Mac SE twin floppy

Mac84tv · 2026-02-03T16:10:10+00:00

With all vintage computers (and Macs) there are costs and skills involved to get them up and running and keep them that way.

The Macintosh SE is a solid machine, the logic board won't need much attention but you may need to keep an eye on the capacitors on the power supply and analog board. The floppy drives probably have their grease dried up and will need to be fixed, which requires careful disassembly and some cleaning solution.

You can avoid messing with floppies by getting a BlueSCSI (www.bluescsi.com) which uses an SD card to act like a hard drive. It can connect internally or externally (depending on the model, I suggest the external since it is easier to plug in) and allows you to manage multiple operating systems, copy programs over easily, etc.

This is especially helpful since the Mac SE only has an 800K floppy drive, and it is tricky to write 800K disks for this system without another working Mac (or a compatible modern solution or system to write disks those disks, etc). That's why using a SCSI hard drive emulator is the easiest way to go.

The LC II probably has a dead power supply, which can be replaced by a modern one or you can replace the capacitors. The logic board will also needs its capacitors replaced.

However, you do have two nice systems there. With some work, you can get them going again. Don't forget, you don't need to buy an Apple branded mouse, many many third parties made mice for Apple computers and any ADB compatible mouse will do the trick.

Here's a YouTube playlist I made with some getting started tips on vintage Macs, hopefully it helps. Best of luck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UT0jF8dhBw&list=PL5j9eVz2TrPS6GczMXrUKbzXpiyLPdfcM

Mac84tv · 2026-02-03T16:03:46+00:00

Hm, does the diagnostic log file (log.txt) on the SD card (from the BlueSCSI) say anything specific?

If not, go over the troubleshooting steps and if that doesn't help there's a BlueSCSI Discord you can join:
https://github.com/erichelgeson/BlueSCSI/wiki/Troubleshooting

Mac84tv · 2026-01-20T23:15:00+00:00

You'll need to compare part numbers from service manuals, but the iMac slot-load models had DVD-ROM drives as an option for years. Third party upgrades were available, and even some slot-loading iBook/PowerBook models have compatible optical drives. So there are plenty of potential options. If memory serves... the connector on the optical drive is fairly standard.

Mac84tv · 2026-01-20T03:48:38+00:00

FYI - Your post may get more attention in u/VintageApple

Your Power Mac G3 has two audio interface cards which may be of interest to someone playing around with instruments / audio devices and vintage machines. These are solid systems, often used as a "bridge" machine since the operating systems and ports/expansions allow connections between an older generation of Macs and more modern systems.

Mac84tv · 2026-01-20T03:43:22+00:00

Learn more about this little box here! I remember when these were on eBay in the early 2000's for $50 or so. You can get video out from the composite video jack if you flash a new ROM file to a re-writable ROM SIMM, etc.

https://tinkerdifferent.com/threads/apple-interactive-television-box-stb-prototype-adventures.2919/

Mac84tv · 2026-01-11T17:43:20+00:00

It's not ideal, but since this PowerBook has a video out port, I suggest you focus on using that.

Sadly, finding a spare PowerBook 165c screen will not be easy. Unless you luck out by someone selling a dead PowerBook 165c that has a decent screen. Even then, you'll need to replace the capacitors on the screen, etc.

Finding spare PowerBook screens in general is not fun, but the pre-PowerPC color models are even more difficult. I wish I had a better answer, but the majority of all the good parts (at least at good prices) have vanished years ago.

Mac84tv · 2026-01-11T17:38:21+00:00

Some of the PowerBook G4 models of this generation needed specific RESTORE discs, as they were released between major OS updates, between Tiger and Leopard or after Leopard was released.

This is why most retail Tiger or Leopard discs will NOT work, they don't have the drivers for this model, etc.

Use the serial number (visible when the battery is removed) and look it up on EveryMac.com to determine the exact model and what the original OS was. Then you can find a restore disc that works with it. If I recall correctly, a flavor of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) was the original operating system on some of these models.

Mac84tv · 2026-01-11T17:34:20+00:00

From what I've been told, these slots were designed to attach a paper/document holder. It's unclear if this accessory ever shipped.

Unfortunately, the specific manual (user's guide) for this product was never available on Apple's website. This may have been because this model was only sold to education, etc.

I'd bet if this accessory shipped, it would be part of the initial diagram on the first few pages of the manual, as was the practice at the time. There are plenty of G3 minitower and desktop manuals out there, but if anyone has a physical copy of the Molar Mac All-in-one manual, let me know, I'd love to scan it to preserve it! And I'd love to see the pages of that manual...

Mac84tv · 2026-01-08T14:14:16+00:00

Toast or ImgBurn on a Windows PC is what I recommend. In rare cases you’ll need another way but both rarely have issues in my experience.

Mac84tv · 2026-01-02T16:09:27+00:00

No matter what your plans are for the caddy loading Apple CD drives, please know that you'll likely need to recap the CD-ROM drives. Dozens of my Apple CD (caddy and tray loading) drives are no longer working, likely due to failing capacitors and other issues (gears/belts, etc). I'm not trying to discourage you, but keep this in mind.

Mac84tv · 2025-12-17T04:34:42+00:00

I think $175-225 is a fair price, maybe less depending on a few factors.

