This is purely a hobbyist endeavor, originally motivated simply by the desire for a Rev 0 board to use in my original Apple II. Also, the flakey nature of the existing motherboards that I have been using, has been a significant motivating factor. Building a single PCB was not economically sensible, so I initially built 6 with the lowest pricing that I could find. I only needed 2 boards, so decided to put together kits for other hobbyist that might be interested in this project. Much to my delight, the initial lot of boards has been completely consumed.
It has been a lot of fun and a challenge to try to find best source for each component. This search has become an interesting hobby unto itself for me.
If you are interested in building a rev 0 replica for yourself, I would hope that you have some previous kit building experience. If not, I would start with a smaller project, such as one of those Apple 1 replica kits. There are over 2500 holes on this board, most of which have the leg of a component in it. This project cannot be done in one evening.
10 Reasons Why You Should Build a Rev 0 Replica:
- Building a computer is fun and rewarding.
- Original Apple rev 0 systems are rare (about 6000 made) and costly to obtain. If you run across one at a bargain price, let me know, as I have been looking for several years.
- Your original low serial number Apple II lost it's rev 0 board somewhere along the way.
- A replica rev 0 will be more reliable than a typical 30 year old original.
- Early micro-computers are great vehicles for learning about the basics of computer technology.
- Unlike some early micro-computers, a rev 0 Apple II is a completely functional computer. Back in the early 80's, after adding two Disk II, floppy disk drives, my mother was able to computerize her accounting business with my original rev. 0 Apple II.
- A rev 0 Apple is a great tool for learning other aspects of electronic design. An example is the shutter tester card I built using my Apple II, just a couple of years ago.
- Integer BASIC and Applesoft BASIC are languages that are ideal for learning the basics of computer programming. I launched a career in software engineering by learning Apple Integer BASIC.
- Many, many programs are available for the Apple II (most are free to download from various web sites).
- Having built your own computer, you will have bragging rights around your neighborhood.
In addition to this kit and some basic tools (such as a soldering iron), you will need the following components, in order to operate your rev 0 motherboardl:
- Applesoft or Integer basic ROMs
- Apple II compatible power supply
- Apple II compatible ASCII keyboard
- A TV or monitor with composite video input
- Power, keyboard and composite video cables.
Note about ongoing changes to kits
- All components, no matter the source, are perfectly interchangible with all rev 0 replicas and actual Apple II motherboards.
- Components may differ slightly from those pictured on this website. The reasons include:
- an ongoing seach for lower cost suppliers - this has already resulted in a price cut of $100 to kit purchasers
- an ongoing search for more authentic or better quality parts
- the scarcity of some obsolete parts forces changes from time to time
- most connector suppliers do not specify color of plastic, so black, red or white connectors may be provided for power, speaker and video connectors.
- The card edge expansion connectors are green (I special order these).
- I will always supply black IC sockets
- Typical component changes I have made, include changing socket suppliers. All sockets supplied, will remain high quality machined type.
- Another example of changes relate to the integrated circuits. For the vast majority of IC's, I provide the exact same part number as specified by Apple, despite the existence of easier to find functional replacements with different part numbers. There may (or may not) be a few substitute parts in your kit that are functional replacements for obsolete originals, with different part numbers. This is only done when I can't find the original part number at a reasonable cost.
- For
those that really want to go retro, the purchaser can choose an option
of
4K DRAM (8 4027, 4k x1 chips) instead of the usual 48K DRAM (24 4116,
64k x 1 chips). Note that I have a limited supply of 4027s on
hand and may need to order additional 4027s, if more than a couple of
builders select the 4k option. Let me know, before ordering,
if you are interested in this option, so I can check stock.
I'm continually evaluating the price for this kit. Considerations include cost of gathering components, the amount of time it will take me to put them together and other associated costs. I also want to be able to support you, in a first class fashion, should you have problems. The price is subject to change in the future.
