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ADAM Hardware Interface Cards
The ADAM computer system was designed with expandability in mind. Three expansion slots under the top access cover of the Memory Console allow for various interface cards that greatly enhance the system's capabilities. Below is a comprehensive listing of expansion interface cards available for the ADAM system.
Memory Expansion Interface Cards
Memory Expansion Overview Slot #3
ADAM has built-in RAM memory of 64K. Many programs now require additional expansion memory, easily accomplished by inserting a 64K RAM Expansion Card into Slot #3 under the Top Access Cover of the ADAM Memory Console. To add larger memory up to 256K requires installation of the desired memory card in slot #3 AND a card that will address the memory above 64K in slot #2. The Slot #2 Card can be a Printer Interface Card, dedicated Addressor card, or the Multi-purpose interface Card - MIB3. A single wire connection is made between the two cards to complete the circuit for the extra memory recognition.
Available Memory Cards
• 64K Memory Card Orphanware, Eve & others
• 256K Memory Card Orphanware, Eve & others
• 512K Memory Card MI, E&T, & others
• 1 Meg Memory Card MI, E&T
• 2 Meg Memory Card Micro Innovations only
RAM Disk Functionality: Utility Software, such as TDOS and ADAM'S DESKTOP, can utilize the larger Expansion Memory as a RAM DISK -- an electronic temporary drive that can save and load software data instantly when it is installed in the RAM DISK. Programs like Adam's Desktop and others can make the ADAM a fast operating machine without addition of anything but an Expansion Memory Card.
Printer Interface Cards
Standard Printer Interface Card Slot #2
Allows the use of a Parallel Dot Matrix Printer on the ADAM System. It can co-exist with the ADAM Daisy Wheel Printer, or become the exclusive printer of choice when a separate power supply is substituted for the ADAM Printer. A Dot Matrix Printer can print graphics of high quality, and depending on the type of dot matrix printer it can print in color or numerous letter quality fonts. Some of the printer cards have a prom socket onboard to boot into a preprogrammed program. The Printer Card also serves to address memory on larger Memory Cards above 64K.
MIB2 Interface Card Slot #2
Expansion card which allows the use of a Parallel Dot Matrix Printer as above. It also has 2 serial ports onboard. Some variations use an external power connection using the ADAM's input power cord.
MIB3 Interface Card Slot #2
Multi-purpose expansion card allows the same functions of the Printer Interface Card above, plus it provides Two Serial Ports that can be used to attach an External Modem (300 to 9600 Baud) and/or a Terminal (at 19,200 Baud) for display of 80 column text like found in CP/M and TDOS, or other serial devices. It also has an onboard slot to install a boot prom if you have an IDE card in slot #1.
MI Parallel Port, Serial Port, Boot Prom Interface Slot #2
This card serves as a parallel printer card, serial card and also carries a socket for a boot eprom to allow the ADAM to boot into TDOS upon startup, or reset.
Serial Interface Cards
Dual Serial Card Slot #1
This interface card provides the serial port functions as explained in the Multi-Purpose interface card description above, offering two serial ports for external modem and terminal connections.
Communication Cards
ADAMLINK Internal Modem Slot #1
300 Baud internal modem provides telecommunication with other computers and Bulletin Board Systems. Uses ADAMLINK I, II, III, IV, V connection software.
AddressBook with AutoDialer Right Side Port
Interface Card plugs into the right side expansion port of the ADAM Memory Console. Telephone line plugs into the interface so that AddressBook Software can dial numbers directly from your database. AddressBook also will print labels, etc.
Video & Expansion Units
Coleco Adam EVE VD-MB 80 Column Video/Expansion Unit Right Side Port
These are rare add-ons for your ColecoVision and/or ADAM computer. VD-MB/MON-80 is a true 80 Column Video Display Unit that provides enhanced text display capabilities.
EVE SP-1 SS-CC Modules Right Side Port
SP-1 is a Serial/Parallel Unit interface. SS-CC is a Speech Synthesizer/Clock Calendar unit. These rare modules expand the ADAM's capabilities significantly.
Hard Drive Interface Cards
MicroInnovations and Minnie Winnie Hard Drive Interfaces
These cards are rare interface cards by 3rd party developers which allowed the ADAM to access 20, 40 and 60 megabyte IDE devices for storage and programming. Compatible with hard drives, zip drives, compact flash cards, and Sparq drives.
MicroFox Technologies IDE Cards c. 2014
These IDE cards are a direct replacement for the MI cards. The compact flash system is a more reliable and faster hard drive idea. It comes in a single 64mb version with 10 EOS partitions & 4 TDOS partitions OR a double 100mb version with 40 EOS partitions and 4 TDOS partitions. Also includes a printer card with onboard eprom to boot the IDE card. Available for the ADAM for the foreseeable future.
Addressing Cards
Addressor Card Slot #2 MI and Orphanware
This card allows a memory expander larger than 64k to be recognized and used by the ADAM. Essential for accessing memory above the base 64K when using larger memory expansion cards.
Note: All cards are designed with the latest technology for long life. Installation requires opening the top access cover of the ADAM Memory Console. Some cards require wire connections between slots for proper operation.
Contact Information
Email: rslopsema@gmail.com
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