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Southwest Novation Apple Cat II Modem: $500

Covers: Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico
wperko

wperko

Experienced Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2007
Messages
407
Delivery Options
In Country Shipping or Local Pickup
Hi,

I'm cleaning out a few vintage things;

AppleCat Novation Modem $500

Should still be working since it worked last time I used it years ago, then stuck it into an anti-static bag for storage.

Still, it's being sold as is. I don't have a way to test it now. Make an offer ...

Outside the USA think about adding another $75 for shipping.
 

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maxfli said:
What programs would be used with this modem?
Click to expand...

Hi,

Back in the day there were several communications programs. I think ProComm was what I used back then, but there must have been at least a dozen. Most of the modem manufacturers included software to use their modems.


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Megaterm and CatFur were the best programs to use with the Applecat. Just an FYI, when they show up on eBay they go for $60.00 to $80.00
 
BCD said:
Megaterm and CatFur were the best programs to use with the Applecat. Just an FYI, when they show up on eBay they go for $60.00 to $80.00
Click to expand...

Hi, When I posted this, the Novation Apple Cat II modem on eBay was listed over $700.


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I dunno I have 3 of these. They are just 300 baud modems. I see them sell all the times Sans breakout cable for $25 to $50 all the time. Listing prices on ebay dont mean anything.. Only sold prices.
 
Hmm, one sold for $202 in December, and that seems to have been mainly because there were (just) two bidders in a bidding war over it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115987492098 "Original box and manuals" -- perhaps the box added significant value?
Seems more like a must-have for someone more than a representative price. $100-plus-a-little-something seems more likely to be the "going rate". $700, or $500, seems pretty over-the-top. But I'm not an Apple guy so whottaiknow :-}.
 
I wish they made some easy device so you can use these old modems similar to a wifi modem.. but ad is they are useless. I throw95% of them away since there is no way i can use them..
 
VERAULT said:
I wish they made some easy device so you can use these old modems similar to a wifi modem.. but ad is they are useless. I throw95% of them away since there is no way i can use them..
Click to expand...

You could have a go yourself, and you wouldn't have to start from Square 1 if you're happy with something as slow as 300 or 1200 bps. Here are some projects I found that would help you start:

RasPi:
github.com

GitHub - amedes/pico_tnc: TNC for Raspberry Pi Pico

TNC for Raspberry Pi Pico. Contribute to amedes/pico_tnc development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com github.com

Arduino:
github.com

GitHub - cstroie/Arabell300: Old school Arduino modem, Bell 103 compatible, at 300 baud

Old school Arduino modem, Bell 103 compatible, at 300 baud - cstroie/Arabell300
github.com github.com

SoftModem - Arduino Reference

The Arduino programming language Reference, organized into Functions, Variable and Constant, and Structure keywords.
www.arduino.cc www.arduino.cc
github.com

GitHub - arms22/SoftModem: Audio Jack Modem Library for Arduino

Audio Jack Modem Library for Arduino. Contribute to arms22/SoftModem development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com github.com
github.com

GitHub - supersat/ArduinoModem: A fully functional modem implemented entirely on an Arduino

A fully functional modem implemented entirely on an Arduino - supersat/ArduinoModem
github.com github.com

Lin/Win/Mac/etc.:
github.com

GitHub - kamalmostafa/minimodem: general-purpose software audio FSK modem

general-purpose software audio FSK modem. Contribute to kamalmostafa/minimodem development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com github.com

Standalone:
unsigned.io

OpenModem

OpenModem page at unsigned.io
unsigned.io unsigned.io
 
I have an Apple-CAT II in storage somewhere. Stupid-expensive in the day, but had a lot of features no other had, like BSR (X10) control. It would only do 1200baud when connected to another Apple-CAT II, which there were few of. There was either a ROM upgrade or an expansion card that made it compatible with standard (Hayes) modems. I did not have that, but did get the expansion pack for the BSR capability. It came with its own Com-Ware software, and you could get custom BBS software from other vendors. I ran a BBS with one of the custom packages that was called CAT...'something'.
 
