Satanic128 Card
 
This Satanic128 is compatible alternative to the Saturn 128K card. This card expands the memory of your Apple II series computer, enabling faster application performance and handling of larger data sets.
 
1. Introduction
The Satanic128 card is fully compatible with the Saturn 128K card, originally sold by Saturn Systems in the 1980s. This means you can use existing software and utilities designed for the Saturn 128K card without any issues.
[Compatible Models]
Apple II
Apple II Plus
Apple IIe (※)
(※) Please refer to "4. Software Usage and Compatibility" for details on using with Apple IIe.
 
2. Installation
To install the Satanic128 card in your Apple II, please follow these steps:
Turn off your Apple II and unplug the power cable.
Open your computer's case.
Locate the Language Card slot on the motherboard. This slot is typically Slot 0, the leftmost slot closest to the Power Supply Unit (PSU).
Note: When installing the card, make sure the side that says "Towards the keyboard" is facing the front keyboard.
Carefully align the Satanic128 card's connector with the pins in the Expansion Card slot and firmly press it into place. Ensure it's fully seated.
Replace your computer's cover.
Plug in the power cable and turn on your Apple II.
 
3. LED Indicators
The Satanic128 card features three LED indicators, all of which are blue. These LEDs display the card's operational status:
WRITE (Left LED): Illuminates when memory write access is occurring.
READ (Middle LED): Illuminates when memory read access is occurring.
BANK (Right LED): Illuminates when bank-switching of the expanded memory is occurring.
 
4. Software Usage and Compatibility
The 6502 CPU in the Apple II had only a 16-bit address bus, meaning it could directly access a maximum of 64KB of memory. Therefore, when this card functions as a memory card under ProDOS, it typically only utilizes 16KB of its capacity.
To fully utilize the Satanic128 card's 128KB of memory, you will need separate software capable of launching RAM disks, among other functions. This software allows your Apple II to recognize and manage the additional memory, enhancing its capabilities. (*If you just want to use ProDOS normally, you only need 64KB of RAM in total, so there is no need to use the software.)
At the time, it was particularly useful for business software such as "VisiCalc" and "Word Juggler", others include "Locksmith" , "CP/M" and more. You may need to acquire these software titles separately. Please search relevant Apple II communities or archival websites for them.
[Regarding use with Apple IIe] Due to its unique memory management architecture (128KB memory via the Auxiliary Slot), the Apple IIe cannot directly utilize the Satanic128 card as "standard system memory." This is because the card uses a proprietary bank-switching method designed for the original Apple II/II Plus, which is not directly compatible with the Apple IIe's newer memory management.
However, on the Apple IIe, most of the Satanic128 card's capacity can still be used as a RAM disk. This provides a significantly faster virtual drive than floppy disks, greatly improving operational efficiency. For RAM disk usage, please use software designed for the Saturn 128K card.
 
5. Card Testing
To confirm that your Satanic128 card is functioning correctly, we highly recommend using Locksmith 6.0.
Locksmith 6.0 is ideal for testing due to the following reasons:
Comprehensive Memory Testing: It can diagnose and test not only the main RAM but also expanded memory (including that in the Language Card slot).
Practical Validation via RAM Disk: By utilizing expanded memory as a RAM disk for file read/write operations, it provides a practical way to confirm the card's full capacity is functioning correctly.
Widespread Popularity and Multifunctionality: It was a widely used utility at the time, offering various disk operations alongside memory testing, making it a convenient all-in-one tool for checking system health.
 
6. Troubleshooting
If the card is not recognized:
Ensure the card is firmly seated in the Language Card slot (Slot 0).
Check that the Apple II's power cable is properly connected.
If you have other expansion cards, temporarily remove them to check for conflicts.
If the LEDs do not light up or are constantly lit:
The card may not be fully inserted.
The software may not be functioning correctly, or there might be a compatibility issue.
If you have any questions, please contact us.