Apple III
Apple III
ManufacturerApple
Model NumberA3S2
Year1980
CategoryDesktops
LocationBonus Room Attic
StatusCollection
ConditionPartial
RarityVery Rare
Date AcquiredNov 16, 2024
Last Powered OnNov 17, 2024
About this Device

Troubleshooting story: https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/apple-iii-shows-garbage-on-screen-on-startup.48828/ JCM-1 took the logic board and found the corrupt video was caused by a bad LS283 at E11. Also had issue using his wDrive and discovered the System ROM was bad, so installed a new on. Video output is now working correctly, but now the machine's PSU will enter a short state that causes is to click rapidly after being used for a bit. Replacing with a new one from ReactiveMicro.

Historical Notes

Apple's first attempt at a serious business machine, and one of the most expensive product failures in the company's history. Jobs overruled the engineers — insisting on a fanless design and a case too small for the components — and the result was a machine whose chips literally expanded from heat and popped out of their sockets. Over 14,000 were recalled at launch. The Apple III spent four years trying to recover its reputation and never did, but the lessons it taught Apple shaped everything that came after.

Specifications
CPU1.8MHz Synertek 6502A
RAM128kb
Storage5.25" Floppy Drive
OSSOS
Accessories
  • Keyboard
  • Monitor
  • Power Supply
Maintenance History
  • PSU Recap — Dec 2, 2024
External Links
Photos (22)
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Photo 16 Photo 17
ICs ordered to test
Photo 18 Photo 19
Current state of debugging
Photo 20
Photo 21 Photo 22