VERAULT said:
I wish they made some easy device so you can use these old modems similar to a wifi modem.. but ad is they are useless. I throw95% of them away since there is no way i can use them..
Click to expand...
Well, if you don't mind the traditional POTS hookup there are a range of solutions for local connectivity that range from a little gamesmanship with a few wires and batteries (search on "telephone line audio interface circuits") through a Telephone Line Simulator (for example https://www.ebay.com/itm/145629349128) to an analog-capable PBX (for example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/295713689686).

If you want to go off-premises then it's a crapshoot depending principally on the intercession of VOIP between the two circuit endpoints; general discussion:
https://www.reddit.com/r/retrobattlestations/comments/gp7wt0/modems_and_the_dreaded_voip_explanation_and_fixes
If you can get a FAX to work between those endpoints then a modem at-or-below that speed should also work. You'll need to use a VoIP POTS adapter at each end if your WAN interface ("modem") doesn't include an analog port; example experience: https://area-51.blog/2021/01/16/getting-a-dial-up-modem-working-with-voip/

I read that multiple TELCOs in the US have recently petitioned the FCC to permanently turn off their copper line POTS; customers will have to switch to either an internet VOIP connection or use a cell phone service. Fly-in-the-ointment is the loss of emergency power/service provided by POTS; when area power goes down so will your VIOP connection after a modest battery-backed interval on the repeaters/etc. Progress ... of a sort.
 
Where I live, POTS is exactly that--you can pay Century Link $60/month for POTS, but the copper goes to a fiber box doing VoIP. Worse, CL went from buried cable to a pole mounted feed. Oh, and cell coverage here is really crappy.
Technology marches on...
 
I still have a POTS line. We plug in the old princess phone when there is a power outage and then plug the cordless phone back in when the power comes back on. Upstate New York, Catskills. But not too may dial-up services anymore to play with modems. I did play with modems and faxes about three or four years ago and it all still worked. But that could change any time now. I've been thinking of setting up a personal dial up setup for fun when the the POTS line finally go belly up. But so far haven't pursued it. I'll check some of those links above.

Seaken
 
VERAULT said:
I wish they made some easy device so you can use these old modems similar to a wifi modem.. but ad is they are useless. I throw95% of them away since there is no way i can use them..
Click to expand...
Hi,

I have my 1976 CBBS BBS up 'n running 24/7 and it's limited to connections between 60 BAUD and 600 BAUD ... best is 300 BAUD ... works great. 305-515-9858

There is no need and there are no plans to go faster ... it's a true vintage experience.


.
 
VERAULT said:
60 baud is a thing? I am only familiar with TTY over 75 baud (thats as slow as we went in the NAVY)
Click to expand...
60 baud isn't a thing. 75 baud (100 wpm) is, and then 50 baud (66 wpm). Even 45.45 baud (60 wpm) but you'd have to build your own baud rate generator as that wasn't supported by the common ICs (AY-5-8116, COM8116, HD-4702); it's really a mechanical-era-only speed.
 
I would be interested in the item, does it come with a box or only whats shown in the picture.

i had one years ago back when phone phreaking was a thing, the cats meow made that possible.
 
Last edited:
lord_saker said:
I would be interested in the item, does it come with a box or only whats shown in the picture.

i had one years ago back when phone phreaking was a thing, the cats meow made that possible.
Click to expand...

Hi,

The photo is all I have left. I used that modem for a long time ... I do know one of the power supplies works, the other died on me hence having the 2nd one, but I saved the first since it can be repaired.

IF you want it, email me direct with your shipping address (in the USA) or add another $10 for shipping in Canada my email/PayPal is: wperko at brainless dot org


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pbirkel@gmail.com said:
60 baud isn't a thing. 75 baud (100 wpm) is, and then 50 baud (66 wpm). Even 45.45 baud (60 wpm) but you'd have to build your own baud rate generator as that wasn't supported by the common ICs (AY-5-8116, COM8116, HD-4702); it's really a mechanical-era-only speed.
Click to expand...

Hi,

60 BAUD is a thing, just not common to the general public. The specs for my modem are listed to operate from 60 BAUD to 600 BAUD ...


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