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Guide for HxC SD Version

2010-05-13T12:35:50Z

Cholo:

HxC SD Emulator Guide (How to power the [[HxC Floppy Emulator]])

== Powering ==

Powering the board you need a 5V from a normal pc power supply or similar. As you only need the 5V (usually red wire) and not the 12V (Yellow) perhaps it would be best use a extender (V-split) cable and cut the 12V cable so you dont fry the board. Better read the manual carefully, especially if you want to use the board internally where the Amstrad power is usually just opposite the pc one.

== Firmware upgrading ==
Note: people who got a board from Lotharek may already have the latest version firmware v1.0.1.1 on it so you wont need to upgrade. When you turn on your board it will show your version in the display. 
First you should upgrade your boards firmware. The firmware file (.UPD) needs to be the first file on the SD card. Also the file needs to be in one (cant be fragmented all over the SD card). So first you should format your SD card to FAT32 (or reformat just to make sure). Then copy over the .UPD (like HXCFE_V0_2_2_0.UPD) file to the root of the SD card. 

Once you have the prepared SD card in the emulator. Press down the "move left" and "move right" keys together and then power the board. Should take 1-2 seconds tops to flash the board. 

(to format a drive go to Control Panel then Administration and choose the right click the drive to get the format option). 

Better get the lastest firmware here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

== Configuration file ==

Download the latest emulator software here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator

Open the Software and choose "Drive" then "SD HxCFE settings file". Click on SAVE to make the HXCSDFE.CFG file (choose default options) and save it on your SD CARDS root.

== DSK convertion to HFE ==
DSKs need to be converted to the HFE file format before being put on the SD card. "LOAD" the DSK in the Software and "Export" it to HFE file. Batch converison is also possible with the "Convert" button. 
If you need to get a HFE file converted back to DSK then "load" the HFE and "Export" it to DSK file.

== Drive configuration ==

Set the right jumpers on the board (Default on my was "primary A:"). But as most people will probably use the drive as secondary B drive. Secondary drive setting is shown here:

[[Image:SDSETTINGS.jpg]]

== Using the Display/Board buttons ==
1. First it will ask if its the A Drive (click middel button .. aka accept). Even if you use the drive as 2 drive you need to choose A Drive option here. 
2. scrool between HFE image files using the left/right buttons. 
3. Press middel button to select (insert disc). To choose another image later make sure to eject the current disc first (again middel button).

== Using floppies ==

Just like with a real floppy disc its possible to damage the disc if it still inserted when powering on and off. So before turning off you should "eject" the disc by pressing the middel key on the emulator board, just to be safe. Similar is when you turn on your system and the floppy is still "inserted", its best to do a quick eject and then insert the image again to avoid errors on the disc.

== Good and bad ==

The Good: 
- Really well made board (smaller than the USB one) and was well packed. 
- Nice led screen (cool). 
- It works quite well and is more mobile than the USB version. 
- Reads and writes all discs so far. 
- You can turn off the track/read noise. 
- The software supports DSK export, so you can also use the setup to transfer software back from CPC to Pc.

The Bad: 
- a 200kb DSK converts to 1mb HFE file. Good thing that SD cards are large and cheap today. 
- the white power plug on the board (Lotharek version) dosnt have a "hole" so a normal power cable wont fit unless you file off the little white "tooth". 
- I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause). Of cause you can always copy the disk to the primary drive and run it from there. A hardware solution is make a [[ABBA_switch]].

== Links ==
HxC official homepage (has manual, firmware and software): 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator

Lotharek site (sells HxC on ebay): 
http://atari.plof.pl/

Guide for HxC USB Version

2010-05-05T18:00:33Z

Cholo:

HxC USB Emulator Guide 

== Installing ==

Just plug in the board normally using the usb-cable and windows (Vista 64 bit) will launch update and download and install the right drivers (also drivers are available at the site, see links).

== The software ==

Better get the latest emulator software from the site (see links). Just un-zip the software to where you want it and run the executable to launch the Emulator.

== Powering ==
The board is powered by the usb cable.

== Setting up ==
1. Make sure power is off on the pc. 
2. On the cpc side plug it in as you would with a external drive. Note that amstrad ribbon cables can be a bit hard fitting into the emulator board socket. But being a bit gentle it fits ok. Also note that you may need to fit it "udside down" of what is suggested. 
3. Plug in the usb cable and launch the emulator. Set option to DF1 (assuming you are using the emulator externally as a second drive). 
4. If you have a DDI also turn it on. 
5. Finally turn on the amstrad.

== General use ==
1. Click on the big "load" button and select your DSK file. 
2. Better insert a 3" in any other drive you may have. 
3. Use |B to switch to B drive. 
4. Have fun.

== Q&A ==
Q: I tried using CAT or |B but the whole thing is kinda frozen, also all 4 light are on and I can see that the tracks keep changing in the pc emulator? 
A: You probably have the ribbon cable in reverse. Turn everything off and plug the ribbon in again in reverse. 
Q: I used |B but now Im getting a read error/disc missing? 
A: Did you forget to put a 3" floppy in the other drive?

