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TRACKSTAR PLUS
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The Trackstar Plus is basically a Trackstar E, with added features.
Sporting 128 kB of RAM and a 65C02 processor, it's essentially a clone of the
enhanced Apple IIe. It does not support MouseText by default, requiring an
updated EPROM to add compatibility. Conveniently, this model's operating
software can be run from a hard drive instead of requiring the original floppy
disk.
Unlike the other Trackstar models, the Plus offers a special 2 MHz accelerated
mode. Also, while the Plus was specifically designed and marketed to work with
the IBM PS/2 Model 25 and 30, it is a standard full-length ISA card compatible
with average PCs.
The biggest and most exciting improvement over the previous Trackstar models
is, in my opinion, the introduction of “Trackstore” floppy disk images,
and ProDOS virtual hard drives. That's right: the Trackstar Plus (and the Trackstar
E) can copy physical floppy disks to image files stored on your PC, to quickly
and easily use your favorite programs without needing their original disks
handy! As well, ProDOS virtual hard drives may be created and used, up to 10 MB
in size. It was an amazing innovation!
The Trackstar Plus can optionally connect to the PC's 5¼” 360 kB floppy
drive in order to read and write Apple II floppy disks. However it is also
capable of interfacing with an authentic Apple Disk II floppy drive. The
latter method is highly recommended as the standard PC drives offer limited
support for Apple II disks.
The Plus outputs video directly to your PC's VGA monitor. A custom cable “intercepts”
your PC's video, which is then output by the Trackstar itself. The Apple II
sound, meanwhile, is routed through your PC Speaker.
Trackstar Plus PCB photos (click to enlarge)
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