Description
The Replica 1 Plus is an exact duplicate of the famous first computer by Apple Computer, designed by Steve Wozniak. Can’t afford an actual Apple 1? Now’s your chance to own a logically exact copy. Anything you can do on an actual Apple 1 you can do on the Replica 1 Plus. Want the old keyboard feel? No problem! You can even connect an ASCII keyboard to the Replica 1 Plus and enter code and commands.
Power is supplied by a 1 amp Micro USB charger, which most users will have already. If not, that’s ok too, we sell one.
Video is standard Composite output. Connect to your Apple II monitor, or to your TV using an RF Modulator. We also sell a good quality LCD monitor or Composite to HDMI adapter for those already with an HDMI monitor which is perfect for your Replica 1 and Apple II.
Keyboard can be PS/2, USB using an adapter, or ASCII.
Michael Watts (verified owner) –
Excellent kit so cool to feel what it was like back in the day.
Kelly Loyd (verified owner) –
I received the kit this week. I am an experienced kit builder, so it went together in about 1 1/2 hours. All parts were included, fit and placement on the PCB is perfect. The gold plated pads make soldering a breeze. Follow the provided instructions and you will have no trouble. One odd thing that happened – the supplied LED appears to be “backwards” i.e. the flat on the LED body is actually the Anode, which was the longer lead as per standard. I checked it first on my LED tester and it works just fine. First time I’ve seen an LED with the flat being positive. After powering up the board with no ICs installed, it checked out on all the voltages, so I took the plunge and powered down, installed all the ICs in their sockets. Connected to my Mac and fired up minicom after checking the usb port.
Welcome to minicom 2.8
OPTIONS:
Compiled on Oct 25 2021, 06:07:01.
Port /dev/cu.usbserial-A50285BI, 15:51:55
Press CTRL-A Z for help on special keys
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300.30F
0300: 82 00 00 00 00 80 02 C3
0308: 84 00 00 00 00 00 00 90
Worked first time!
Ross Kelly (verified owner) –
As a hobbyist-level solderer, the Briel Computers Replica 1 Plus kit was a challenging but rewarding project. The Setup and Users Manual on the Reactive Micro Wiki provides everything needed to successfully assemble the Replica 1. The manual is beginner-friendly and covers reading resistor values, component orientation, and the function of each part. It also includes useful background on the Apple I’s history, design, and programming.
Reactive Micro ships the components individually labeled, which makes identification straightforward. A few of the parts, such as the PS/2 adapter, are fragile, and the leads may need to be carefully adjusted with pliers to fit the board. Spares for some of these less common components are not typically on hand.
Seeing the classic Apple I “@” prompt appear on the TV after assembly was a satisfying result. Beginners, like myself, who might be concerned about the number of components should work carefully and follow the instructions without rushing. The kit makes for a worthwhile weekend project.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in building a working Apple I replica!