AppleLine

The AppleLine (Apple Model No. A9M0307, Part No. 661-75203) is a "protocol converter" that permits an Apple personal computer (such as a Macintosh or the Apple Lisa) to connect to an IBM mainframe, either directly, or remotely through the use of a pair of asynchronous modems (such as Apple Modems). When installed, the user may at any time enter a special IBM terminal emulation mode, which allows the Apple computer to behave like an IBM 3278-Model 2 Terminal (3278-2), with either a 75 or 87 "typewriter-style" keyboard, connected to an IBM 3274 or 3276 Control Unit (or to an Apple Cluster Controller that behaves like one). According to the manual's introduction, a user may, with the "proper software" (AppleLine 3270 File Transfer on the Macintosh), transfer data between their Apple personal computer and the IBM mainframe. Otherwise, they may execute commands as though they were operating a normal "dumb" terminal.

From the Apple Computer: Apple Cluster Controller and Appleline Sales Reference Guide: "Appleline is installed at a controller site via a direct coaxial cable connection to an IBM 3274, 3276, or integral terminal controller with Type 'A' adapters. [...] The Apple computer communicating with the 3274 controller via the Appleline can be either remotely attached to the Appleline using a full-duplex modem or directly attached to Appleline by an RS-232 cable."

The AppleLine was introduced in 1985 as a part of "The Macintosh Office". It retailed for US$1,295.00. It is operated using one of the following software packages: LisaTerminal on the Apple Lisa, MacTerminal on the Macintosh, Access // on the Apple II, or Access 3270 (and/or Access ///) on the Apple III.

When first turned on, the AppleLine will perform a brief self-test, indicated by all three of its LEDs (red, green, and yellow) illuminating and blinking together. Once the self-test has completed, the red LED will go out, afterwhich the green and yellow LEDs will blink alternately.

The AppleLine has a built-in "supervisor" program. The default login password for this program is: APPLES.