Memory Memory

Posted on May 6, 2021 by vanbraman

Tonight I ran across an item that brought back a memory memory.16K Ram Expansion, JDR Microdevices, Apple II, Apple, memory, memory cardThis was the users manual that came with my first every memory upgrade.

Yes, you read this right. It was for a 16K RAM Expansion Card. This took my computer from 48K to 64K of RAM.

The expansion card came from JDR Microdevices.

16K Ram Expansion, JDR Microdevices, Apple II, Apple, memory, memory cardHere you see the System Requirements. I met the requirements with my 48K Apple II Plus.

This memory upgrade allowed for bank switching of memory so that more of the addressable memory could be used for RAM during normal operation.

16K Ram Expansion, JDR Microdevices, Apple II, Apple, memory, memory cardI first had to find the Apple II Motherboard and the card slots. Remember, this was one of the first home computers so this was new knowledge.

16K Ram Expansion, JDR Microdevices, Apple II, Apple, memory, memory cardThen I had to find a chip at Location 3E on the Memory Array and carefully remove it. The instructions had you use a small screwdriver to carefully pry up both ends. There were very detailed instructions on how to find the chip and remove it.

16K Ram Expansion, JDR Microdevices, Apple II, Apple, memory, memory card I then had to attach a cable where I removed the Memory IC. The other end of the cable and the Memory IC were plugged into the Expansion Card.

The card was then plugged into slot zero.

16K Ram Expansion, JDR Microdevices, Apple II, Apple, memory, memory cardMy old Apple II+ is long gone, but I did find a picture of the card on ebay.

I don’t remember how much I paid for the 16K expansion card, but I know it was more that $100.

A lot of memories as I think back to doing this when I was a teenager. I have a lot of memories of my Apple II+. I used it through college and it wasn’t until about a year after graduation that I finally bought a more powerful computer. The Apple II+ was handed down and was used for many more years by my younger siblings. The 12 inch green monochrome monitor was then used for an even longer time in a sound booth at a church in Jefferson City, Missouri.

A memory expansion card user manual can sure bring back a lot of memories.

Steven

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My Guacamole on Cinco de Mayo

Posted on May 5, 2021 by vanbraman

Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, so I thought I would have some guacamole and chips to celebrate.

Cinco de Mayo - Battle of Puebla - Mexico vs. France - May 5, 1862Since I am having guacamole I decided to rewrite part of a previous post about how I make guacamole.

I decided that tonight I would made some guacamole the way that I like it. I also still had some sour cream that I needed to use so it was a good plan.

Guacamole, avocado, pepper, garlic salt, sour cream, salsa, olive oilI guess that I have been watching too many cooking shows as I decided that I needed to put together my mise en place. For my guacamole I need sour cream, garlic salt, olive oil, fresh ground pepper, salsa and an avocado.

There is some debate as to whether guacamole should include sour cream, but there are some regions in Mexico that do. Plus, this is guacamole the way I like it and I include it.

Plus, no fresh tomatoes for me. This is guacamole the way I like it.

Guacamole, avocado, pepper, garlic salt, sour cream, salsa, olive oilI started by mashing up the avocado with a fork. Since this is guacamole the way I like it, I mashed it up pretty good.

Guacamole, avocado, pepper, garlic salt, sour cream, salsa, olive oilNext I add the sour cream, garlic salt and pepper.

Guacamole, avocado, pepper, garlic salt, sour cream, salsa, olive oilHere I have mixed up the first set of ingredients. I may not mix it all the way as you can still see some sour cream. There is more mixing to come 🙂

Guacamole, avocado, pepper, garlic salt, sour cream, salsa, olive oilAfter adding the olive oil and salsa I give it a last stir and then it is time for tasting. At this point I may add a bit more pepper or garlic salt. Also, if I am not going to use all of it in one sitting I may add some lemon juice.

However, I usually buy smaller avocados so will often eat all of it in one sitting, and if not I can add some lemon juice to what is left before putting it in the cold box.

What do you like in your guacamole?

Steven

 

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