The Apple-Cat II Modem: Features, History, and Software

Explore the history and capabilities of the Apple-Cat II modem in this 44-minute talk by Paul Hagstrom from KansasFest/A24eVR 2024. Discover why this modem stood out during the 300/1200 baud era, offering affordable 1200 baud half-duplex ("202") communication when full-duplex ("212") options were too expensive for home users. Learn about its impressive additional features including X-10 appliance control, arbitrary tone generation for touch-tone dialing and 2600Hz whistling, touch-tone recognition, RS232 serial port expansion, handset connectivity, and voice call recording capabilities. Follow along as Hagstrom demonstrates key functions, explores the modem's historical significance, explains the technical aspects of rate switching, and shares personal experiences with BBS drivers and Cat-Fur modifications he developed in the 1980s. The talk includes a bonus short video showing a Cat-Fur transfer and other demonstrations that weren't included in the main presentation.