MicroDrive/Turbo

The MicroDrive/Turbo IDE Controller is a Mass Storage Device that is used with the Apple IIgs or Enhanced IIe. It emulates a Hard Drive using solid-state Compact Flash Cards.

MicroDrive/Turbo is currently sold by ReActiveMicro. They sell it with a preloaded 256 MB Compact Flash Card to enable new users to start using the MicroDrive/Turbo right out of the box. Software included is GS/OS v6.0.1, IIgs Memory Testers, ShrinkIt (8 and 16 bit), Copy II+, MicroDrive Utilities, DiskMaker8, DSK2File, DOS.MASTER and different AE Memory Testers for your IIe. Everything needed to start transferring and unpacking software from the Internet, and start using your Apple II once again.

Project Status: Complete. In production. Actively sold by ReActiveMicro.

Support: Post on the Discussion page (link above) or email ReActiveMicro Support.

Sales: Visit the ReActiveMicro Store.

History

The MicroDrive/Turbo was designed by Joachim Lange of ///SHH Systeme and released in 1996. This was the first Apple II IDE Controller that used DMA.

In 2004 Gerber Street Enterprises started reselling select items from ///SHH Systeme, however the offering was only a couple items and stock was very limited.

Mid-2006 ReActiveMicro took over reselling all ///SHH Systeme items in an effort to provide better service and a larger product variety to the Apple II Community.

Features

DMA: Looking to speed up your sluggish Apple II? The MicroDrive/Turbo is faster that any other Mass Storage controller since it uses DMA for reads and writes. As the name implies, it performs Direct Memory Access which bypasses the CPU and allows for a whopping 40% faster read and write speeds when compared to conventional controllers. For example, with an accelerator installed in your IIgs you can boot GS/OS in as fast as 7 seconds! The DMA option can be disabled using the Setup utility.

40 Pin IDE Interface: The 40 Pin IDE interface on the MicroDrive/Turbo IDE is a standard 16bit IDE port. It is capable of addressing "Primary" and "Secondary" IDs on the IDE chain.

IDE to Dual CF Adapter: The MicroDrive/Turbo comes standard with a 40 Pin IDE to Dual CF Adapter. Users can control which of the two CF Slots is "Primary" and "Secondary" using a Jumper on the Adapter. The Adapter however can be removed if so desired and a standard IDE Cable and devices attached.

Compact Flash: Why use Compact Flash Cards? They are readily available, inexpensive, low power, noiseless, shock proof, removable, and last almost forever - things that can't be said about mechanical Hard Drives. However, it is still possible to use some older IDE Hard Drives with the MicroDrive/Turbo Controller if desired. See "Support: Using Mechanical Hard Drives" below. Do you download software from the Internet and wonder how to get it to your Apple II or spend lots of time doing so? With the MicroDrive/Turbo it's now super easy! Just remove the Compact Flash Card from your MicroDrive/Turbo, insert it in to your PC and using CiderPress (Windows only) you can read and write directly to the Compact Flash Card. Using your PC for transferring files and backing up has never been so quick and painless!

ProDOS 8 and 16: The MicroDrive/Turbo is ProDOS compatible. It's recognized as a 'standard' Mass Storage Device just like any Hard Disk Drive on your Apple II. Large Volume DOS 3.3 support is provided through the use of a program called DOS.MASTER (preloaded on CF Card).

Boot Options: By default, Volume 1 is set to boot. However when setting up a new CF Card the user sets which Volume they desire to boot. Or on an existing CF Card the Setup utility can modify the default boot Volume. However the MicroDrive/Turbo also offers a temporary option to boot to ANY volume. When powering on the Apple II the user will press and hold the Open Apple key. This will pause the MicroDrive/Turbo's splash screen. The user then presses the corresponding Volume's number key, and the MicroDrive/Turbo will boot to that Volume.

Apple IIgs and Enhanced IIe Operation: The MicroDrive/Turbo comes standard with the Apple IIgs Firmware. You can however order one with IIe Firmware, or buy an upgrade ROM to convert a IIgs MicroDrive/Turbo for use in an Enhanced IIe. For Apple IIe use, the IIe MUST be Enhanced. The MicroDrive/Turbo does not not currently work in the Apple II, II+, or Apple ///.

