Amiga.org

Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Wilse on January 30, 2013, 11:49:04 AM

Title: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: Wilse on January 30, 2013, 11:49:04 AM
As subject says.

Anyone know if this is possible and, if so, how to go about it?
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: danwood on January 30, 2013, 12:14:16 PM
Quote from: Wilse;724653
As subject says.

Anyone know if this is possible and, if so, how to go about it?


No, but you could attach an internal drive using a Catweasle PCI card.
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: Wilse on January 30, 2013, 12:18:48 PM
Quote from: danwood;724655
No, but you could attach an internal drive using a Catweasle PCI card.


Ah well.
I don't have a CW card but no biggie; was just an idea.
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: eliyahu on January 30, 2013, 02:43:20 PM
Quote from: Wilse;724656
Ah well.
I don't have a CW card but no biggie; was just an idea.

 
unfortunately you need a dedicated controller for that purpose and none of the post-commodore amiga systems have them. without something like a catweasel or kyroflux, no floppy drive. :(

that said a catweasel is a brilliant addition to any next-generation amiga system; my SAM has one and i use it all of the time, mostly in conjunction with VICE since my biggest software collection is from my C64 days and everything is on 5.25" floppies. i even use it for sound generation since i put SID chips on the board's sockets. they're not easy to find these days, but amibay (http://www.amibay.com) is always a good place to start looking if you're interested. it will work just as well in your A1 as it does in my SAM! :)

-- eliyahu
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: danbeaver on January 30, 2013, 05:39:16 PM
I've had a Catweasel MK3 card up for sale on the other bay for quite a while, so there is little interest in this solution.
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: Wilse on January 30, 2013, 07:15:09 PM
Quote from: eliyahu;724673
they're not easy to find these days, but amibay (http://www.amibay.com) is always a good place to start looking if you're interested. it will work just as well in your A1 as it does in my SAM! :)


I had no idea that site even existed, thanks.

I have a load of Amiga gear that I'll never use again so I may well stick an ad. on there myself.
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: Wilse on January 30, 2013, 07:18:20 PM
Quote from: danbeaver;724691
I've had a Catweasel MK3 card up for sale on the other bay for quite a while, so there is little interest in this solution.


I can't comment on yours, but there's a MK4 for sale at £145.
I certainly wouldn't be interested at that price. In fact, I only asked the original question as I have a big pile of floppies that I can't remember what's on. If it's going to cost much more than a tenner to find out, I'm more than happy for the mystery to continue.
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: danbeaver on January 31, 2013, 12:30:41 AM
Quote from: Wilse;724709
I can't comment on yours, but there's a MK4 for sale at £145.
I certainly wouldn't be interested at that price. In fact, I only asked the original question as I have a big pile of floppies that I can't remember what's on. If it's going to cost much more than a tenner to find out, I'm more than happy for the mystery to continue.

Are you saying you want a 10 pound solution to find out what is on a pile of floppies?  I'd just donate them to a charity, likely half are unusable. For 63.29 GPB solution with ability to use the MK3 in a real Amiga, you can pm me.
Title: Re: Connect an old, external floppy drive to A1?
Post by: Wilse on January 31, 2013, 01:47:20 PM
Quote from: danbeaver;724739
Are you saying you want a 10 pound solution to find out what is on a pile of floppies?  I'd just donate them to a charity, likely half are unusable.


Indeed - I agree wholeheartedly. Even 10 pounds seems extravagant.