Apple 590-0565-A LocalTalk Adapter 8-Pin to Dual 3-Pin Mini DIN Network

Apple 590-0565-A LocalTalk Adapter 8-Pin to Dual 3-Pin Mini DIN Network

The Apple 590-0565-A is a LocalTalk network adapter that connects an Apple computer's 8-pin DIN serial port to a LocalTalk network via two 3-pin Mini DIN female ports. It serves as the hardware interface between the Mac's built-in RS-422 serial port and the LocalTalk cabling system, allowing peer-to-peer file sharing and printer access over Apple's proprietary network standard.

Specifications & What's Included

• Part Number: Apple 590-0565-A
• Host Connector: 8-pin DIN male (attaches to Mac serial/printer port)
• Network Connectors: Dual 3-pin Mini DIN female (for LocalTalk cable daisy-chain)
• Network Type: LocalTalk (RS-422 serial)
• Form Factor: Compact external adapter with attached cable
• Housing: Beige ABS plastic with molded Apple logo on top
• Included: Adapter only — no LocalTalk serial cable included
• Note: Two adapters and one 3-pin Mini DIN serial cable required per point-to-point connection

Applications

LocalTalk was Apple's built-in low-speed networking standard, introduced in 1984 alongside the original Macintosh. It ran at 230.4 Kbps over shielded twisted-pair RS-422 serial cabling and was included at no extra cost in every Mac — a significant advantage over competing network options of the era. The 590-0565-A adapter was used to connect Macintosh computers (and compatible Apple II GS systems) to LocalTalk networks for file sharing, printer sharing (particularly with the LaserWriter), and basic peer-to-peer communication. Two of these adapters — one at each computer — plus a 3-pin Mini DIN serial cable between them formed a complete two-node LocalTalk link. Larger networks used a daisy-chain topology. LocalTalk was eventually superseded by Ethernet in the mid-to-late 1990s, but it remains of interest to vintage Mac collectors and those maintaining legacy Apple II or early Macintosh systems.