Table of Contents for this issue:

RE: Upgrading Mac Classic System
RE: Why Upgrade Plus ROMs? and Powerbook 100 Power Problem
Re: Duo Dock Internal Hard Disk
RE: Mac SE Upgrade Questions
Re: Jittery Plus Screen
RE: SE/30 Speed Hacks SE Modem Speeds PowerBook 100 Unimplemented Trap
Re: Powerbook 100 Power Problem
Re: Mac SE Upgrade Question (was: Upgrading Mac Classic System)
Re: Upgrading Mac Classic System
Re: SE/30 vs. IIci

Subject: Upgrading Mac Classic System
From: Tibor Benke

1. Can the Classic's memory be upgraded and how far and what will
it likely cost around Vancouver, Canada?

It can be upgraded to 4meg max. Since you already have 2meg you have
the ram expantion card. You should be able to find a local Mac shop
that would up it to 4meg for around $60. Thats a best guess as I live
just south in WA and could get that done for about $50 (US).

2. If the memory were upgraded would the beast run System 7.x and
which one and how might one get a hold of it and install it?

Actually it would run system 7 right now, Apple did it (ship system 7
on some 2meg Macs). You would not be happy with that though as it
would leave little room for your software. With 4meg system 7 would be
no problem, however MS Word 4 may not work with system 7 (not sure but
wouldn't want you to be supprised). I know that Word 5 as well as
Claris Works 2 and 3 work fine with sytem 7 (Claris Works 4 won't work
on a 68000 cpu Mac). You can get system 7.0 and 7.0.1 on Apple's ftp
site (ftp://ftp.info.apple.com). Also get the "tune up 1.1.1" as those
versions of system 7 NEED it.

3. If I looked for a used inkjet or laser printer, to run on my
system as it is now, what should I look for and how much might it
cost? (I went to a Future Shop, where the salesman claimed there
weren't any printers that would run without System 7) I want
reasonable black and white copy and a modest access to fonts
including central european ones. I also want a machine that requires
little manual dexterity to handle -- as I say, I am physically
challenged.

The StyleWriter (1) will work with system 6.0.7 or system 7. Also
Apple lets its software out for free, I know on AOL and most likely on
Apple's ftp site. A StyleWriter 2 will also work fine with system 7
(not system 6), but be sure it has its software when you buy it as
Apple is not giving it away. A StyleWriter 1200 will not work on a
Classic or any Mac with a 68000 cpu, it requires a 68020 or better.

4. Would I be better off to just save my pennies for a whole newer
used system? If so, what system? Some friends advise me to go to a
Windoze. The lower cost is tempting, but I sweated blood to learn to
use a C64, and I head a fairly hard time learning this system and I
dread yet another. I am afraid it will drive me crazy, I still
haven't figured out how to use VersaTerm.

I don't recomend learning the Windoze system. Anyway Windoze systems
go obsolete more quickly and can be VERY hard to get help with once
that happens. A new used Mac system is something to think about, just
be sure to get a monitor with it. If its a Mac 2 series not ending
with an "i" (i means integrated video) also a video card inside (so
you have a monitor plug on back). I don't recomend a Mac 2, just the
later versions, such as the Mac 2x or Mac 2ci. An LC series (or
Performa version of one) is also a good choice, there easy to spot
because they are so thin.

5. Any general advice you might have. One path I am considering is
getting a printer ASAP, and maybe a used 9600 bps modem after. And
later getting some more powerful used Mac, I'd really love to have
CDRom. But what printer, modem, newer Mac?

The Mac you have is not limited to a 2400 modem. I use a 14,400 modem
on my MacPlus with sytem 6.0.7. The Plus is older and slighty slower
than a Classic. Any used 9600 or 14.4 modem should work. You don't
need any software for it to use it in place of your 2400, but you may
need a new Mac to modem cable. It is best to avoid a 28,800 modem with
a Classic, it does tend to be too fast for it.

I thank all of you in advance for any ideas.

Tibor Benke

Hi, I hope this is of help to you. Hang in there and long live the
baby Macs.

