Options for Apple IIe - Smartport SD/CF boot device?

[Byrd]

Hi all,

I've a largely stock enhanced Apple IIe that I'd like to add a SmartPort SD/CF boot device to, I've the Disk II card, Floppy Emu (but usually use this on my Macs, so probably not the best option). There are a lot of homebrew projects around however I'd be keen for a kit or affordable basic card - anyone have any tips or recommendations?

These are the ones I've found - limitations on price and current available of parts

ReactiveMicro Drive turbo (in stock, old design, ?not SmartPort compatible?, my best option?)

ReActiveMicro Drive/Turbo for II, II+, IIe, and IIgs | ReActiveMicro.com

www.reactivemicro.com

AppleIISD

GitHub - freitz85/AppleIISd: SD card based ProFile replacement for IIe

SD card based ProFile replacement for IIe. Contribute to freitz85/AppleIISd development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

SoftFP card - has some caveats for use with a Floppy Emu (and I probably won't use the Floppy Emu much)

Apple II MFA2 SoftSP Card wDrive or FujiNet - CT6502

The SoftSP card is an add-on to the wDrive, and allows you to boot hard disk images (2mg and hdv) on an Apple IIe, which does not have SmartPort support.

ct6502.org

wDrive emulator (no SmartPort support unless you use the above ROM patch card)

Apple II wDrive Disk Drive Emulator - CT6502

The wDrive is a disk drive emulator for the Apple II (II+, IIe, IIc, IIGS) that boots disk images (WOZ, DSK, 2MG, HDV, etc) from an SD card.

ct6502.org

Booti - perfect, but out of stock

Apple II BOOTI USB Hard Drive Emulator Card - PERMANENTLY OUT OF STOCK - CT6502

The BOOTI card is a hard drive emulator that allows you to mount up to 8 disk images in any Apple II (II, II+, original or enhanced IIe, and IIgs).

ct6502.org

SDDiskIIPlus - perfect, but too expensive

SD DISK][ Plus(FDD&HDD Emulator for APPLE ][,][+,//e and IIgs) | eBay

SD DISK][ plus is a slot type virtual two FDD& two HDD Emulator for APPLE][, ][+, //e and IIgs. APPLE IIgs BOOT DEMO. NIB, DSK,PO on FDD Mode and HDV,2MG,PO on HDD mode. (SD DISK][ Emulator Ver. 2.5c ; Added Write, DISK status LED).

www.ebay.com.au

Thanks

JB

 

[bibilit]

Hi,

using one of those :

SDISK II - DISK II emulator for APPLE II -

Only one image at once, but not a big deal if you have several SD cards around.

Not really expensive for my needs.

 

[mg.man]

SDDiskIIPlus - perfect, but too expensive

I bought / built one of these - https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/f1041734350

From Japan, but combined it with other items, so shipping was spread. Nice to have the LCD. Unfortunately, the guy doesn't seem to have any for sale atm - at least not via Yahoo/Buyee. Here's a link to his page -

SDISKII+LCDバージョンアップ V1.1｜ＡｐｐｌｅＩＩ

｜SDISKII+LCDバージョンアップ V1.1｜ＡｐｐｌｅＩＩ

appleii6502.no-mania.com

AppleIISD

GitHub - freitz85/AppleIISd: SD card based ProFile replacement for IIe

SD card based ProFile replacement for IIe. Contribute to freitz85/AppleIISd development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Doesn't that require the fairly (very?) rare ProFile adapter? Does a ProFile work with a SmartPort controller?

 

[mg.man]

Doesn't that require the fairly (very?) rare ProFile adapter?

Ah, NM... I hadn't scrolled down far enough to see that it was a complete card...

 

[Byrd]

Thanks all for your recommendations. I found a local seller with SDISK II bare PCBs I'm tempted to buy and DIY, however documentation is scant referring to "HD support" (presumes SmartPort in ROM?) - all I want is to run one of those 32MB application and game images, so might be a bit of a gamble.

The AppleIISD looks like another affordable, simple option but appears to not be in active development with an issue with EEPROM flashing, and is not readily available unless I make the PCBs myself.

AppleIISd

For the past few month I have been developing a storage solution for the Apple II that, to my knowledge, hasn't been done before. A SD card ...

bluemeanie-retro.blogspot.com

EDIT: another one, Apple2Card, however too complex for my basic needs.

GitHub - profdc9/Apple2Card: Apple II Peripheral Card that Interfaces to a ATMEGA328P for SD card storage

Apple II Peripheral Card that Interfaces to a ATMEGA328P for SD card storage - profdc9/Apple2Card

github.com

JB

 

[Skate323k137]

I received an email that the BOOTi is retired and all customers (myself included) are removed from the waiting list. This was just a few days ago I feel like.

I am always a fan of the MicroDrive Turbo for internal fast storage, and for a IIgs ir can be a great primart drive. However with an IIe, I would prioritize a FloppyEMU over it, since most software is on disk images anyway. Both is fantastic.

 

[Byrd]

Yes I was subscribed to the Booti waiting list but the item was discontinued recently, presumably due to a lack of parts.

 

[magnusfalkirk]

Why not just buy a second Floppy EMU to use with your Apple IIe? If you have one hooked up to your Mac you already know how good they are.

 

[Skate323k137]

Why not just buy a second Floppy EMU to use with your Apple IIe? If you have one hooked up to your Mac you already know how good they are.

This is really the way. The new RevC can act as 2 5.25's at once on a single unit.