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Details about the PE6502 Kit

PE6502.jpg

PE6502 is a Apple 1 style Build-Yourself kit computer. It was influenced by the original Apple 1 and some of the replicas built by the enthusiasts. As such, it should run all the programs made for the Apple 1 and the replicas. What I particularly like about the kit is that it has both Applesoft Lite and Integer BASIC built-in to the computer. Note that it is not a Apple 1 replica (meaning the circuits and the components are not the replica of the original Apple 1), but it replicates many of the functionality to include running of the Apple 1 softwares.

Retro computing purest may say it is not the same as the original. However, Apple 1 and/or the Apple II that are in good working condition are hard to come by nowadays. Also, they don’t necessarily serve as a good learning platform due to the “closed platform” versus “open source” that some of the modern kits provide. I really do think the “tinkering” and “hacking” is where the true learning and understanding comes from. As Mr. Jason Putnam mentions in his website, the kit will facilitate learning about the simple computer architecture, GLUE logic memory addressing, and a easy way to program assembly code for 6502.

As of 2019, the versions of the kits are available.

Following are what is included in the kit

  • 4" x 6" professionally made 2-layer circuit board (2 versions are available)

  • High quality components including WDC 65C02, and WDC 65C21 chips (socketed)

  • 32k RAM memory

  • 16K ROM - includes “Applesoft Lite”, Integer VASIC, Krusader assembler, Kursader mini-debugger

  • Fast serial port with onboard hardware handshaking - for fast code transfer to and from the PE6502

  • Onboard terminal software - a working delete key, Ctrl-Alt-Del terminal reboot, text color codes

  • Full expansion slot - some of the expansion cards are in development; MOS6581/SID interface card; CFFAI mass storage card)

  • kit also includes ribbon cable/DB9 connector that connects to the onboard header on the PE6502

  • PS/2 keyboard input, RCA composite output jacks

  • Assembly manual in English

Following are items you will ave to supply

  • TV with “composite” connection or a monitor with composite connector. Alternatively, a RCA-to-SVGA converter can be used with SVGA monitor. (Note that there are several other options made available by the enthusiasts that allows connection with the HDMI - I will update this page after I try a few on the market)

  • PS/2 keyboard (USB to PS/2 converters won’t work) - I will try some of the options available from the Vintage Computer Festival 2019 and update this page)

  • 7-9v DC, tip-positive, 350-1000ma power adapter

The kit building requires some soldiering skills (no surface mount parts). It is not a difficult kit to build, but has some quirky things that the build have to be prepared for (e.g. after building the kit, make sure to clean the flux on the board etc.)

I will be adding some close up photos of the parts soon. Highly recommend it.

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