NeonGooch

Subject: Why Upgrade Plus ROMs?
Sent: 3/12/97 10:21 AM
Received: 3/12/97 7:01 PM
From: Marc L. Briel
To: cmpost, classic-post@hitznet.com

The ROMs in Macs are not usally soldered. The Plus has socketed
ROMs which can be swapped with a 128 or 512 as an upgrade, this
is what may have happened to your machine. They have to be put
back in as a pair and in their correct sockets or your Mac wont
work. If you can get a hold of another Mac Plus board then you
may be able to compare them. The ROMs are the 0.3"x1.2" chips
which have (C) Apple and a date on them and may be marked with a
'H' and an 'L'.

What is advantage of upgrading the ROMs in a
Plus? What is the most recent version of the ROMs? Is there a
way to check the version I have without cracking open the case
and looking?

Legend says that early Pluses had a bug in the software in the ROMs,
and so there are a couple of different versions. There are some Tech
Utilities that can show you the ROM versions, Tech Tools is one
package, I can't think of the others. It's nothing to loose sleep
over.

PBJ

Subject: Powerbook 100 Power Problem
Sent: 3/12/97 11:20 AM
Received: 3/12/97 7:01 PM
From: Fuzzy Gerdes
To: classic-post@hitznet.com

I just got a PowerBook 100 for a song. I'm sure the main battery
is completely dead, because it will only start up with the AC
adapter plugged in. Whenever I do start it up, it says "Battery
Reserve Power completely gone - will sleep in 10 seconds to
preserve memory." which it then does. My first thought was to
replace the backup memory (the 3 lithium batteries) but that
doesn't help. I've searched the Tech Info Library and back
digests of the Classic Mac mailing list, but I can't find any
mention of this problem.

TIA for any help,
Fuzzy

P.S. Does anyone know what the switch on the back of the PB that
shows the battery connected (to the AC power?) and unconnected
is for?

The switch is used when you want to store your PB100 for long periods
without damaging your battery. PB100s use Lead acid batteries which
have different characteristics to NiCad Batteries, which are in most
other PowerBooks. Put the switch in the 'battery connected position'
and leave the battery on charge for 12 - 24 hours. If after that time
you don't have any luck with your problem then the battery has reached
the end of it's life. You may be able to rebuild the original battery
by opening the battery case and replacing the internals, I did this on
a Portable, or by buying a new battery from Apple or a Battery
specialist.

PBJ

From: The Malawi's

two questions:

1) i was trying to install a spare hard disk inside my duo dock. when
i opened the dock i found that the hard disk will not fit without a
special bracket. anybody knows where to find such a thing and how
much i should expect to pay for it?

Try APS at: http://www.apstech.com/ i am pretty sure they sell them
price ? don't know, but they have very good prices.

2) i salvaged a 340mb scsi drive from an old ibm machine.
can i use it in a mac? can a utility such as lacie's silverlining
format the drive?

Yes...

thanks.

Bye LF

4. Would I be better off to just save my pennies for a whole newer
used system?

Well if that is your only Computer........ yes

If so, what system?

What else, a Mac check out this site
http://www2.apple.com/whymac
it will shed some light....

Some friends advise me to go to a Windoze.

You call them friends ??

The lower cost is tempting,

PC's don't cost less than Macs ,you just have to know where to look:

http://www.compu-america.com/ ( this is one place for new
systems or refurbished)

http://www.smalldoggy.com/ (PowerMac 6100/66
24/500 w/ DOS Board $888! with warranty) that's a good price,and
they have many more deals like that...

and when they tell you about Macs don't have software, check out
these sites

http://www2.apple.com/whymac/ (I know it's the same)
http://members.aol.com/mac2k (many links to software and Hardware
vendors)

but I sweated blood to learn to use a C64,
and I had a fairly hard time learning this system and I dread yet
another.

