Apple III: Next Step, Mass Storage

The ProFile was Apple’s first external hard drive and was developed for the business-class Apple III line. After the failure of the Apple III to catch on, Apple re-released the ProFile in 5 and 10 megabyte versions for their next big business flop, the Apple Lisa.

ProFile 5MB Hard Drive

ProFile 5MB Hard Drive

Given the outlandish prices Apple III hardware and software fetch on eBay these days, I was quite happy to snatch up this ProFile I/O controller for a song – well, okay, the Buy It Now was $19.99.  I’ve had a 5MB ProFile drive in storage for quite some time now, as I didn’t have a matching controller, so I was looking forward to firing it up.   Unfortunately, I discovered I’ve misplaced (or perhaps never had in the first place), the cable to connect the drive.

ProFile Controller Card

ProFile Controller Card

Based on the information in this Apple tech note, I think I can use a “standard” parallel cable, but I’ll need one with male DB-25 connectors at each end.  There are plenty of places online that will sell me one for cheap, but sometimes I prefer the friendly face-to-face service (and occasional comical expression when I explain what I want) I get from my local custom cable place.  They’ve always been great in the past, so I’ll pay them a visit tomorrow…

As you can see, this particular unit isn’t in very good cosmetic condition: improper case reassembly has resulted in stress cracks, and the oxidation on the metal components leads me to believe it was stored somewhere humid for a time before I got it.  Additionally, the “silvering” has worn off the badges.   The important thing, though is whether it works, and though I can’t yet plug it in to my Apple III for testing, it at least powers up successfully and I can hear the massive 5.25″ Seagate ST-506 drive chugging away inside.

Stress Cracks

Stress Cracks

Corrosion

Corrosion

Worn badges

Worn badges

2 thoughts on “Apple III: Next Step, Mass Storage

  1. Mike Post author

    I did indeed, David, but thanks for providing the link and info! And thanks for all your hard work on ADTPro.

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