Archive
Apple 1 Video Noise Problem
In Mike Willegal’s blog post Video Imperfection he described about a problem with the Apple 1 that caused dots to be seen on the screen when the brightness on a monitor was turned up to a very nigh level. This turns out to be true on his kits, the Obtronix clones and even the original Apple 1′s. Interesting, little-known problem. I snapped a couple pictures of my own Apple 1 to demonstrate.
Apple 1 With Normal Monitor Brightness
Apple 1 With Increased Monitor Brightness
Apple 1 Kit PCB Layout
To give an idea how true Mike’s Apple 1 board is to the original Apple 1, take a look at the traces overlaid with the original board.
Apple 1 Kit
In 2008 I began looking for an Obtronix Apple 1 clone. After many months of finding that there were none available I set out on the task of creating one from scratch. It was not long before I got wind that Mike Willegal was also interested in doing the same. Knowing of the work he did on the Apple II Rev 0 I knew that Mike could do a much better job creating an Apple 1 board than I. I began working with him to source some of the more difficult components. After months of meticulous work, Mike is finally ready to declare victory on the Apple 1 PCB. In the next couple weeks he should get his first batch of boards and we can finally assemble one!
I’ll absolutely keep you updated on every detail as this progresses, but also check out Mike’s Apple 1 site for more details.
Component and Trace Placement
