Project: CFFA for Apple 1 Clones

Project Introduction:

In this project I took the main functionality of the original CFFA for Apple II and ported it to the Apple1. I added 32KB of SRAM (for non-Replica1's) so you can run Woz Basic and provided a file menu system that can read ProDOS formatted CF cards so you can move files between your Apple II and Apple1.

CFFA1 Status: Aug 18, 2022:

I have started accepting orders for the CFFA1 run #3 . Currently the inventory level is set to 50 units because I have received 50 from the assembler. The price is US$150. Please limit your order to 2 units per customer at least for the initial batch of 50. I am trying to build 180 units in the this run. But some parts are very hard to find, like the CF socket. And when found they are often corroded and unuseable. Please allow several weeks for delivery, and if overseas it can take 4 to 6 weeks for shipment. Example: It often takes 5 weeks for shipments to reach customers in Germany!

CFFA1 Status: July 6, 2022:

Okay, this update is crazy overdue. Sorry for keeping everyone in the dark. I finally found an assembler and have boards being build. I have some back for testing and will be getting more in several weeks. Once I have progammed and tested a reasonable sized batch, I will put them into my shop. At this point I will understand if no one believes me, about anything. I have been dealing this some personal stuff, and the idea of hand soldering a couple hundred PCBs was not realistic. I will post here again when I have boards to sell. Thank you. -Rich

CFFA1 Status: Mar 25, 2021:

Quick update: I am not yet ready to accept orders. I have been traveling for work for most of the last 6 weeks, and still have several more weeks left to go. I would estimate it will be late April before I can open for orders. I am sorry for yet another delay, but my day job is what keeps the lights on.

CFFA1 Status: Feb 6, 2021:

Sorry for the long delay since last update...
I finally got a complete set up good boards. I wonder if Advanced Circuits really wants small orders any longer. I am still in the process of building boards. For some reason I decided to hand assemble this batch of boards, but I can see that was a mistake. So as I look for an assembler, if you know of an inexpensive US-based assembler, please let me know. I will build boards by hand as I have time. I have only assembled 6 so far. Once I have about 12 ready, I will open up my order site. Please don't worry about getting a board, there will be plenty of supply. Last batch took 6 years to sell out. The price will be US$150, with a limit of 2 per person and address. Later I will open up for repeat orders depending on demand.

CFFA1 Status: Dec 16, 2020:

Advanced Circuits has inspected all of the PCBs that I returned and has decided to replace all of them. They will have new boards sent by Dec 21st.

CFFA1 Status: Dec 10, 2020:

After inspecting the PCBs visually I have found that at least 20% of them are bad. With solder plating metal all over the PCB in places it should not be. Some have many shorted pads and some have little plating at all. I am shipping back all of the boards back to Advanced Circuits on Friday, at their expense, for inspection and replacement.


CF for Apple1
This is an example of a hand-soldered CFFA1 board from the first batch of production PCBs. Replica 1 TE users can now plug the CFFA1 directly into their Replica1, as this version now integrates the standard 44 pin edge connector. Older Replica1 owners will need the slot expander. Apple1 and Mimeo 1 users can plug my CFFA1 card directly into their hardware.

Below is a sample of the menu generated by the current firmware. The firmware allows reading and writing ProDOS formatted CF cards. You can move files between your Apple // CFFA or CiderPress to transfer programs to and from the Internet. There is also a simple API system somewhat like ProDOS's MLI for interfacing to the underlying code. Keep in mind that this is NOT ProDOS or even an operating system, just a menu system with all the needed code to read and write the prodos file system on the CF card. It also automatically handles reading and writing Apple 1 basic files including the zero-page range.


9000R
9000: 4C

 CFFA1 MENU (1.0)
 ----------
 C - CATALOG      P - PREFIX
 L - LOAD         N - NEW DIRECTORY
 S - SAVE (BASIC) W - WRITE FILE
 R - RENAME       D - DELETE
^F - FORMAT       T - TERSE
 B - READ BLOCK   M - MEMORY DISPLAY
 Q - QUIT

CFFA1>

Currently the Menu firmware has a few limitations, including a single level of directories, and access to only the first drive or partition on a CF card. It is possible that these limitations will be removed at some future time.


CFFA Project Definition

CFFA1 Project Specification

  • A CompactFlash Interface for Apple1 computer and its replicas and clones
  • Support for up to 32 MB (1 drive) using the ProDOS file system. Firmware developed by Dave Lyons
  • Onboard 8K EEPROM contains operating menu and allows for user updates
  • 32KB of expasion SRAM allows running basic on Apple1's and Obtronix clone
  • Built in Menu system provides access to ProDOS formatted CF cards, from your Apple II or CiderPress
  • NOT currently compatible with A-ONE Apple1 replica

CFFA1 Run #1 Product Features Notes
Similar form factor to Apple1 Cassette interface. CFFA1 is slight wider and taller Only one CFFA1 can be used in the system at once. "T" memory select line must be mapped to $A000 on Apple1.
32KB of additional SRAM is built on CFFA1 card. Systems with additional SRAM already built in, like the Replica1, can disable or partially disable the additional SRAM.
Cost: US$109.95 + shipping Does NOT include CF memory card.
8K EEPROM holds Menu driven system capable of reading, writing, and formatting ProDOS formatted CF cards. Load and Save Woz Basic programs is a snap!


