SPIISD: A High-Performance Smart Port Device for the Apple II Series
 
The SPIISD is a high-performance smartport Hard Drive Emulator device designed for the Apple II series. With the release of version 2 (V2), the SPIISD now features a clear, easy-to-read OLED display, operated by simple push-button switches for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
 
Key Links:
 
GitHub Repository:
https://github.com/kerokero5150/SPIISD_V2
Product Introduction and Development Blog:
https://ameblo.jp/keroxiee1016/entry-12875583265.html
OLED Compatibility Information:
https://ameblo.jp/keroxiee1016/entry-12882949657.html
Assembly Instructions:
https://github.com/kerokero5150/SPIISD_V2/blob/main/PDF/SP2SD＿V2_DIY_assembly%20guide1.pdf
Detailed usage instructions:
https://github.com/kerokero5150/SPIISD_V2/blob/main/PDF/SPIISD_INST1.pdf
 
Cables and Connectivity

Compatibility
Apple II Plus, IIe:This requires our Grappler Minus (or MFA2 WS's SoftSP card ) if you are using a DisII card, or a 5.25 Drive Card.
Others will use cards with the IWM protocol such as Liron cards.
IIc, IIc Plus, and IIgs : Please purchase the optional DB19 adapter described below.
 
Cables
An IDC20 ribbon cable is required. You can purchase it from us as an option. *Macintosh internal cables can be used as is. Please note that some 20-pin cables with yellow lines, such as those found in Mac128K and 512K, may look like 20-pin cables, but they may not have the thinned-out cores.
 
 
Available Kits and Options
 
Standard Kit
Includes all necessary parts for assembling the SPIISD. Ideal for those upgrading from V1 or who already own a conversion adapter and cable.
(Included: SPIISD V2 main PCB, IDC20 box pin header, 7-pin header for OLED, 0.96" or 1.54" OLED, 3x tactile switches, 1x right-angle tactile switches, 1K ohm resistor, 1N5817 diode, Blue LED M3 size, MicroSD card board, Pre-programmed Arduino Nano board and pin headers)
Price: 32 USD
 
Optional Add-Ons:
 
IDC 20 to DB 19 Adapter Kit / 8 USD
If you select the "Fully Assembled" option, this adapter will be included, fully assembled.
 
IDC 20-Pin Ribbon Cable (30 cm) / 6 USD
Standard quality, made in China.
 
Micro SD Card / 8 USD
Pre-installed with bootable images, ready to use out of the box.
 
Fully Assembled and Tested / 10 USD
For customers who prefer a fully assembled unit. Professionally assembled and tested, ready to use out of the box.
 
Upgraded 1.54" OLED Display / 7 USD
Standard OLED size is 0.96"

For Apple IIc 255 ROM
Smartport will not be enabled if ROM 255 is installed. To check the ROM of your IIc, run the following program from the Basic prompt.

PRINT PEEK (64447)

If the output number is "255", the ROM needs to be replaced.
Please purchase the ROM flashing service ROM4x ($8) separately if you don't have a ROM programmer.
Installing ROM4X requires replacing the ROM (DIP28 pin) and changing the solder jumpers of W1 and W2. It is written in detail here.
Here for YouTube on how to replace IIc ROM with Javier A. Rivera.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v025Jb-Ebnc

*Regarding ROM4X license, we contacted Michael Guidero, the author of ROM4X, to obtain permission. But this is an open source project, if you have a ROM programmer you can also create your own ROM.
 
Notes on the Initial SPIISD Kit Design
 
JAN 21 2025: The current version of the SPIISD kit comes with the pin headers pre-soldered before shipping, which was necessary in order to be able to update the firmware and bootloader via the pin headers.
Most Arduino NANO units available today, including the clones we use, come with outdated bootloaders. These older bootloaders can significantly delay the microcontroller's initialization when powered on, leading to performance issues.
To address this, we update the bootloader to the latest version and upload our custom program before shipping, ensuring the device is ready for use immediately.
We are currently developing a specialized jig to update the bootloader on the Arduino Nano through the 6-pin ICSP connector. Once this is complete, we will be able to update the bootloader without needing to solder the pin headers. Future shipments will no longer require pre-soldering of pin headers before shipping.