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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: First Ninja on July 14, 2023, 08:01:43 PM
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Hi everyone.
Unfortunately, my Amiga 3000's internal DD floppy drive ("DF0:") is acting up. Every now and then during floppy operation, AmigaOS throws the "You MUST insert floppy X into DF0:" requester at me. Clearly, something within the drive makes the Amiga think the disk has been ejected, while in fact it remains inside the drive.
Here's hoping the Amiga.org hive mind can come to the rescue. Clearly, the mechanism that detects floppy ejection is broken and needs to be fixed. The problem is I haven't got the faintest clue where to begin troubleshooting the drive. Again, this is a standard internal Amiga 3000 double density drive supplied by Commodore. Any help would be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
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What model of drive is it? A3000 usually have Chinon FB-354. It's common for the disk detect switch in these to develop intermittent contact issues that causes this problem, and also warnings that the disk is write protected when it isn't.
While replacement switches generally aren't available, you can open the switch to access the internal contacts to clean them.
Unsolder and remove the LED which allows the plastic frame around the switch to be removed. Then heat the 3 legs of the switch, which lets the entire switch slide off the edge of the PCB. Use a small craft knife to carefully release the retaining clips holding the switch together. Be especially careful not to lose the small springs inside when the switch comes apart. Use a Q-tip or similar with isopropyl alcohol to clean the gold contact surfaces. Reassemble the switch and solder it and the LED back onto the PCB.
It's a delicate job, so if you have the finesse of an outraged gorilla, you might not want to try this as you'll probably end up with no switch and an unusable drive. You can try squirting some isopropyl alcohol down the side of the two switch actuators to flood the switch internally. You can use the drive immediately afterwards, the alcohol gradually evaporates. Sometimes that works, but often the intermittent problems soon return.
Another idea is to buy a broken drive of the same model and use the switch from that. Though you won't know the condition of the switch until you try it.
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Overuse of “noclick” hacks?