CFFA1 Downloads

Project Downloads

Entire Project

Individual Parts

Project Schematic

Third Party software


CFFA Reference Materials

Reference Materials

Useful Specifications:

Tools and Misc. Links

Note: "Apple Disk Manager" which comes with Oasis, provides a very easy way to manipulate Apple II diskette image files on your PC. A must have for this project.

Other Inspiring projects:


CFFA Status History

Status History

Here is a chronological summary of the project status:

CFFA1 Status: Dec 8, 2020:

The PCBs and parts have arrived. Now I will need to build a couple boards and verify everything works. Once I know the test boards work, I will update my site and send out emails to all those who expressed an interest. This will happen sometime in Jan 2021 if all goes well.

CFFA1 Status: Nov 14, 2020:

Last week I ordered a batch of CFFA1 PCB. These are the same design as the previous CFFA1 boards from way back in 2011. These will take about 5 weeks to be received. Then I will build a couple prototypes, test and verify they work. I will post an update after that. My current plan is to hand assemble this batch PCBs because the batch size is too small to make machine assembly cost effective. Hope I don't regret this decision!

CFFA1 Status: August 16, 2020:

This soonest I will have CFFA1 boards available is near the end of 2020. There have been too many interruptions and delays due to the pandemic so the end of summer is no longer possible. Sorry about the delay.

CFFA1 Status: February 19, 2020:

I am planning to build another batch of 100 CFFA1s for late summer or fall of 2020. I was able to find a source of CF sockets and it appears that the rest of the components are still available. I have not done the cost analysis yet so I can't say what the final sale price will be yet. When I know more I will post an update here.

March 23, 2013:

The CFFA1 for Apple1 / Replica1 / Mimeo1 is now available to order. I have built 200 boards and have them in stock. The cost is US$109.95 + shipping.

Feb 19, 2013:

I have just shipped all of the parts for 200 CFFA1 boards to the assembly company in California! It will take about 5 weeks assemble the boards and get them shipped back to me. In the next week or so, I will open up the order site for pre-orders. I believe I have built many more units than the current demand. So anyone who wants a CFFA1 should be able to buy one. I would be able to start shipping orders by early April. The units will ship with a minor firmware update to v1.1 which adds support for the Replica1's Multi I/O board's ACIA. Also in development right now for v2.0 is FAT16 support, making file tranfers to and from your PC or Mac much easier. -Rich.

Jan 2, 2013:

I have now ordered all of the parts for a batch of 200 CFFA1 boards! Once these parts arrive and I can build up a couple test PCBs I will send everything to the assembler for assembly. I am hoping to have boards to sell by early March.

Dec 4, 2012:

It has been a long time since I updated the status for this project. There is finally enough demand to merit making another run of CFFA1 boards! I have order the production of another batch of PCB for run #2. I am also in the process of buying parts and will update this page again once I have sent all of the parts to the assembler. This process could take several months.

July 13, 2011:

I will be making another run of CFFA1 boards after the CFFA3000 project is up and selling.

July 14, 2010:

After 3 years the first run of 100 CFFA1s has finally sold out. There were about 5 or 6 boards that never worked and I kept a couple for myself. So approximately 90 boards were sold. This was obviously not a high demand item, but I was happy to make something for the Apple 1. If there is enough interest in another batch I would consider it. Please let me know you are insterested in a second run by sending me an email using the following link: Send E-mail.

July 6, 2008:

I have reduced the price of the CFFA1 boards for the Apple 1 computer. Futhure saving can be found at Briel computers when you buy a CFFA1 card from them in combination with a Replica 1 computer.

Oct 22, 2007:

I will be showing off the CFFA1 interface card for the Apple1 again this year at VCF X on Nov 3 and 4, 2007. Stop by and say hello if you can make it to the show.

June 1, 2007:

All paid order for CFFA1 boards have been shipped on June1. Included with the CFFA board is a CD with a copy of the manual in PDF format. Also on the disk is a copy of Woz's old Apple1 basic and two games: LUNAR and basic games STARTREK. I appreciate everyones patience with me getting this project done.

May 25, 2007:

I am on plan to ship all the current CFFA1 orders by June 1. I have programmed the CPLD logic and EEPROM firmware into 23 units and I am putting the final touches on the manual. The manual for the CFFA1 will only be available in pdf format. If you need a different format, contact me via email and I will try to accommodate you. I will be including a CDROM with your CFFA1 that will have the manual on it.

May 6, 2007:

Feedback from two testers of the production lot has been good.
Progress on the manual and final release version of firmware is going slower than planned. The API interface has been added to the firmware, but still needs to be documented. I have revised my ship date to be June 1, 2007. This board has been 30 years in the making so I hope everyone can be patient for a few more weeks.

