• Updated 2023-07-12: Hello, Guest! Welcome back, and be sure to check out this follow-up post about our outage a week or so ago.

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

Byrd

Well-known member
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?)


AppleIISD


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


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


Booti - perfect, but out of stock


SDDiskIIPlus - perfect, but too expensive


Thanks

JB
 

mg.man

Well-known member
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 -

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

Byrd

Well-known member
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.


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



JB
 
Last edited:

Skate323k137

Well-known member
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

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

magnusfalkirk

Well-known member
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.
 
Top