Apple IIe Card
| Apple IIe Card | |
|---|---|
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| The Apple IIe Card, board 820-0444-A (scan: Mitchell Spector, public domain) | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer |
| Type | Apple IIe compatibility card |
| Release date | March 1991 |
| Discontinued | May 1995 |
| Price | US$250 |
| Interface | Macintosh LC processor-direct slot (96-pin); 26-pin external connector for the Y-cable |
| Compatible | Macintosh LC, LC II, LC III, LC 475, LC 520, LC 550, LC 575, Color Classic, Quadra 605 and Performa equivalents |
| Model | M0444LL/C (v2.2) |
| Part number | 661-0595 (service module) |
The Apple IIe Card is an expansion card for the processor-direct slot of the Macintosh LC and later LC-slot Macintosh models that runs Apple IIe and IIc software. The card carries a 65C02 processor, 256K of RAM, an IWM disk controller and a custom gate array, and borrows the Macintosh's keyboard, mouse, display and serial ports for everything else. Apple put its compatibility at 98 per cent of Apple IIe and IIc software; it does not run Apple IIGS software.[1][2] Low End Mac gives the introduction as March 1991 at US$250 and discontinuation in May 1995.[3] Apple's order listings call it the Apple IIe Card for Macintosh LC; version 2.2 was M0444LL/C.[4]
Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 65C02 at 1.02 MHz, or 1.9 MHz in the faster mode |
| Memory | 256K of soldered DRAM, of which the Apple IIe uses 128K; up to 1 MB of Macintosh RAM as a memory card |
| Disk controller | IWM, for one UniDisk 3.5 and up to two Apple 5.25 Drives |
| Other chips | Gemini gate array; game port circuitry |
| Video | 40- and 80-column text; low-resolution, high-resolution and double high-resolution graphics, on the Macintosh display |
| Operating systems | ProDOS, DOS 3.3, Pascal |
| External connector | High-density 26-pin connector for the Y-cable (disk drive and joystick) |
Figures from Apple's specification and technical procedures.[2][1] Apple's 1994 module identification manual gives the card as service module 661-0595.[5] The March 1991 parts list prints 661-0606 for the card and 661-0610 for the Y-cable, the same numbers that document gives the 8•24 GC display card and its DRAM SIMM, so check the number before ordering against it.[1]
Compatibility
[edit | edit source]The card needs an LC-style processor-direct slot and a Macintosh that can run in 24-bit addressing mode.[6]
| Works | Does not work |
|---|---|
| Macintosh LC, LC II, LC III, LC 475, LC 520, LC 550, LC 575; Color Classic; Quadra 605; Performa 4xx, 55x, 56x and 57x | LC 580; LC 630 and the rest of the 630 family; Performa 63x; Power Macintosh 5200/75 LC and 5300/100 LC; Performa 5200, 5300, 6200, 6300 and 6400; Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400; Performa 6360 |
The LC 580, the 630 family and the 5200, 5300, 6200 and 6300 machines run only in 32-bit mode, and the 5400, 6400 and 6360 have PCI slots instead of an LC slot.[6] Low End Mac's list of compatible machines includes the LC 630 and Quadra 630, which Apple's table excludes.[3][6] The 68040 versions of the LC 5xx and Performa 5xx do not see the card while a card is fitted in the communications slot.[6] The Macintosh Processor Upgrade cannot be fitted alongside it.[7]
Software versions
[edit | edit source]- Version 2.0 does not work with System 7.0. Version 2.1 works with System 6.0.8 and 7.0.1 and is needed in the LC II.[8]
- Version 2.2.1 is needed on the LC II, LC III and Performa 400 series under System 7.1 or 7.1P.[9][8]
- Apple's March 1991 service notes ask for System 6.0.7 or later.[1] Low End Mac gives System 6 to 7.5.5 as the working range; the card does not run under Mac OS 7.6 or later or on PowerPC machines.[3]
Disk drives and joysticks
[edit | edit source]The Y-cable that came with the card splits its 26-pin connector into a disk drive port and a joystick port, and external drives cannot be connected without it.[1][3] The card supports the Macintosh internal SuperDrive, one UniDisk 3.5 (A2M2053, white) and two platinum Apple 5.25 Drives (A9M0107). If a UniDisk 3.5 is used it must be the first drive on the cable. The Apple 3.5 Drive, the beige UniDisk 5.25, the DuoDisk and the Disk IIc are not supported.[10][1][11] Joysticks and paddles must have the 9-pin connector; 16-pin joysticks and annunciators are not supported.[12]
Installing and removing
[edit | edit source]Apple's procedure for the Macintosh LC:[1]
- Remove the top case, and work on a grounded bench with a wrist strap.