Reviews

Apple II Mass Storage Mega Roundup

On Aug 13, 2016 Joe Strosnider from the YouTube channel "Joe's Computer Museum" posted a review of several Mass Storage options for the Apple II, and the MicroDrive/Turbo was among them. He gives some very good feedback as the differences between the boards, and how the MicroDrive/turbo performs under real world conditions.

Support: IIgs Installation

When installing the MicroDrive/Turbo in your Apple IIgs a few things need to first be taken in to consideration. For example, will you want to primary boot to the MicroDrive/Turbo, your Floppy Drives, or other bootable devices installed in your system? For most installations users will want to boot primary to the MicroDrive/Turbo. In this case we recommend installing the MicroDrive/Turbo in Slot 7. And when you want to boot to the Floppy Drives hold the "ESC" key on boot. This allows the IIgs to "skip" booting the MicroDrive/Turbo and move on to checking the Floppy Drives or other bootable devices in lower numbered Slots.

For other configurations, the good news is the Apple IIgs will allow a lot of flexibility when it comes to booting. You will need to decide however what is the best to meet your needs. If not installing the MicroDrive/Turbo in Slot 7, then we usually recommend Slot 2. However by default the IIgs is set to use Slot 2 for a Modem. Since most users no longer use a Modem, Slot 2 is a good choice. However the default setting in the IIgs will need to be changed in order for the MicroDrive/Turbo to work.

To edit or edit the settings or change the way your IIgs boots you will need to enter the Control Panel. There are a couple ways to do this:

Hold down the "Option" key on the keyboard and power on the IIgs. Select "1" for the Control Panel.
Power on the IIgs and at anytime hold the "Open Apple" and "Control" keys, then press the "ESC" key. Press "Enter" to select Control Panel.

Once in the Control Panel use the "Arrow" keys to select the "Slots" menu and press "Enter".

Most IIgs systems will be set to the default configuration, denoted by the "check mark" on the left of the option. Use the "Up" or "Down" arrow keys to select an option, then "Left" or "Right" arrow keys to set the option. Be sure to press "Enter" when done to save any changes.

For example, there is nothing needed to use the MicroDrive/Turbo in Slot 7. It is already defaulted to "Your Card". There is also no need to change the "Startup" option if it is set to "Slot 7" or "Scan".

If however you want to use the MicroDrive/Turbo in Slot 2 you will need to change the Slot setting to "Your Card". And if you would like the IIgs to boot the MicroDrive/Turbo in Slot 2 then you will also need to change the "Startup" option to "Slot 2". Be sure to press "Enter" when done to save any changes.

The "Startup" option in the Control Panel allows you to control how the IIgs looks for bootable devices when powered on. "Scan" will tell the IIgs to look from Slot 7 to Slot 1. Selecting "Slot [X]" will tell the IIgs to ONLY boot that Slot. If no bootable devices are found then the IIgs will report "Check startup device!" You can however tell the IIgs to boot to another Slot by breaking in to BASIC (hold the "Control" key and press the "Reset" key), then typing "PR#X" and pressing the "Enter" key. "X" is the Slot number.

Note: The MicroDrive/Turbo allows the IIgs to "skip" trying to boot it by holding the "ESC" key on boot.

Support: IIe Installation

When installing the MicroDrive/Turbo in your Apple IIe a few things need to first be taken in to consideration. For example, will you want to primary boot to the MicroDrive/Turbo, your Floppy Drives, or other bootable devices installed in your system? For most installations users will want to boot primary to the MicroDrive/Turbo. In this case we recommend installing the MicroDrive/Turbo in Slot 7. And when you want to boot to the Floppy Drives hold the "ESC" key on boot. This allows the IIe to "skip" booting the MicroDrive/Turbo and move on to checking the Floppy Drives or other bootable devices in lower numbered Slots.

If however you install the MicroDrive/Turbo in another Slot then it may not boot and depends on what other bootable devices are installed in your IIe. You can however tell the IIe to boot to another Slot by breaking in to BASIC if needed (hold the "Control" key and press the "Reset" key), then typing "PR#X" and pressing the "Enter" key. "X" is the Slot number.