And you want to buy Wintel? stick with what you
know...Mac OS

LF

I was just given a Plus. It has two problems- a) the screen is funky.
It's jittery and full of static. I don't know how else to describe it.
b) the floppy doesn't seem to work right. When I insert a good System
7.0 Disk Tools disk, it either spits it right back out or I get a
happy Mac, it starts to boot then freezes half way through the
startup. Could that be indicative of a deeper problem with the inards?

The floppy I can fix (I have a replacement 800k drive), but what can I
do about the screen? Is it a bad analog board? Power supply?

I welcome suggestions or comments, either here or via private email.

Thanks.

Mark Crummett
digital picture editor
Army Times Publishing Co.

Send your questions to Galaxy Hardware Publishers in Eugene, Oregon.
sales@galaxyhp.com They specialize in accelerating Macs. They
helped me improve the operation of the Mobius 030 accelerator in my
SE.

John

5. Any general advice you might have. One path I am considering is
getting a printer ASAP, and maybe a used 9600 bps modem after. And
later getting some more powerful used Mac, I'd really love to have
CDRom. But what printer, modem, newer Mac??

You can use a 14.4, but it will work at 9600 baud due to SE
restrictions. You can also use Word 5.1a (although it's slow) on a 4
meg, sys 7 Mac. You may want to buy a used LC ($300) or IIsi ($500
w/monitor). Faster, will run Netscape, lots of other color apps.

Maximum port speed on an SE is 56K. You'll need a HWHS cable to go
much beyond 14.4bps, but with a HWHS cable and 33.6K modem you can
expect 31-32K speeds on .SIT files using ZTerm.

Our SE also does just fine with the new x2 USR technology (averaging
44-54K from the host) on the internet.

ighahorseaid

This "Unimplemented Trap" thing is the single most popular way for
software to crash when it doesn't like running on a PB100. It is the
"explanation" offered by the system error "bomb" alert. It always
happens right away when I try to launch the interesting-but-sorry-
not-on-THIS-computer new download of the day. At least I can see right
away if it'll work or not.

Not that I think I can do anything about it, but I'm curious -- does
anyone happen to know (VERY generally) what this means in the mind of
the Mac OS and what it is in the PB100 it's taking such an exception
to?

David Buchner

I just got a PowerBook 100 for a song.

Hey, lucky person! I did too, about 3 weeks ago. We're getting along
just great. I'm doing all my net stuff with it and having no problems,
now that I've selected the right batch of programs.

I'm sure the main battery is completely dead, because it will only
start up with the AC adapter plugged in. Whenever I do start it up,
it says "Battery Reserve Power completely gone - will sleep in 10
seconds to preserve memory." which it then does.

You're absolutely right. Mine is, too, but I don't need to go anywhere
so it isn't a problem. It's a weird lead-acid battery which was only
used in this model and is apparently legendary for wearing out very
quickly. Maybe because of the charging circuitry, but probably just
like car batteries -- because people run them too dead too often. If
you buy one, try not to let it get discharged more than 75% if you can
help it, but definitely try keeping it over 50%.

P.S. Does anyone know what the switch on the back of the PB that
shows the battery connected (to the AC power?) and unconnected is
for?

I'd like to know too. I mean, it disconnects the battery so the PB
runs directly from the DC input, but... why? I'm pulling the battery
out right now, so it's not so you can run it with the battery out.

PowerBook 100 tip: if you take out the keyboard and wash it in the
dishwater, let it dry for at least *two* days in the sauna at 100
degrees. Not just one.

David Buchner

Subject: Re: Mac SE Upgrade Question (was: Upgrading Mac Classic System)
Date sent: Thu, 13 Mar 97 14:25:40 CST
From: Robert Eye
To: classic-post@hitznet.com

Subject: Mac SE Upgrade Questions
Sent: 3/11/97 11:50 PM
Received: 3/12/97 7:02 PM
From: Jag
To: Classic Mac List, classic-post@hitznet.com

Greetings Classic Mac Readers,

--snip---

Since '89 I have been using a Mac Classic 2/40 running System 6.0.7
and Finder 6.1.7. I also use an E -Mac 2400 bps modem, Eudora
version 1.3.1+ps+sc4 (I haven't the faintest clue as to what the
stuff after the '+' means, I am just reading the 'about' panel but I
suspect it has to do with some customising that the system people at
my service provider, Simon Fraser University, did), Zterm, and MS
Word 4. I also have Versaterm 4.1.1 installed, but I find it a bit
complicated to use and use the Zterm to reach bulletin boards
instead. Someone has given me a Sheikosha SP-1000AP dot matrix
printer without documentation which seems to work only when
connected to the modem port and I cannot find ribbons for it any
more.

