Apple 1 Computer

This has got to be one of my favorite ever projects here.

...now for the real question: Will it be functional?

-Nick
 
This has got to be one of my favorite ever projects here.

...now for the real question: Will it be functional?

-Nick

In theory it should work, assuming I haven't soldered any diodes and such backwards. I'm waiting for a few missing parts and transformers sill. I'll post what happens when I actually get it powered it up. It won't be able to do much, as its really a glorified calculator with basic. But its still awesome.
 
Updates:

I've made progress with the acrylic case. I'm not the best at acrylic and I had a few areas where it cracked, but overall I'm happy with it. I still need to find a keyboard so that part is missing.
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Updates:
I have finally got the power transformers in place and all wired up.
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Video output too
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Convenient power hookup
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I'm only missing the keyboard, which I have to steal from an old apple ii. But I should be able to fire it up. I'll record a video of it when I do.
 
this is unbelievable! never knew anyone could even do such a thing but then, this is how Steve Wozniak built his to begin with... I'm amazed you could find compatible and like parts!
 
I see there is a apple 1 replica kit for around $200 and there is a parts list at the Apple 1 owners club .. did any of this help you in building yours at all? Now that I am aware of it I wouldn't mind building one!

That "Replica 1" kit you mentioned is made by Briel Computers, its basically modernized hobby kit that works the same way as an apple one in terms of memory handling and such, but is not a true replica as its only a 1/3 the size of the original, and has way fewer parts. Look at the picture of it and compare it to an original apple 1 to see the difference. Its a good value price though if you want a working apple 1.

If you want a real authentic working replica of the one Jobs and Woz made in 1970's, like the one I'm building here, go with the "Mimeo 1" pcb. There is only one person in the world making them that I'm aware of and he doesn't always have them available. But they are an exact copy of the original apple 1 pcb circuit board Woz designed. PM me and I'll give you a link to his site. He doesn't sell any of the parts though, only the pcb and roms. You'll have to get all the parts yourself like I did. I have a compiled list of parts and vendors I can give you (took me over a month to locate and compile).

You'll need to be good/patient at soldering. There are over 2000 leads I believe on the board. I'm not an expert by any means, but had some experience going in to this.
 
This is so awesome, but I feel like an Apple I should be in a wood case.
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It was up to the end user to make their own casing, and although that one has received the most attention there were all sorts of cases made. Some vastly more professional looking than the wooden one, some vastly less.

Apple 1 owners were like the original case modders. Making your computer's looks fit your personality.

And personally, I like being able to see al the guts.

Great job, Rob! I'm really jealous.

-Nick
 
ah! thanks so much for pointing out what they are offering. makes sense now. I only glossed over their stuff and I see now what yoyu are talking about. I was mostly just wondering if it was a good way to start but Mimeo 1 pcb is the way I would want to go... thanks for clearing that up. your work, research and dedication is appreciated!!!!


That "Replica 1" kit you mentioned is made by Briel Computers, its basically modernized hobby kit that works the same way as an apple one in terms of memory handling and such, but is not a true replica as its only a 1/3 the size of the original, and has way fewer parts. Look at the picture of it and compare it to an original apple 1 to see the difference. Its a good value price though if you want a working apple 1.

If you want a real authentic working replica of the one Jobs and Woz made in 1970's, like the one I'm building here, go with the "Mimeo 1" pcb. There is only one person in the world making them that I'm aware of and he doesn't always have them available. But they are an exact copy of the original apple 1 pcb circuit board Woz designed. PM me and I'll give you a link to his site. He doesn't sell any of the parts though, only the pcb and roms. You'll have to get all the parts yourself like I did. I have a compiled list of parts and vendors I can give you (took me over a month to locate and compile).

You'll need to be good/patient at soldering. There are over 2000 leads I believe on the board. I'm not an expert by any means, but had some experience going in to this.
 
Updates:

I attempted to power it up the other day. I got no picture on the monitor but one of the IC chips on the video side of the board got searing hot--bad sign. After investigating I found the chip to be bad as I had correct voltages coming out of the socke and no shorts. Some of these components are vintage and very old. I'm working on getting a replacement so I can finally get it up and running.

I'm still searching for a keyboard too so I can type some hex code for fun. The good old days.
 
^ Double check all your soldering, making sure you didn't bridge any connections by mistake (if so, a bit of solder wick will fix this).

Great project! As an engineer, I appreciate all the hard work that went into this project so far.

And as for those giant capacitors, they're only rated for 25 VDC, so they're perfectly safe to touch. :)
 
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