Apple IIGS

The Apple ][gs is final line of evolution in the Apple ][ series. It came with a very nice multi-color Trinitron display (while most Apple ][ systems had green screens), so this is probably the better bet if you want to use a Raspberry Pi with it. However, it is much closer to the Amiga or later Macintoshes, than the ancient Apple ][ itself.

While the Apple ][gs unit itself should cost only about $50; the peripherals can easily set you back a fortune. Try to find bundles, even if they are expensive. Peripherals are getting rarer.

• In order to see the full range of color that the ][gs can offer, an AppleColor RGB Monitor is required, due to the ][gs's analog RGB plug. The similar looking Macintosh RGB monitor will not work, since it is Digital RGB.
  • Some monitors from Hitachi, Panasonic, and Commodore (especially for the Amiga) might work, and are listed here, but some have their issues. The Apple ][gs design just doesn't look right without the correct monitor, anyway.
  • A few crafty people have developed RGB to typical component RCA cables, that you can plug into any TV. Nishida has a handmade converter card that is great as well.
• Thankfully, the Apple ][gs is the first Apple computer to use ADB mouse and keyboard, so you can just grab one from any ol' Macintosh. However, the Apple ][gs mouse and keyboard has a unique "Snow White" design; so if you care about the aesthetics, try to find one bundled.
• Accelerator cards are vital for optimum system performance. These cards are extremely rare and expensive, so you'll probably only find one bundled with an Apple ][gs unit.
• RAM Cards are also extremely important, if not as rare and expensive. If you don't have enough RAM, you won't be able to witness the very best of the Apple ][gs library.

ADTPro and A2Server

ADTPro makes it possible to communicate or send disk images to the Apple ][e or ][gs over a serial cable or a network connection. A2Server extends this by using a Raspberry Pi and it's serial port to initiate connection.

Since floppy disks are getting rarer and are beginning to fall apart, this is probably the best way to run software on your good ol' Apple ][gs.

• ADTPro
• A2Server

Apple ][ Pi

Since the Apple ][GS is still compatible with all Apple ][ peripherals, the Apple ][ Pi mod will work here as well. With the rarity of accelerator cards in mind, you might as well just use the Apple ][ Pi to emulate a ][gs with maximum CPU power and maximum RAM.

• The Apple ][GS has a built in serial port, so just connect RS-232 to the Raspberry Pi and you're set.
• If you're willing to pay more for a more authentic looking "accelerator card", you can buy an Apple ][ Pi card (though they're currently sold out), or make your own from the schematic and an Apple ][ expansion card breadboard.

Check out the ][ Pi section at the Apple II page for more information.

Apple ][e to ][GS Upgrade

The

Aftermarket Upgrade

If you feel like performing the upgrade yourself for some reason, it's quite easy, just follow these steps.

Note: Don't bother trying to make a fake Apple ][GS upgrade. The base costs of the vintage parts far outweigh the possible profit, and unless you have the metalworking skills to make a custom ][e power supply jack, ][GS sticker, serial sticker, and baseboard (adding to the expense), you'll easily be found out.

• The ][GS has different output ports than the ][e. The original upgrade kit included a new baseboard which fit these ports but you'll have to cut them out yourself with a Dremel in your aftermarket build.
• You will need a ROM01 (not ROM03) Motherboard, which has ][e keyboard contacts.
  • Don't waste your money paying extra for motherboards with the keyboard pins soldered in. Some dishonest sellers try to pass these off as rare or special, which they are not! These were the most common ][GS motherboards around. All ROM01 motherboards (the most common kind) have the keyboard contacts, and the socket is an extremely common GPIO type, which costs less than a buck. Learn how to use a soldering iron, it will unlock a whole new world.
  • The minor downside is that the Apple ][e PSU socket is not as common. Just use a ][GS power supply (it screws in perfectly), or hack together a connector using an IBM XT socket and one extra header pin.
• If you want, you can try to replace the ][e sticker with a ][GS upgrade sticker. However, you'll have to print one yourself.