Stupid question on IC sockets

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Stupid question on IC sockets

Please excuse me for this stupid question: what is the deal with these elusive "TI" sockets that some builders allegedly prefer for their Apple I clone build ?

To be more specific:

a) What is the wanted difference to less elusive IC sockets of the non-machined type ?

b) Did all original Apple I use low-profile "TI" sockets or are some originals out there using higher sockets (7.6mm height being common "boxy" style sockets, easily obtainable).

c) The height of these elusive "TI" sockets which are the "correct" ones.

In the end, it boils down to the following scenario: if someone glances at the clone in sufficiently low light  conditions, machined pin type sockets still can be recognized instantly as a giveaway it's a clone. These sockets are more reliable, though. But if somebody seeks authentic looks in low-light conditions, which are the socket types that are best  ?) 

(If you ever wondered why  many museums have small, low-light  side rooms to display certain exhibits you now have the answer: the exhibits are either replicas or light sensitive. More often than not it's the first reason for keeping lights low).

Comments  invited.

Bernie

 

 

 

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Last seen: 1 week 6 days ago
Joined: Oct 9 2011 - 12:54
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Here are some answers... a)

Here are some answers...

 

a) What is the wanted difference to less elusive IC sockets of the non-machined type ?

            The original sockets suck for reliability.  They loosen up over time and the chips can work their partially out of the socket especially when you tun the machine for long periods of time with onlY "convection cooling".  The machined type sockets just make the machine more reliable.

 

 

b) Did all original Apple I use low-profile "TI" sockets or are some originals out there using higher sockets (7.6mm height being common "boxy" style sockets, easily obtainable).

         Sort-of, the only known original board with different sockets is the "Celebration Board" which was a prototype board.   It had many different parts from all the other ones and appears to be from a test PCB production run of the early boards.  It is mostly wave soldered like all the other original boards, so it was not built up from a blank board by hand.

 

c) The height of these elusive "TI" sockets which are the "correct" ones.

         I can measure the socket when I get a chance on an original in the next few weeks.    I can spot the wrong sockets quickly so I never bothered putting a Micrometer on them.   Just need to wait for some Covid restrictions to let up a bit so I can get to the bank to look at mine.  

 

 

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