- If needed, remove the expansion port cover from the bottom case by squeezing its two plastic tabs, and remove the metal bracket. Keep the cover.
- Remove the fan and speaker assembly.
- Spread the two plastic tabs at each side of the logic board and slide the board about 1/2 inch towards the front.
- Turn the card component side down, line up its 96-pin connector with the processor-direct slot and press it home.
- Slide the logic board back, guiding the card's 26-pin connector into the expansion port opening.
- Refit the fan and speaker assembly and the top case.
Switch the power off before connecting the Y-cable or anything attached to it. When removing the card, take care: its external connector can touch capacitors on the logic board.[1]
On the LC logic board, a jumper on the third pair of pins, nearest the "CPE" marking (J17 on the LC II and Performa 405), locks the Option Panel so that users can only quit, eject, restart or return. The other two pairs of pins are reserved and must not be bridged.[13]
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]Apple had no diagnostic for the card in March 1991; MacTest MP, issued later that year, added an Apple IIe Card test for the LC.[1][14] Before blaming the card, disconnect every external device and run the IIe application again, then reconnect one device at a time.[1]
| Symptom | Actions, in order |
|---|---|
| Program runs too fast or too slowly | Change the speed setting in the Option Panel; reinstall the IIe software; replace the card |
| No sound | Check that the LC gives its start-up beep when the IIe application starts, and if not troubleshoot the LC; replace the card |
| Video out of adjustment | Adjust the monitor; replace the card |
| Macintosh video works but Apple IIe video does not | Replace the card; reinstall the IIe software |
| Card set to colour but picture is black and white | Set the monitor to colour in the Macintosh Control Panel; select colour in the Option Panel |
| 5.25-inch drive reads but will not write | A beige drive is a UniDisk 5.25: replace it with a platinum Apple 5.25 Drive; replace the Y-cable; replace the card |
| Drive does not read or write | Replace the Y-cable; replace the card |
| Joystick or paddle does not work | Use a 9-pin device; replace the Y-cable; replace the card |
From Apple's technical procedures.[1] The card cannot give composite or NTSC video for a projector, because the LC's video output has no NTSC timing; Apple suggested an LCD projection panel instead.[15] A memory card in the Option Panel is limited to 1 MB however much RAM the Macintosh has, and real Apple II memory cards cannot be used.[12]
Documentation
[edit | edit source]- Apple IIe Card Owner's Guide (1992), 030-1930-A, for software 2.1.[11]
Related pages
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Apple Computer, Apple Service Technical Procedures: Macintosh Family, Volume Four (March 1991), "Macintosh Family Cards" section 3, "Apple IIe Card" (Mar 1991): product description and features pp. 3.2-3.3; installation and removal pp. 3.5-3.6; troubleshooting and symptom/cure chart pp. 3.7-3.8; illustrated parts list p. IPL.17 (Figure 10). Archive.org item Apple_Service_Technical_Procedures_Macintosh_Family_Volume_Four_1991-03_Apple_PN_072-0228 (retrieved 2026-10-04).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Apple Computer, "Apple IIe Card: Hardware Specifications (7/93)", Tech Info Library article 6571, revised 12 July 1993, in the archive.org collection APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES (retrieved 2026-10-04), file TIL00001_to_TIL09432.pdf. Source for: 65C02 at 1.02 or 1.9 MHz; 256K of RAM on the card, of which the Apple IIe uses 128K; up to 1 MB of Macintosh RAM; the IIe ROM in write-protected card memory; text and graphics modes; ProDOS, DOS 3.3 and Pascal; drives and monitors supported.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Dan Knight, "Apple IIe Card: A Tool for Getting Macs into Schools", Low End Mac, 8 February 2018, https://lowendmac.com/2018/apple-iie-card-a-tool-for-getting-macs-into-schools/ (retrieved 2026-10-04). Source for: introduction in March 1991 at US$250; discontinuation in May 1995; the card needing 24-bit addressing, so not running under Mac OS 7.6 or later or on PowerPC Macs; the Y-cable being essential for external drives and often missing; ProDOS partitions up to 32 MB; a list of compatible Macs that includes the 630 family.