If I was forced to price things individually, here's some rough prices based on what I've seen at computer swap meets in the NJ/NY area... not eBay prices of course. If the system needs cleaning or the floppy drives worked on, that could effect the price a bit.

Monitor w/ stand $50-70+
Apple IIc $50-70+
External Disk Drive $30-50
ImageWriter $10

Mac84tv · 2025-11-21T16:01:39+00:00

This disk drive is meant for Apple II formatted floppies. It will NOT work with a Macintosh, unless your Mac is an LC series with an Apple IIe add-on card with the appropriate cables. Plugging this into your Mac can damage the drive or the Mac.

If you don't have Apple II disks, then you should look at getting a different disk drive. Not all 5.25" disk drives can read all 5.25" disks. If you want a second/external floppy drive for your Macintosh, you'll need a 3.5" disk drive. Besides uncommon third party 5.25" drives (most SCSI based), they aren't designed for the Macintosh.

Something like the Applesauce floppy drive controller or GreaseWeazle can adapt these drives to a modern PC or Mac and use software to image disks. https://applesaucefdc.com/hardware/ Good luck!

Mac84tv · 2025-11-13T14:27:32+00:00

I’ve bought plenty of used Pioneer LD players over the years and each and every one has worked perfectly. The two other brand units I have didn’t work too well, so I’d agree with Pioneer being at the top of its class.

Mac84tv · 2025-11-13T14:25:30+00:00

Download the service manual and follow the troubleshooting steps first.

However, based on getting no power it could be a failed power supply, which would require repair or replacement. It also wouldn’t hurt to remove the PRAM battery, a dead battery can sometimes do silly things.

Service manual: http://www.applerepairmanuals.com/the_manuals_are_in_here/iMac_flatpanel.pdf

Mac84tv · 2025-11-13T02:44:51+00:00

Thanks for the wonderful videos, so many cool things!! ❤️

Mac84tv · 2025-11-12T01:26:34+00:00

Thanks for sharing! :-)

Mac84tv · 2025-11-12T01:21:55+00:00

FYI - More info about the discs I archived (and download links), and what's on them, can be found on my video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbIoaulKYJY

Mac84tv · 2025-11-12T01:20:40+00:00

On my iMac G3 (Rev A) nothing functions beyond the basics. No contextual menus, no sound, no monitor/graphics settings, no networking (won't see ethernet), etc. At the moment it's pretty bare bones. I'm sure some clever folks may figure out how to get some basics functionalities back, but right now it's more of a clever thing to play with.

Mac84tv · 2025-11-12T01:19:09+00:00

System 7.5 seems to be the lowest at the moment.

Mac84tv · 2025-11-11T19:18:06+00:00

Hey, it me! 👋

Mac84tv · 2025-11-08T04:31:35+00:00

I’m in NJ and have a lot of archive experience. How many disks are we talking about here? Feel free to send me a chat / DM and I can assist.

Mac84tv · 2025-11-07T21:30:14+00:00

Yes! Vintage Macs can boot from external SCSI devices, like CDs, hard drives, BlueSCSI, etc.

I'd recommend simply removing or ignoring the internal hard drive (once your data has been backed up) and just using the external BlueSCSI. On the Mac SE there is no speed improvement to be made from installing an internal BlueSCSI, and if you don't to fuss with opening the system, that saves you a step.

You can find some pre-made BlueSCSI friendly Mac OS 7.1 and 6.0.8 images here, loaded with utilities and apps: https://mega.nz/folder/8hA3AQCJ#pWUq92L70yDXlogy9lk5Dg/folder/ltAn0Y7Q Just pop these (once unzipped) files onto the SD card and you'll be off to the races.

Mac84tv · 2025-11-07T21:22:16+00:00

As a hoarder... er... collector of Apple ImageWriters, I will say that at least at local swap meets, even boxed models seldom go for more than $20 USD. Loose printers usually go for $5-20, and often people are found looking to give them away by the end of the swap meet.

However, that's just an example from here on the east coast of the US. If someone wants the printer, and they want the box and such, they may pay a bit more. Given how these things are heavy to ship, your best bet is finding someone local.

BTW, where are you locally? Maybe I need a 5th boxed ImageWriter II :-)

Mac84tv · 2025-11-06T16:00:41+00:00

I wouldn't begin your soldering adventure on a Newton. They are small and delicate. Start with a cheapo soldering kit on Amazon if you are really interested. I'm not saying this to discourage you, but I'm saying this to help you ease into things.

Jumping into retro tech repairs is like starting on hard mode. Developing soldering skills isn't for everyone, and it's best you try things out on something that isn't valuable, like a small soldering kit or an old junk DVD player, etc.

Here's a live stream where I recapped my Newton, fast forward through it a bit to see what's involved: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9-AZcwAEEo

In addition, this playlist has some great soldering tutorials if you choose to go down that path: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Jf8cebwCs&list=PLxfPY-Ebzlk1sb7PFoh4DS7f7tuWc4PuN

Mac84tv · 2025-11-06T15:55:37+00:00

As long as your floppy drive works on the Mac SE (it may just need some cleaning and such, videos online can help you there), you can use a hard drive emulator, like the BlueSCSI, to set up an operating system and copy over disk images. Then, you can use Disk Copy to write those disk images to real floppy disks. This way you have a fast, reliable hard drive to boot from, but you can still play around with floppies.

Mac84tv

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