Keep in mind that Apple originally charged between $600 and $798 (depending upon which price list you read) for essentially the same board with only 4k of memory. A system with 48k of memory was priced at $2275.00 in an early 1977 announcement. Apple's board was assembled, tested and included Apple ROMs, but the majority cost of this product is in the components. My 2008 price would be equivalent to less than $150.00 dollars back in 1977, which is less than what it cost Apple to make a motherboard.
Ordering and Availability:
Rev 0 replica kit are now in stock and available for shipping. Note the new lower price for this round of kits.
Send an email mike@willegal.net for ordering instructions.
| Price List (currently available in US only) | Cost | Shipping (US only) | Support" |
| Hand assembled and tested motherboard with Applesoft ROMS installed (this is the first example made and is pictured on these webpages - uses same PCB and components as kits) - only 1 available | 450.00 | free | free repairs for 1 year (you pay shipping) |
| Complete
motherboard kit - PCB and all components
except APPLE ROMs.
| 350.00 | free | free email free repairs, you pay for shipping to me* phone support can be arranged, email first |
| Vintage Apple Computer Applesoft Autostart ROM Set (only available with complete motherboard kits) limited supply - limited to 1 ROM set per kit purchased - first come first serve - email first - 2 sets available | 50.00 | free | |
| Vintage Apple Computer Integer BASIC ROM Set (only available with complete motherboard kits) limited supply - limited to 1 ROM set per kit purchased - first come first serve - email first - 1 set available | 100.00 | free | |
| Vintage Apple II+ case, power supply and keyboard (only available with complete motherboard kits) case is cleaned - keyboard and power supply tested - limited availability - limited to 1 case/power supply/keyboard per kit purchased - first come first serve - email first - 1 unit available | 150.00 | free | |
| Motherboard plus all soldered in components - no ICs included (not assembled) | 275.00 | free | free email repairs: shipping + 3x cost of parts* phone support can be arranged , email first |
| Bare PCB | 150.00 | free | free
email repairs: $25.00 + shipping + 3x cost of parts* phone support: maybe - check via email |
| Individual components - limited quantity of most components are in stock- email first | 3x cost in BOM | 5.00 per order |
*successful repairs depend upon reasonably competent assembly job by kit builder
| Apple II Rev 0 Physical Specifications | |
| PCB dimensions | 14.275 by 8.5 inches |
| Layers | 2 |
| Replica silkscreen fonts | custom designed replica fonts |
| Ordinary trace width | 15 mils |
| PCB holes of all types | 2579 |
| Vias | 385 |
| Total number of components | 279 |
| Sockets | 90 |
| Soldered components | 189 |
| Different component types | 79 |
Example original Apple II Systems with rev 0 motherboard seen on Ebay
I watch ebay closely for original Apple II items. Most of the Apple II's seen there, do not have a rev 0 motherboard. Occassionally an Apple II shows up that does have a rev 0 motherboard in it. I've decided to log the ending prices of those auctions I've noticed on this page.
| Year | Auction | Note | Selling price |
| 2002 | 2080413427 | mobo #2000; toggle switch power supply; later version autostart ROM monitor | $3850.00 |
| 2007 | 160120886230 | mobo #1579; A2S1-1298; toggle switch power supply; integer ROMs; | $2138.00 |
| 2008 | 200206722122 | mobo #5353; A2S1-5163; PS - A3M001; 2nd or later rev keyboard; Applesoft roms; extras | $910.00 |
| 2008 | 220222007373 | mobo #3155; A2S1-2869; early PS; 2nd or later rev keyboard; Integer roms; custom case; extras | $1230.00 |
| 2008 | 190239195642 | mobo #1-454; 3rd party case, keyboard, PS; Applesoft ROMs, includes FW board with integer ROMS & early paddles | $260.00 |
| 2008 | 130252955819 | mobo #2688; A2S1-2410applesoft ROMs, later rev keyboard and power supply; condition unknown; minor mods | $247.50 |
| 2009 | 270347641839 | mobo #4669; A2S1-4573; integer ROMs&applesoft card, PS-A2M0001-4526, condition unknown, case, raised power switch | $899.00 |
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