Replica 1
Current version from ReActiveMicro
The Replica 1 was created by Vince Briel of BrielComputers.com in 2003. The Replica 1 Plus was created in mid 2014.
Briel Computers specialized in retro hobby computer kits. They started in 2003 with a replica of the first Apple computer, the Apple 1. They focused on developing computer kits and boards like those you could purchase in the 1970′s and early 80′s.
In 2015 Briel Computers closed its doors and stopped accepting orders as Vince had a career change.
In September 2017, Henry from ReActiveMicro contacted Vince about reproducing his kits and projects for sale to help supply the current Community demand.
Project Status: Completed. In production. Actively sold by ReActiveMicro.
Support: Post on the Discussion page (link above) or email ReActiveMicro Support. The Briel Computers forums also hold a wealth of information.
Sales: Visit the ReActiveMicro Store.
Kit Assembly
The parts included with your Replica 1 kit and the PCB have basic labels. Those with intermediate knowledge should have little trouble assembling the kit from just these labels. The image of the Replica 1 can also be used for reference or to help determine orientation.
The manual also has the full assembly instructions. See chapter 4, page 12.
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The Replica 1 Manual And Assembly Guide
Programming And Source Code
The source code for the Replica 1 can be found on Briel Computers's Downloads page. Users are encouraged to edit and tinker with the project, and experiment with coding and how the Replica 1 systems work. ReActiveMicro will also help implement any hardware changes needed in new board and circuit revisions. As new software becomes available we will host it here or add links to user's pages and repositories.
Powering the Replica l and programming the Propeller microcontroller requires a standard USB-A to Micro-USB cable. A serial console connection to FT232R board can also be established via the same cable.
All Replica 1 assembled or kit units from ReActiveMicro will come fully programmed and tested. No further programming will be needed unless you request a "blank" unit. The steps to programming the Replica One are as follows:
- If you have a blank 27128 ROM start by first programing it. All board from ReActiveMicro come with programmed ROMs.
- Install P8X32A Propeller Tools. Run the program.
- Make sure the FT232R's (small USB board) micro-switch is set to 5V (left side).
- To test that the Propeller Tool sees the Replica 1:
- Connect Replica 1 to PC with USB cable. (If Windows: Driver will install).
- Turn on Replica 1.
- In Propeller Tool click "Run" menu, then "Identify Hardware...".
- It should report "Propeller chip version 1 found on COMx".
- To load firmware:
- Click on File menu, then "Open".
- Open the Replica One's firmware folder and select the file "110REV03.spin".
- Click on the "Run" menu, then "Compile Current", then "Load EEPROM".
- If you DID NOT get an error message the firmware is programmed. Done!
History
Vince Briel started Briel Computers in 2003 as a result of high demand for replica 1 computers. It started out as a hobby to build a replica of a computer he could never own. Soon, Leander Kahney learned of my project and wrote an article for Wired Magazine.
At the time, the replica 1 was not finished and no response from Apple about use of Woz code. Then Woz was kind enough to allow use of the code, thus creating another article in Wired.
In 2015 Briel Computers closed its doors and stopped accepting orders as Vince had a career change and had little time left for the bobby business.
In September 2017, Henry from ReActiveMicro contacted Vince about reproducing his kits and projects for sale to help supply the current Community demand. Vince was more than happy to see his project live on and supplied ReActiveMicro with all the files needed to start production.
Versions
Replica 1 Plus v1.0 start produced by ReActiveMicro in November of 2017. This version can be easily identified by the "Distributed By: ReactiveMicro.com" marking under the "replica 1" name in the middle top of the board. This version is a direct reproducion with no other edit or changes made.
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Replica 1 Plus v1.0 from ReActiveMicro
Here are some past versions of the Replica 1 board by Briel Computers.
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Replica 1 Plus, Revision 0.
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Replica 1 Ten, Limited Edition.
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Replica 1 Ten kit, Limited Edition.
CPU
The Replica 1 normally comes with a 6502 CPU. The newer 65C02 can be used, however there is no benefit and the newer OpCodes will not be used unless the user calls them directly. This however is not "standard" and other 02 compatible software would not use the C02.
There were some bugs fixes in the C02 CPU. Software could be written that exploited these bugs in the old CPU, however none is known. All the known Apple 1 software should work find on the C02 CPU.
To identify which CPU you have installed on your Replica 1 look at U1 located on the lower left of the PCB. If the letter "C" is in the middle of the part number then it's a 65C02 CPU and not a 6502 CPU.
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Replica 1 CPU Location
To Do
Upload disk images to the RM FTP site in correct folder.