The Hayes Micromodem II, released in 1980, was an expansion card modem designed specifically for the Apple II series computers. Building on the success of the original Micromodem 100, it brought 300 baud data communications to the popular Apple platform, enabling early online access for hobbyists, educators, and businesses. In the MicroBasement, it exemplifies how modems expanded personal computing capabilities. This write-up covers Hayes history, the Micromodem II details, Apple II popularity, software used, and legacy.
Hayes Microcomputer Products was founded in 1977 by Dennis C. Hayes and Dale Heatherington in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting in a garage, they aimed to create affordable modems for the emerging microcomputer market. Hayes became synonymous with "Smartmodems," introducing the AT command set for software control. At its peak in the 1990s, Hayes dominated with 50%+ market share, but bankruptcy in 1999 followed the shift to broadband. The brand was revived through acquisitions, influencing modem standards still used today.
The Micromodem II was a 300 baud, direct-connect modem card that plugged into an Apple II peripheral slot. Priced at $345, it featured built-in intelligence for dialing, answering, and auto-dialing, eliminating the need for acoustic couplers. It included an RS-232 interface, on-board ROM with terminal software, and support for Bell 103 protocol. The card allowed full-duplex communication, making it ideal for remote terminal access and early BBS use. It was Hayes' first platform-specific product, tailored for the Apple II's 6502 processor and slot architecture.
The Apple II, launched in 1977 by Apple Computer, was one of the most popular early personal computers, selling over 6 million units by 1993. Designed by Steve Wozniak, it featured color graphics, sound, and an open architecture with 8 expansion slots, fostering a vast ecosystem of peripherals like the Micromodem II. The Apple II revolutionized education (Logo programming), gaming (Oregon Trail), and business (VisiCalc spreadsheet). Its popularity made it a prime target for accessories, with millions of users worldwide by the early 1980s.
The Micromodem II came with Hayes Terminal software in ROM, providing basic dialing and communication functions. For advanced use, popular programs included:
Software handled dialing, baud rate, and protocols like XMODEM, often loaded from floppy disk.
The Micromodem II brought modem technology to the Apple II masses, enabling early online communities and data exchange. It solidified Hayes' reputation for "smart" modems, leading to the external Smartmodem line. The Apple II's popularity amplified its impact, with millions experiencing modems for the first time. In the MicroBasement, it highlights how peripherals like this expanded the Apple II's utility, influencing the personal computing revolution.