Plus D
I would like to get a Plus D disk drive interface for use with a Spectrum 128 I plan on acquiring in the future (I don't have the patience to use an FDD emulator, plus I spent the best part of my Christmas money on a PS Vita). Problem is, my knowledge of electronics and connectors is limited at best, and I wouldn't know where to begin. My questions are:
- Where can I acquire one?
- Can I use HD 1.44 MB disks (can't find DD 720 KB ones anywhere)?
- Where can I acquire one?
- Can I use HD 1.44 MB disks (can't find DD 720 KB ones anywhere)?
Post edited by Swevicus on
Comments
Quick answer:- Yes, maybe and no!
HD "1.44 MB" disks are different from DD "720 KB" disks (they use different magnetic material).
A DD drive does not know, nor care about HD, so will write a DD magnetic signal to a HD disk. With a HD drive, you can trick it into "seeing" a HD disk as a DD disk by covering over the extra "HD" hole. The HD drive will then write a DD magnetic signal to a HD disk. In both cases, because of the magnetic properties of the disk, a DD signal recorded on a HD disk may not last the test of time. Some people say it works reliably for them, but just as many say the disk will fail to keep data much beyond a few weeks to a few months. While it works, you can use the disk in any modern drive.
If you use a HD disk in a HD drive, but do not cover the "HD" hole, the drive will write a HD signal to the drive. If the only system you use is a Plus D (which also does not know or care about HD disks) it will write and read these disks (in theory) without problem. They should last a lot longer than if a DD signal had been used. However, this method is completely incompatible with a modern PC, so can only be used on a Plus D and a HD drive. You will not get any more capacity than a DD disk. Note that I have not tried this method.
I hope that explains it, if not, shout out!
Mark
Repair Guides. Spanish Hardware site.
WoS - can't download? Info here...
former Meulie Spectrum Archive but no longer available :-(
Spectranet: the TNFS directory thread
! Standby alert !
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb!
Looking forward to summer in Somerset later in the year :)
schombi.de/my-retro-collection.html"
as said above your better off getting some proper dd disks off ebay
i managed to pick up 8 brand new boxes pretty cheap not too long ago which work perfect with both my plus d and my commodore 1581 drives
They also have disk drives for the Plus D.
I only use DD-Disks with my interface and drives. I've bought a bunch of disks like Schombo said on Ebay.
If you want to use HD-Disks you can do this by pasting up the second hole on the disk. ;)
www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
www.sellmyretro.com
These guys handle both HD and DD disks of 3.5", 5.25" and 8" (no 3", I'm afraid) - only problem is that they're based in the States so the import cost may be high.
It's going to be quite some time before I can fully amass the money I need for the Spectrum AND the Plus D interface.
He sells Spectrums and disk drives. It is likely that he will have a ball park figure on the projected cost of his version of the Plus D.
Then at least you will have a clearer idea of the likely cost.
Mark
Repair Guides. Spanish Hardware site.
WoS - can't download? Info here...
former Meulie Spectrum Archive but no longer available :-(
Spectranet: the TNFS directory thread
! Standby alert !
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb!
Looking forward to summer in Somerset later in the year :)
Damn wrong end of California, wonder if they will ship to my hotel or office!
www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
www.sellmyretro.com
Tustin isn't too far away from where I live. :-P But rwap is the best way to go.
HD floppies work perfect as DD in a HD floppydrive when the HD hole of the floppies is covered, is my experience.
You are correct there - HOWEVER I know that certainly when using the QL, I found that disks done in this way could prove unreliable when read on someone else's disk drive!
www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
www.sellmyretro.com
you can always pick up some on ebay (i bought 8 x 10 brand new boxes not long ago)
also you could pick up a load of used amiga disks cheap and reformat them if you wanted
They're used, but only once: I can get them at Commodore fairs held regularly here in Holland (for example the day after tomorrow ;) ).
Those Amiga guys only put software on them once, a label (from tag machine) which is easily removed, and so the floppies are perfect to keep using.
You know you can buy withing bidding on eBay on many objects?
I never had a bad experience with buying on eBay: some objects take three weeks to arrive (expect that from China, Thailand etc), but Paypal garantues your payment and refunds when the seller does not do what he needs to.
There is no problem with the retro scene, but it's not as easy as walking into a Media Markt or equivalent and buy an iPad ;)
One more thing again about floppies:
When formatting DD floppies in a HD drive, the written tracks are actually a bit smaller then written by a DD drive.
So a DD disk that has been written in a HD drive can cause problems in a DD drive.
And of course floppies aren't that reliable anymore, compared to USB sticks etc.
your attitude is really **** when people are trying to help you
That's what I understood Swevicus; let's not argue about your good intentions.
And there is no problem asking here instead of looking on eBay: many here have a lot in stock to help you with.
You need to get yourself a sniping tool!
Haha, but it's normal: the rarer the object gets, the more 'professional' bidders it attracts.
I can always see how many followers there are on my eBay auctions, and almost always only one out of tweny followers places a bid before the last minutes of the auction; the greater part waits for the final moment.
That's normal.
You can see it as it's a real live auction: people see a week before the real auction moment which object is for sale, and gather to be there at the final minute.
The only difference is that the ending time is fixed, whereas at a real auction the auctioneer looks around and yells: 'going once, going twice...... SOLD!'.
I love Discoveries Auction Hunters by the way ;)