Apple IIc
This was Apple's first compact computer. While it essentially gave the impression of an Apple IIe lacking expandability, its generous 128KB of memory and built-in floppy drive meant that, for the time, there was hardly anything else one needed. It also featured a robust array of I/O ports, enabling data communication right out of the box. Furthermore, it offered excellent connectivity options, providing a dedicated RGB output in addition to the standard RCA connection.
In addition, it features a DB19 port on the back for an external drive. Whether that port speaks SmartPort depends on which ROM is in your machine. Type PRINT PEEK(64447) at the Applesoft prompt to find out. If it comes back 255, you have the original ROM, and there's no SmartPort support...
Recommended Hardware Mods
Storage: SPIISD V2
SPIISD V2 connects to the DB19 port through the IDC20 to DB19 adapter and boots ProDOS volumes from a microSD card. The same setup works on the IIc Plus and the IIgs. It needs a SmartPort ROM, so check your ROM version first.
The RCA video jack sits right next to the DB19, so there isn't much room back there. That's why I like devices that plug straight into the DB19 port.
ROM 255 to ROM4x
If your IIc has ROM 255, Michael Guidero's ROM4x turns on SmartPort and adds a self-test. I do a flashing service for $8. On the IIc you also need to change solder jumpers W1 and W2 to enable A14. On the IIc Plus, the equivalent is a ROM5x swap, which also gives you a downclock option.
→ Apple IIc ROM Flashing Service
Floppy Emu
BMOW's Floppy Emu in SmartPort mode gives you up to four virtual drives on the IIc.
Paddles
The IIc has a DB9 game port, so the Idle Hands Micro Paddle plugs straight in. If the paddles don't respond, suspect the port before the paddles. When Bruce at Branchus Creations tried them on stream, the culprit turned out to be dirty game port pins.
With 120K pots my IIc topped out around 230, so I'd go with 130K to 150K.
→ Idle Hands Micro Paddle DIY Kit
Rubber Feet
Gimme New Feet! for A2C are made to fit the IIc.