- ↑ Apple Computer, "Color Classic: Apple IIe, Macintosh LC, & Ethernet Cards (2/93)", Tech Info Library article 11452, APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL09433_to_TIL17062.pdf. Source for: the Apple IIe Card for Macintosh LC (v2.2), order number M0444LL/C, working in the Color Classic as well as the LC.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Module Identification, part number 072-8124, June 1994, hosted as File:Apple Service Module Identification Manual (June 1994).pdf, p. 4.3.4 (PDF page 254): "Macintosh LC/LC II Apple IIe Card", Apple P/N 661-0595, page dated June 1991.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Apple Computer, "Apple IIe Card: Macintosh Compatibility (11/96)", Tech Info Library article 8458 (TA46886), revised 15 November 1996, APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL00001_to_TIL09432.pdf. Source for: compatibility only with LC-style PDS machines that do not require 32-bit addressing; the compatibility table; the 68040 LC 5xx and Performa 5xx not recognising the card when a communication card is fitted; no LC PDS in the PCI-slot 5400, 6400 and 6360.
- ↑ Apple Computer, "Macintosh Processor Upgrade: PDS and Comm Slot Usage (4/97)", Tech Info Library article 16298 (TA32507), APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL09433_to_TIL17062.pdf. Source for: the Macintosh Processor Upgrade not fitting alongside an LC-style card such as the Apple IIe Card.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Apple Computer, "Apple IIe Card: Software Version 2.0.x Features & Changes 5/94", Tech Info Library article 8086 (TA46597), APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL00001_to_TIL09432.pdf. Source for: the models the card works in; software 2.2.1 for the LC II, LC III and Performa 400 series under System 7.1; 2.0 not compatible with System 7.0; 2.1 needed for the LC II and System 7.0.1; hard disk, file server, MultiFinder and printing changes.
- ↑ Apple Computer, "Apple IIe Card: Requires SW Ver. 2.2.1 with System 7.1 (7/94)", Tech Info Library article 10807 (TA28525), APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL09433_to_TIL17062.pdf.
- ↑ Apple Computer, "Apple IIe Card: Which Drives are Supported", Tech Info Library article 8807 (TA47189), APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL00001_to_TIL09432.pdf. Source for: the internal SuperDrives, one UniDisk 3.5 (A2M2053, white) and two Apple 5.25 Drives (A9M0107, platinum), the UniDisk first in the chain; no support for the Apple 3.5 Drive, the beige UniDisk 5.25 or the DuoDisk.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Apple Computer, Apple IIe Card Owner's Guide, 030-1930-A (1992), for software version 2.1, hosted as File:Apple IIe Card Owners Guide (1992).pdf. Connecting the Apple 5.25 Drive p. 12; connecting the UniDisk 3.5 Drive p. 15; connecting more than one disk drive p. 17; the Option Panel pp. 46-53.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Apple Computer, "Apple IIe Card: Joystick Support" (article 7875) and "Apple IIe Card: Memory Card Only Supports 1 MB" (article 7876), Tech Info Library, APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL00001_to_TIL09432.pdf. Source for: support for the 9-pin joystick or paddle connector only, no 16-pin joysticks or annunciators; the memory card limited to 1 MB however much RAM the Macintosh has.
- ↑ Apple Computer, "Macintosh LC: Jumpers are for Apple IIe Card", Tech Info Library article 8321 (TA46772), APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL00001_to_TIL09432.pdf. Source for: the jumper on the third pair of pins, nearest the "CPE" marking on the LC logic board (J17 on the LC II and Performa 405), locking the IIe Option Panel settings; the other two pairs reserved.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Apple Service Technical Procedures: Macintosh Family, Volume Two (March 1992), "Multiple-Product Diagnostics", MacTest MP p. 1.6 (rev. Nov 1991): MacTest MP includes a test for the Apple IIe Card on the Macintosh LC. Archive.org item bitsavers_appleserviviceTechnicalProceduresMacintoshFamilyVo_19357769 (retrieved 2026-10-04).
- ↑ Apple Computer, "Macintosh LC: No NTSC Video-Out with Apple IIe Card", Tech Info Library article 9675 (TA48061), created 6 January 1992, APPLE_TIL_ARTICLES collection, file TIL09433_to_TIL17062.pdf. Source for: no composite or NTSC output from an LC running the IIe Card, RGB-to-NTSC converters not working; LCD projection panels as the alternative.