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.
 
Known issues
 
For Using with the IIgs:
Firmware V2.0 and V2.01 has a timing issue with only IIgs. (*Latest V2.02 to V2.03 firmware avoids this issue.) Normally, when the IIgs cannot detect a bootable device, "Check Startup Device!" is displayed. But you can restart it by pressing Command (Open-Apple) + Control + Power Key at the same time to boot correctly.
Normally we ship V2.03(As of Feb 22, 2025), but if your SPIISD is using firmware earlier than V2.01, an update is possible, so please contact us.
If the SPIISD does not work on your IIgs, remove any other boot devices or boot cards. Additionally, try the following steps: Press Command (Open-Apple) + Control + Escape to access the Control Panel. In the Slots menu, set Startup Slot to 5 or Auto.
 
For Apple II Desktop Users:
Please note that in Apple II Desktop, go to Control Panel > Options > Copy to RAM Card (if present) and ensure it is turned off. If this option is set to on, it has been confirmed that SPIISD will not be recognized and the system will fail to boot.
 
Do not press the SPIISD buttons while both the SPIISD and the Apple II are accessing data (when the LED is blinking). Doing so may cause both devices to freeze, or one of them to freeze. In such cases, turn off the power and restart from the beginning. To prevent the Apple II from accessing the Smartport, it is recommended to first hold down Control + Reset.