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The "Not Quite Amiga but still computer related category" => Alternative Operating Systems => Topic started by: redrumloa on August 28, 2008, 06:07:28 PM

Title: Are you a old school hardware geek? 5.25 drive questions!
Post by: redrumloa on August 28, 2008, 06:07:28 PM

I'm looking to convert a couple standard PC 5.25 floppy drives to work with Commodore 1571 controllers. So far I have tracked down PC 5.25 pinout (http://www.interfacebus.com/PC_Floppy_Drive_PinOut.html) and WD floppy controller pinout for 1571 (http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/drives/new/1571/manual/09.html).

I'm sure there is more to it, like possiblly stepper motor voltage difference, drive speed? What else? Has anyone tackled this before?

Title: Re: Are you a old school hardware geek? 5.25 drive questions!
Post by: Zac67 on August 28, 2008, 07:55:57 PM

Hmm, depending on head gap a high density drive is probably not very well suited (potential problems when rewriting 'harder' HD drive data bits on a 'softer' DD drive, so you should better adapt DD drives.

Have you checked the various RPMs? I dimly recall something about HD drives varying RPMs for 1.2 MB capacity (230 instead of 300 RPM?).

The Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floppy_disk) has excellent references (bottom) to some further indepth info.

Title: Re: Are you a old school hardware geek? 5.25 drive questions!
Post by: redrumloa on August 28, 2008, 08:39:16 PM

Thanks for the reply, I'd probably start with a PC 360K drive.

Title: Re: Are you a old school hardware geek? 5.25 drive questions!
Post by: gklinger on August 29, 2008, 05:24:08 AM

Do you want a couple of 1571s with or without mechs? I've got loads.

Title: Re: Are you a old school hardware geek? 5.25 drive questions!
Post by: LoadWB on August 29, 2008, 05:28:30 AM

Hey, Red, I have the 1571 Inside and Out book, and may also have the 1571 repair manual if either might help.  Would be happy to loan either to you.