April 20, 2007:

I have received the assembled CFFA boards!!!
I have tested a couple random boards and they appear to be working fine. More testing needs to be done, and I have to finish the manual and get the 1.0 release of the firmware ready.

March 24, 2007:

I have just begun accepting pre-orders for the CFFA1 interface card. I soonest I would see cards back from the assembler is about 3 weeks from today. This will translate into about 4 to 6 weeks before customers start receiving orders.

March 19, 2007:

All of the parts and PCBs have been shipped to the Assembler. The assembly process will take about 3 weeks to finish including shipping back and forth. Assuming nothing is lost in shipping, I shold have a batch of 100 CFFA1's to sell in about 4 weeks. Pre-ordering will begin in a couple days. I just need to finish up the web site first. If you contact me about this project you will be contacted via email as soon as I am ready.

March 11, 2007:

Well, all of the production PCBs have arrived and most of the other parts too. I have built one board from the production lot and it seems to be working great. I still have a couple more tests to run. If all goes well, I will be shipping all of the parts off to FlexOne next week sometime. Once they are in the mail, I will open up for pre-orders of the CFFA for Apple1. The run of boards will be a total of 100 boards. As always, some boards will be bad, and I will keep a couple, so I expect to have about 90 boards available to sell.

Feb 16, 2007:

I have just ordered a batch of 100 PCBs for the CFFA1 project. I will be ordering all of the other parts next week and in about two more weeks I should have all the part needed. I will then be sending all of the parts and PCBs to FlexOne for assembly. Once I get my order site up and running I will send out an email to announce that I am accepting pre-orders.


CFFA1 Order Status

CFFA1 Run 3: Order Status


CFFA Device Compatibility List

Device Compatibility List

Hello CFFA1 Customer,
Using the order number I have sent you, this page will allow you to follow my progress in filling your order.
Find your Order Number in the list and there you will find one of the following status updates:

Order Received
Payment Received - Shipping Sequence number assigned.
Order Shipped

Boards are shipped in the order that payments are received.
If you see a problem with the information I have by your order number, please contact me via email.

Please keep in mind, that I update this page manually and I am often behind on updates. If your status shows, "Order Received" then I have not received your payment and I am waiting until I do, before I assign a shipping sequence number.

Last Update: Mar 12, 2024

Order
Number:
Location: Shipping
Sequence:
Order Status:
R651982576 Tokorozawa, Japan 001, 002 Order Shipped: August 30, 2022
R113773033 HERMOSA BEACH, CA 003, 004 Order Shipped: August 30, 2022
R522171457 FAIRFIELD, CA 005, 006 Order Shipped: August 30, 2022
R636567651 MUNICH, GERMANY 007, 008 Order Shipped: August 30, 2022
R653470067 CORK, IRELAND 009 Order Shipped: August 30, 2022
R021724899 REDMOND WA 010 Order Shipped: August 30 2022
R269240344 BOISE, UT 011 Order Shipped: August 30, 2022
R997473914 SAN JOSE, CA 012, 013, (014) Order Shipped: Sept 12, 2022
R488432478 Geelong, VIC, Australia 015 Order Shipped: Sept 12, 2022
R278990384 ROSEVILLE, MN 016 Order Shipped: Sept 26, 2022
R702213509 St. Paul, MN 017 Order Shipped: Oct 31, 2022
R027013106 Jacksonville, AL 018 Order Shipped: Nov 15, 2022
R395465031 Saint Paul, MN 019 Order shipped: Dec 23, 2022
R547395779 San Jose, CA 020 Order shipped: Dec 23, 2022
R707397249 DRAPER, UT 022 Order shipped: Jan 23, 2023
R570843000 Singapore, Singapore 021 Order shipped: Feb 28, 2023
R309464468 Woodland, WA 023 Order shipped: Feb 28, 2023
R616594954 Tatebayashi-shi, JAPAN 024 Order shipped: April 1, 2023
R413185988 FRESNO, CA 026 Order shipped: May 1, 2023
R190631231 Atwood, KS 027 Order shipped: July 5, 2023
R471851734 Bremerton, WA 028-032 Order shipped: July 6, 2023
R010769850 GENEVA, NY 033 Order shipped: July 18, 2023
R420642889 GUELPH ON, CANADA 034 Order shipped: August 7, 2023
R704524522 Tokorozawa, Japan 035-037 Order shipped: August 7, 2023
R299067161 San Jose, CA 038-042 Order shipped: August 8, 2023
R194825268 ANGLE VALE, AUSTRALIA 043 Order shipped: Nov 13, 2023
R--- --- 045,046,047 Order shipped: Mar 10, 2024


CFFA1 FAQ

FAQ

Q: Are you taking orders?
A: No. Run #3 of CFFA1 is being built.
Q: Will the CFFA1 work with Briel Computers' Replica1 and Mike Willegal's Mimeo1?
A: Yes. This board will plug directly into the Replica1 TE and the Mimeo 1. If you are using the older Replica1 SE, you will need one of the three slot expansion slot boards.
Q: Does the CFFA1 support IDE harddrives, like the old CFFA for AppleII cards did?
No! It is only a CF card interface.