On Wed, 17 Apr 2002, Tothwolf wrote: No PC board layouts that I am aware of, but I do have the schematics. I would very much like to re-create the PC board layouts. Eric Smith and I wanted to try to do this with the last Apple-1 the VCF auctioned but there's really no way to get the layout without desoldering all the sockets, and I don't know anyone who would want to do that with their nicely wave-soldered Apple-1. If someone has an x-ray machine handy, perhaps we could do it that way. Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org * Old computing resources for business and academia at www.VintageTech.com *

On Wed, 17 Apr 2002, Tothwolf wrote: I believe all of the units after the first batch of 50 delivered to The Byte Shop were wave soldered. I could be wrong. I have to go back and refresh my Apple-1 history. But this board and the board sold in 2000 were definitely wave soldered. See for yourself: http://www.vintage.org/special/apple-1/apple-1-rear.jpg (this one has had a couple sockets replaced) I don't have a rear shot of the 2000 Apple-1. Back to the drawing board (literally ;) Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org * Old computing resources for business and academia at www.VintageTech.com *

On Wed, 17 Apr 2002, Sellam Ismail wrote: I wasn't aware of that. Let me know what you find out. I had always heard that nearly all of Apple I systems were sold as unassembled board kits. Well, I can spot at least one replaced dip socket, bottom right corner of that image, second chip from the right edge. Which others did you notice? I actually would have expected any repairs on a "rare" Apple I to have been much cleaner than what I see from that image, but it's possible they were made by the last owner before he figured out it was "rare". It also seems quite possible to me that one person (especially considering what I read of the board's history) with very good soldering skills and the proper tools did the initial build of the board, and someone else made a few repairs later on. As far as wave soldering goes, I routinely repair factory soldered boards, and very few people can tell my work from factory work just by looking at it. I imagine someone could use a microscope or other very high powered viewer and see the tiny differences in the solder alloys, but other than that, it is next to impossible to differentiate properly done solder joints. The trick to getting clean joints is using a solder alloy that flows well, and having a "feel" for your soldering iron. Before the board is sold, it might be worthwhile to scan both sides of it on a high resolution flatbed scanner (be careful not to scratch the glass). It might also be helpful to make notes about what components are located where, especially ones like radial mount electrolytic capacitors, where you can't see their markings from a top view. -Toth

On Wed, 17 Apr 2002, Sellam Ismail wrote: That explains why the joints on monitor ROM socket are uneven and not defluxed. (If you decide to deflux it, be careful what type of cleaner you use -- some melt certain plastics.) The Augut socket was indeed a good idea if the keyboard was unplugged regularly. Those copper alloy leaf sockets won't hold up very well to that kind of (ab)use. That makes sense. I didn't think about when the repairs were made till after I sent my last email. I think you are right, I didn't notice the uneven solder on the power planes near the voltage regulator right away. What kind of chip do they use? Is it a custom Apple designed chip, or something that has just been abandoned by the original chip manufacturers? If it is the later, there are a couple companies out there now who could reproduce the chip (in 500-1000 unit batches). I don't think the cost to make an Apple I reproduction would be all that bad, especially compared to what an original Apple I system typically sells for ;) -Toth

On Wed, 17 Apr 2002, Jeffrey Sharp wrote: I wonder if the original plans have survived all these years? Would Apple Computer still hold the copyright and be reluctant to share the plans even if they do still exist? This is an idea that deserves further investigation... -Toth