Note: The MicroDrive/Turbo allows the IIgs to "skip" trying to boot it by holding the "ESC" key on boot.

Support: Using the Setup Utility

Installation: The MicroDrive/Turbo comes persetup. Just install in any Slot. We however recommend Slot 7 if possible since you will most likely want to boot from the MicroDrive/Turbo much more often then your Floppies. And when you want to boot to a Floppy:

On boot, press and hold the ESC key. This will bypass the MicroDrive/Turbo on boot.

Note: IIgs users may need to make a change to Slot settings in the Control Panel. To access the Control Panel first boot the IIgs. Then press and hold the Open Apple key, Control key, and then press the ESC key.

Setup Utility: Be sure to backup the MicroDrive/Turbo Setup utility to floppy! This disk will be for backup purposes or if you need to setup a new CF Card.

Upon booting the MicroDrive/Turbo you will be taken to Volume 1 which holds the ProDOS 8 utilities.
You will see folder named "SHRINK.IT". Using the arrow keys highlight the folder and press Enter.
You will now see a file called "SHRINK.IT.V3.4". Press Enter to execute it.
Press the letter "O" to open an archive. The "MICRODRV.IIE.S1" is for 5.25” disk, and "MICRODRV.TURBO" is for 3.5” disk. Select one and press Enter twice.
Next select the Drive on which to write.
When done be sure to boot the disk and run the Setup utility to make sure it restored correctly.
Repeat the above process if needed.
Done!

Note: If you require a Setup utility disk be mailed to you, there will be a charge. Please email ReActiveMicro Support for details and pricing.

Check The DMA Setting: It is advised to check the DMA setting in the Setup utility to make sure it is set correctly. Usually there isn't any issue, however you can experience data corruption or loss if the setting is not correct.

Upon booting the MicroDrive/Turbo you will be taken to Volume 1 which holds the ProDOS 8 utilities.
You will see folder named "MICRODRIVE". Using the arrow keys highlight the folder and press Enter.
You will now see a file called "MICRODRV.SETUP". Press Enter to execute it.
Press the letter "D" to select "DMA Mode". If it's set currently to your Apple II, then you are finished. If not, then continue to the next step.
Press Enter to change the setting. For IIe users select "Enable".
Press the letter "W" to select "Write Configuration".
Press Enter, then the letter "W" to save the new configuration.
Done!

Note: Set DMA Mode To "Disable" to see how much slower your system would be using a non-DAM Mass Storage Device.

The Presetup and Preloaded CF Card: The MicroDrive/Turbo comes with a presetup CF Card which has 4 ProDOS Volumes on it. The CF Card comes preloaded the same for the IIgs or IIe.

Volume 1 has ProDOS 8 Utilities loaded on it and is bootable in to ProDOS 8.
Volume 2 has GS/OS v6.0.1 loaded on it and is bootable. You will need at least 1Meg of RAM in order to RUN GS/OS or you will forced to exit.
Volume 3 had DOS.MASTER loaded on it and is bootable in to ProDOS 8 which loads BASIC. You will see a folder called DOS.MASTER.
Volume 4 is formatted in ProDOS and is not bootable.

You can setup more volumes on the CF Card if you wish, however you will quickly run out of "Slots" under ProDOS 8. ProDOS maps each Volume to a Slot and Drive, the same as what is done with the Floppy Drives. So the current 4 Volumes take up 2 Slots, which have 2 Drives each. If you don't have many peripheral cards in your Apple II then adding more Volumes may not pose an issue. However users which have other devices in Slots which get a Volume mapped to them may not be able to use the card or the Volume. You have been warned.

Boot To Other Volumes: The MicroDrive/Turbo comes set to boot to Volume 1 by default. You can however temporary boot to other Volumes on the CF Card.

Hold down the Open "Apple" key when powering on the Apple II. This will pause the MicroDrive/Turbo's splash screen.
Lastly press the corresponding Volume's number key, and the MicroDrive/Turbo will boot to that Volume.

You can also use the Setup utility to make booting to another Volume the current setting.

