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). The AppleLine is not itself a modem, as it does not modulate or demodulate any signal.

With AppleLine installed between the computer and the mainframe, a 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-key "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", 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. File transfers on the Macintosh can be accomplished via AppleLine 3270 File Transfer.

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.