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second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 9:26 pm
by EmulatorCoder
Just purchased an Apple ][e

Connected my Desktop PC power supply and it boots up fine.
you get the prompt and flashing cursor.
Added floppy card and drives, goes about seeking a disk as normal.


Problem: Keys dont work on the keyboard.

Control - Reset works
Holding down apple key for self test works, 'KERNEL OK'

BUT pressing any other keys... no results

Have test keyboard seperately with a logic prob and connections are working fine.

Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 10:09 pm
by tezza
re: the keyboard problem. I'm wondering if it could be the keyboard driver chip (AY-5-3600 PRO or or KR-9600-PRO). They can malfunction sometimes and stop the keyboard working. I'd be surprised if any keys worked at all though, although I'm not familiar enough with Apple IIe technology to know for sure.

As to getting a boot disk, ADTPro can be used for this. The software is free, and it will make a boot disk from a disk image either through a serial card or the cassette port. Or some of the Apple aficionados might be able to make a disk for you. My apples are all packed away at the moment.

Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 10:54 pm
by Gibsaw
EmulatorCoder wrote:Problem: Keys dont work on the keyboard....<snip>... BUT pressing any other keys... no results
You may need to do the "exercise the keyboard" thing with lots of isopropyl injected into each keyswitch... (You'll need to make sure it really properly dries before you switch it back on though.)
EmulatorCoder wrote:If you can make me a copy please contact me. Im willing to send you blank floppies with a return courier bag, and pay you for your time/efforts via bank deposit. :D
You don't need someone to make them for you if your drives work. You just need audio cables and ADT pro. however I'll make some for you if you want. Are you in Auckland?
EmulatorCoder wrote:Im going to write a kick-ass APPLE ][ emulator for windows next year and need this unit working.
What's the plan? Simply an interesting project? or do you have something specific in mind that the other emulators don't do?

Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 11:01 pm
by EmulatorCoder
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Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 11:14 pm
by EmulatorCoder
All keys are completing the circuit at the keyboard connector. indicitive of functioning key switches.

Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Fri Nov 16, 2012 2:30 pm
by EmulatorCoder
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Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 3:35 pm
by falco
This problem is pretty common - from what I remember the Apple keys are hooked to the joystick input port (not the KB controller) and the reset switch is similar (connected almost directly to the reset line?). So you can still reset the machine with no KB controller present, and do the self-tests. I've repaired a few like this, many years ago.

Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 2:11 pm
by EmulatorCoder
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Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 3:38 pm
by EmulatorCoder
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Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 1:46 pm
by EmulatorCoder
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Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:26 pm
by Gibsaw
EmulatorCoder wrote:I can fix this with a quick and dirty fix...
Yep... a replacement AY-5-3600-PRO...They're not complete and utter unobtainium.

I'd even consider ordering 10-20 of them if I thought some of the local Apple II enthusiasts would take some.

Re: second problem - Apple ][e

PostPosted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:16 pm
by Gibsaw
EmulatorCoder wrote:Im also surprised that some keys work, although the reset button for example may by-pass the keyboard driver chip, doesnt explain why the apple keys work ?

Unsurprising... The "Apple Keys" are not (ASCII) keys. They're gameport/joystick buttons. (effectively - as in, you can run the diagnostics without a keyboard if you have a joystick.)