Upon booting the MicroDrive/Turbo you will be taken to Volume 1 which holds the ProDOS 8 utilities.
You will see folder named "MICRODRIVE". Using the arrow keys highlight the folder and press Enter.
You will now see a file called "MICRODRV.SETUP". Press Enter to execute it.
Press the letter "B" to select "Default Boot Volume".
Press Enter to change the setting to the desired NEW boot Volume.
Press the letter "W" to select "Write Configuration".
Press Enter, then the letter "W" to save the new configuration.
Done!

Adding Volumes To CF Card: To add more Volumes to your CF Card.

Upon booting the MicroDrive/Turbo you will be taken to Volume 1 which holds the ProDOS 8 utilities.
You will see folder named "MICRODRIVE". Using the arrow keys highlight the folder and press Enter.
You will now see a file called "MICRODRV.SETUP". Press Enter to execute it.
Press the letter "E" to select "Partition Editor". You will immediately be taken to the "Partition Table" area on the right side of the screen.
Press the letter "A" to add a new Volume. Note: Press the "?" key for available commands.
Press and hold both "Apple" keys, then press the "Right Arrow" key. The "Blk Size" and "Dec/Hex" column values will start to change.
Keep pressing the "Right Arrow" key till the "Blk Size" reads "$010000". Release the "Apple" keys.
Press the "Left Arrow" key once. The "Blk Size" should now read "$00FFFF".

* Note: ProDOS can only use UP TO 32Megs of space.  "$00FFFF" is 32Meg in Blocks.  You can create volumes larger then 32Megs however you will may not be able to use them.
* Press the letter "D" to delete any volumes or to start over.
* Press the letter "Q" twice if you DO NOT want to save your changes and exit.
* Repeat the above steps if you want to add more Volumes.

Press the letter "W" to select "Write Configuration".
Press Enter, then the letter "W" to save the new configuration.
Done!

Note: Don't forget you will need to format any new Volumes before they can be used to store anything.

Deleting Volumes From CF Card: To add more Volumes to your CF Card.

Upon booting the MicroDrive/Turbo you will be taken to Volume 1 which holds the ProDOS 8 utilities.
You will see folder named "MICRODRIVE". Using the arrow keys highlight the folder and press Enter.
You will now see a file called "MICRODRV.SETUP". Press Enter to execute it.
Press the letter "E" to select "Partition Editor". You will immediately be taken to the "Partition Table" area on the right side of the screen.
Use the "Arrow" keys to select the Volume you want to delete.
Press the letter "D" to delete the Volume.

* Press the letter "Q" twice if you DO NOT want to save your changes and exit.
* Repeat the above steps if you want to add more Volumes.

Press the letter "W" to select "Write Configuration".
Press Enter, then the letter "W" to save the new configuration.
Done!

Need to Add/Complete: Setting Up a New CF Card:

Format issues with C2+

Using a Second CF Card Slot:

Loading Images On Loading Images Off

Backing Up

Support: Using Mechanical Hard Drives

It is possible to use old mechanical Hard Drives on the MicroDrive/Turbo however Compact Flash is a much better solution. As noted in "Features" above: "[Compact Flash is] readily available, inexpensive, low power, noiseless, shock proof, removable, and last almost forever - things that can't be said about mechanical Hard Drives."

Steps to stall and use a mechanical Hard Drive:

First, remove the IDE to CF Adapter. The unit should just slide off when pulled. Be careful to not bend any pins on the IDE male header.
Next, install a 40-pin IDE Cable.
Next, if needed set your IDE Hard Drive to the correct "Primary" or "Secondary" setting.
Finally, install the Hard Drive on to the IDE Cable.

Note: If the Hard Drive is powered from a secondary Power Supply you need to adhere to the following in order for all to work correctly:

The GS has to be turned on first. The Power Supply to the Hard Drive is then turned on second. Wrong order and the drive may not spin up.
The two Power Supplies must have a common ground. Without this the MicroDrive/Turbo may not see the Hard Drive.

Documentation, Files, and Software

The Most Current Manual And Software
Current MicroDrive/Turbo Manual
MicroDrive/Turbo Software
MicroDrive/Turbo CF Images
MicroDrive/Turbo Files