Can I use a Chinon 1.44 FZ-357 for A1200?

[bubba]

Does anyone know if the CHINON-357A or the -357s will physically fit in the standard A1200 case wihout modification?  I assume the faceplate will need to be removed, but will the drive line-up with the floppy cutout?  

I need a new floppy and am having a hard time finding a cheap replacement.  I've seen the 357A's on e-bay for around $100.   I prefer a cheaper alternative, but I've had little luck finding an internal 880k drive for the original commodore made 1200 for sale.  

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Floppyless 1200

 

[bubba]

I got my hands on a Chinon-357A from e-bay and, drum roll...

It fits!  The eject button and the floppy slot align perfectly with the A1200 cutouts.  After pulling off the faceplate, I just had to crimp back two tabs on top of the drive housing to get the case to close.

The only issue I have is that the eject button is a litte short and barely protrudes (just a few mm's).  This is a slight problem since the button can pop-off if is pushed fully inside the case (the button relies on the faceplate to keep aligned).  I wonder if I can find a longer replacement button?

I haven't tried to read or write a high density disk yet, but it seems to work fine with 880k disks.

-Bubba

[bubba]

From what I've read there are many different makes of the regular FZ-357.  Not all of which work on the Amiga.  I have a FZ-357A that was made specifically for the amiga so compatibility is not an issue.

I found a website somewhere that described how to identify the amiga compatible FZ-357's.  I'll post it if I can find the URL.  I'll also post where my 357A was made later.

-Bubba