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From: binder@fizbin.DEC.COM (Whadja do with my razor blade? 15-Jul-1987 0758)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: RE: Enhancing a //e
Message-ID: <8707151210.AA20595@decuac.dec.com>
Date: Wed, 15-Jul-87 08:10:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: decuac.8707151210.AA20595
Posted: Wed Jul 15 08:10:00 1987
Date-Received: Fri, 17-Jul-87 07:26:20 EDT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
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From Ray Rankins (Rankins@DOCKMASTER.arpa):

> I am interested in upgrading my //e...
> 
>          1. How can I tell for sure if my //e is enhanced or not?

Look at the 6502 microprocessor chip on the motherboard.  If it's a 65C02, 
and if you or a previous owner didn't change it, your machine is enhanced.  A
less sure sign is to look for the word ENHANCED in black type on the little
power-light panel next to the open-apple key. 

>          2. What exactly does this upgrade consist of?  What specific 
>             components are replaced and what specifically are they replaced
>             with?  Is this something I could do myself or should I break
>             down and pay a dealer the $70 to have it done for me?  Where 
>             could I get the necessary parts if I were to do it myself and
>             how much approximately would they cost?

The microprocessor and a couple of ROM chips are changed.  The microprocessor, 
is changerd, as I said, from a 6502 to a 65C02.  One of the ROMs is 
the character generator - it replaces a duplicate character set with 
Mousetext.  The other is the CD ROM, (memory tells me) and it provides some
enhanced screen and interrupt handling.  Sure, you could do it yourself - all
you need is the parts, which you can get legally only from an Apple dealer, or
from a dealer or mailorder house that will sell you the kit.  I have seen the
kit advertised in A+ for $45.00.  If you're not certain of your ability to
change chips without mucking it up, pay the $70.00 for your peace of mind.  If
you pay it, then your Apple dealer will support the machine if something goes
wrong.  It's cheap goodwill.

Cheers,
Dick Binder   (The Stainless Steel Rat)

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