community folks,

I purchased an old Apple //e a couple of days ago which I wasn't able to purchase when I was young.

Now I'd like to know which ROM/EPROMs are installed. Because the installed EPROMs are not labeled I'm looking about a smart solution to read the version without using an external Eprommer. I do have a Dataman S4 Eprommer but is there a way to get the relevant information without taking the installed eproms out of their sockets?

Many thanks for some help... and wish you a nice start into 2016 where ever you life...

speedyG's picture
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Re: Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

Hello tokabln,

there is no need for that.....
the ROM´s have prited text on top with a ROM-Nuber.

you may compare with the tables at this page:
http://www.appleii-box.de/H000_Chipsets.htm

the ROM-Numbers start in general with 34x-xxxx
3digits and then 4 following digits. You will find the corresponding version in the table.
the only point to check at the IIe is - if it is enhanced or not enhanced
and if 6502 or 65C02 is inside and maybe which kind of nationality/language is installed.

sincerely speedyG

tokabln's picture
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Re: Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

Hi speedyG,

I mentioned that the installed EPROMs are not labeled... therefore I'm not sure which are installed. The previous owner of my Apple //e has used EPROMs to enhance the machine... without any information put on top of the Eproms.

Thanks...

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Re: Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

If the ROMs have been upgraded then they likely made it an enhanced IIe. On the other hand a number of people customized their ROMs for various reasons.
If you want to compare yous with original ones you can find them in the downloads section at ReactiveMicro

speedyG's picture
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Re: Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

Hello tokabln,

in general most enhanced IIe´s had regular ROM Upgrades .....
"homebrew" updates with Eproms have been rather less often in the market...
so O.K. my mistake....

the main feature of the update was adding the so called "Mouse Chars" to the IIe....
so in general it´s easiest way to verify the update by trying to display that "Mouse Chars"
at the monitor display..... if you can display them the box has been upgraded ....
if not it´s an unenhanced IIe....

I believe to remember that several years ago here a guy explained the routine used
to display that "Mouse Chars" so its a bit of search work to find that thread....
but that should solve any kind of present doubts.....

here in Germany among more than 3000 members in our national Apple User Group Europe
only 3 guys really dared to modify their ROMS with "own homebrew special updates".....
so i guess you might exclude the chance of having such a rare Unicorn....

speedyG

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Re: Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

Hello tokabln,

Yes, you can "browse" the EPROMs simply by using the Monitor.
Type CALL -151 followed by Return key at the BASIC prompt ]
Then, you can take a look at the ROM area using something like F000.F0FF followed by Return key at the asterisk prompt. You can use Ctrl S to pause the display.
Of course, you can change the range by entering different addresses in hexadecimal. The ROM starts at D000 and goes up until FFFF.
You can compare the content with an emulator using the same command.

Note that this technique doesn't allow to show the Video ROM content.

BTW, if the Apple displays Apple //e at boot, it's an enhanced one (the CPU is a 65C02).

tokabln's picture
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Re: Howto readout installed ROM/EPROM version of an Apple //e

Hello Antony,

that's exactly what I was looking for. Will give it a try and will post my results for others in the coming days.

Thanks and Happy New Year...

Torsten

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