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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Beast96GT on May 12, 2021, 04:22:46 AM
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Hello, when I boot my A4000 it reads/boots from a disk in the floppy drive no problem. However, it will not detect when the disk is ejected and a new one popped it. This is a fresh install of 3.1.4 (Thanks, Hyperion!). Is there any thing user serviceable inside this drive I can mess with or do I just need to replace the drive?
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It could be a problem with the cable or the motherboard, but I think the most likely explanation is that the drive is dirty after decades of service. If the drive is reading disks the read/write heads are probably fine, but some of the sensors could be blocked/stuck. If you feel confident enough to take the top cover of the drive off it should be easy to see where dust/dirt has built up. Pay particular attention to a series of little black posts. Give them a little scrub with a q-tip/cotton bud and isopropyl alcohol and they should free up. Be careful not to disrupt the read/write heads and thus misalign the drive.
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Thanks, Matt. I just watched a handy video that pointed out the little black posts in the front left of the drive that you're talking about. They suggested some contact cleaner, but I'm hoping you're right and it's just something small like this.
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There is a workaround if you can't get the switch working properly (or whatever the fault is). Which would at least let you install onto hard drive.
Prior to running the install script, open up a shell. When you get the prompt to change disks, do so, then get the shell window to the front, and type
Diskchange DF0:
Then hit the return key. That prompts the Amiga to update and re-read the floppy contents.
It does mean flipping back and forth, clicking on the requesters and the shell window. Handy use for multitasking though.
Type
Endcli
and hit return when you are finished with the shell window.
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That's good to know, for sure. I've never even heard of that!
The good news is that some compressed air and a little DeOxIt seems to have fixed it right up. Thanks guys!
-Chris
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Nice! Love it when it's that simple! :)