_snip_

So here are my questions.

1. Can the Classic's memory be upgraded and how far and what
will it likely cost around Vancouver, Canada?

upgrade to 4 megs max, unlimited hard drive possibilities

2. If the memory were upgraded would the beast run System 7.x and
which one and how might one get a hold of it and install it?

Sys 7.1, get it from the Apple web site.

WARNING! PET PEEVE MODE ON! (Nothing personal, mind you. This just
comes up SOOOOO often, and I don't like to see misinformation
propagated.)

MacOS 7.1 is not, repeat, NOT, available for download *legally* at
*ANY* US (and I believe, Canadian) WWW/ftp site (UK educators can get
it once they prove they are educators - this by special license). The
latest versions of MacOS available from Apple's ftp sites are:

7.0 for 800k disk images
7.0.1 for 1.4 MB disk images

PET PEEVE MODE OFF! <The "All Clear" sounds in the distance.....>

3. If I looked for a used inkjet or laser printer, to run on my
system as it is now, what should I look for and how much might it
cost? (I went to a Future Shop, where the salesman claimed there
weren't any printers that would run without System 7)

That's BS. They don't know what they are talking about. Get a used Deskwriter
(Hewlett Packard, $50-75) or an older Stylewriter.

Does the "original" DeskWriter work on 68000 processors? I know the
current ones require a 68020 (as do Apple's StyleWriters), but I don't
know about the DeskWriters.

Do you know of a source for these at this price?

[edited]

Regards,
Bob Eye

Subject: Re: Upgrading Mac Classic System
Sent: 3/12/97 7:57 AM
Received: 3/12/97 7:02 PM
From: Robert T. Joyce
To: classic-post@hitznet.com

[edited]

3. If I looked for a used inkjet or laser printer, to run on my
system as it is now, what should I look for and how much might it
cost?

Small Dog Electronics has a Stylewriter 1200 available for US$109.
E-mail to <Kibbles&Bytes@smalldoggy.com>. Not being familiar with
Stylewriters, however, I don't know whether or not this one requires
System 7.

All the numbered StyleWriters require a 68020 or better processor. At
least according to Apple's spec sheets. Not sure about a System 7
requirement, though.

There are also many non-Apple 24-pin dot matrix printers that you
might consider, using GDT Softworks printer drivers and/or
serial-to-parallel cables, and System 6. These give remarkably good
output, particularly with fonts optimized for dot matrix use. I've
used an Okidata 393 with GDT's PowerPrint software and was pleased
with it.

Bob Joyce

Regards,
Bob Eye

Third difference: IIci had 32 bit clean ROMs, while the SE/30 did not.
An add-on card will not change this.

Does anyone know if there were differences in the graphics
capabilities between the 256k ROMs and the 512k ROMs? This might be
the reason the CD ROM is spec'ed for a IIci.

Then again, the company that produces the CD ROM may have only
verified its operation down to a IIci and no further because they
didn't have a machine available. Similar to the situation where the
box says 68040 or better, but it runs just fine on a 68030. You might
call the vendor and ask if that is the situation in this case.

Regards,
Bob Eye

Subject: SE/30 vs. IIci
Sent: 3/11/97 3:24 PM
Received: 3/12/97 7:01 PM
From: rbjones
To: classic-post

I recently recieved an offer for an encyclopeadia on CD-ROM. For the
system requirements it listed a Mac ][ci minimum. Is there any
reason that this program would not run on a SE/30. From all i can
tell the only differences are processor speed and the color factor
(which can be over come witha card). Is there something else I have
over looked? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Loyally Mac
Bruce