Help identifying Mac

[CollectingApple]

Hello!

I recently acquired what I was told was a 128k Mac, the box has labels saying 512k. It didn’t come with the accessory box, it boots up but shows a question mark floppy disc icon, I don’t have any floppy’s either.

what would be the best way to easily identify what I have?

I don’t know much about vintage Mac hardware more of a softgoods collector so any help would be appreciated!

thanks,

nick
@CollectingApple

 

[eric]

There was some good discussion here https://tinkerdifferent.com/threads/is-this-a-512ke.4424/

Does it have a SCSI port on the back (then it's been upgraded to a Plus) - open it up, what type of floppy drive does it have? What are the markings on the RAM chips.

If you can get a 400k boot floppy that'd be another option (though if it is a 400k drive from a 128k it'll likely need to be serviced)

 

[JeffC]

Based on the partial pic of the rear case it's not a Plus, the audio-out jack is on the wrong side, and you should be able to see part of the SCSI connector if it were a Plus.

You can decode the serial number under the front lip, there are some online decoders. That would tell you what model it started life as. Even if it was originally a 128k, many were upgraded to a 512k or 512ke either via a logic board swap, or a modification to the 128k logic board.

If you have the long-handle torx driver necessary to open it that is the easiest way to check. If the floppy is an 800k drive there is a small metal tang visible through the floppy slot that is not present on the 400k drives. If it has an 800k drive that means it has been upgraded to a 512ke.

Edit: spelling

Edit #2: based on @JDW reply in another thread, an 800k drive will work in a 128k (but only read/write 400k floppies), so the presence of an 800k drive is not a guarantee the machine has been upgraded to a 512ke, but is a strong clue.

 

[JDW]

Nick, I just wanted to say that I really like your Avatar. Simple, clean, and clearly describes what most of us love to do in this hobby.

Welcome to TinkerDifferent!