== Links ==
HxC Official Homepage: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator

Guide for HxC USB Version

2010-05-05T18:00:04Z

Cholo: /* Links */

HxC USB Emulator Guide 
(work in progress)

== Installing ==

Just plug in the board normally using the usb-cable and windows (Vista 64 bit) will launch update and download and install the right drivers (also drivers are available at the site, see links).

== The software ==

Better get the latest emulator software from the site (see links). Just un-zip the software to where you want it and run the executable to launch the Emulator.

== Powering ==
The board is powered by the usb cable.

== Setting up ==
1. Make sure power is off on the pc. 
2. On the cpc side plug it in as you would with a external drive. Note that amstrad ribbon cables can be a bit hard fitting into the emulator board socket. But being a bit gentle it fits ok. Also note that you may need to fit it "udside down" of what is suggested. 
3. Plug in the usb cable and launch the emulator. Set option to DF1 (assuming you are using the emulator externally as a second drive). 
4. If you have a DDI also turn it on. 
5. Finally turn on the amstrad.

== General use ==
1. Click on the big "load" button and select your DSK file. 
2. Better insert a 3" in any other drive you may have. 
3. Use |B to switch to B drive. 
4. Have fun.

== Q&A ==
Q: I tried using CAT or |B but the whole thing is kinda frozen, also all 4 light are on and I can see that the tracks keep changing in the pc emulator? 
A: You probably have the ribbon cable in reverse. Turn everything off and plug the ribbon in again in reverse. 
Q: I used |B but now Im getting a read error/disc missing? 
A: Did you forget to put a 3" floppy in the other drive?

== Links ==
HxC Official Homepage: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator

HxC Floppy Emulator

2010-05-05T17:57:41Z

Cholo:

[[Image:Implentation photo top small.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Floppy emulator, an alternative to a floppy drive]]

The HxC floppy emulator is an alternative way to load programs on the CPC.

The floppy emulator is an interface card that connects a PC directly to the floppy controller of the CPC.

The PC is connected to the HxC via a standard USB cable. A program is loaded on the PC that feeds the controller with disc information.

== Photos ==

<gallery caption="The HxC floppy emulator">
Image:Implentation photo top small.jpg|Top side of PCB
Image:Implentation photo bottom small.jpg|Bottom side of PCB
Image:CPC6128 floppyemu 2.jpg|HxC connected to a CPC6128
Image:CPC6128 floppyemu.jpg
</gallery>

== Video ==

Video that demonstrates the use of the HxC floppy emulator on the Atari ST.

{{#ev:youtube|dt8Sz7-5ssY|250}}

Demonstration of the HxC on a CPC6128 by [[User:Khisanth]]

{{#ev:youtube|Ar5ygebI8og|250}}

Demonstration of the HxC (SD card version) on a CPC6128

{{#ev:youtube|0arlGguYEts|250}}

== Related projects ==

[[SDiskEmul]]

== Links ==

[http://jeanfrancoisdelnero.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/ Home of the HxC Floppy Emulator project (French)]

== Guides ==

[[Guide_for_HxC_SD_Version]] 
[[Guide_for_HxC_USB_Version]]

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:DIY]] [[Category:Video contents]][[Category:DATA Storage]]

Guide for HxC SD Version

2010-05-05T17:49:37Z

Cholo: /* Links */

HxC SD Emulator Guide (How to power the [[HxC Floppy Emulator]])

== Powering ==

Powering the board you need a 5V from a normal pc power supply or similar. As you only need the 5V (usually red wire) and not the 12V (Yellow) perhaps it would be best use a extender (V-split) cable and cut the 12V cable so you dont fry the board. Better read the manual carefully, especially if you want to use the board internally where the Amstrad power is usually just opposite the pc one.

== Firmware upgrading ==
First you should upgrade your boards firmware. The firmware file (.UPD) needs to be the first file on the SD card. Also the file needs to be in one (cant be fragmented all over the SD card). So first you should format your SD card to FAT32 (or reformat just to make sure). Then copy over the .UPD (like HXCFE_V0_2_2_0.UPD) file to the root of the SD card. 

Once you have the prepared SD card in the emulator. Press down the "move left" and "move right" keys together and then power the board. Should take 1-2 seconds tops to flash the board. 

(to format a drive go to Control Panel then Administration and choose the right click the drive to get the format option). 

Better get the lastest firmware here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

== Configuration file ==

Download the latest emulator software here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator

Open the Software and choose "Drive" then "SD HxCFE settings file". Click on SAVE to make the HXCSDFE.CFG file (choose default options) and save it on your SD CARDS root.

== DSK convertion to HFE ==
DSKs need to be converted to the HFE file format. "LOAD" the DSK in the Software and "Export" it to HFE.

== Drive configuration ==

Set the right jumpers on the board (Default on my was "primary A:"). But as most people will probably use the drive as secondary B drive. Secondary drive setting is shown here:

[[Image:SDSETTINGS.jpg]]

== Using the Display/Board buttons ==
1. First it will ask if its the A Drive (click middel button .. aka accept). Even if you use the drive as 2 drive you need to choose A Drive option here. 
2. scrool between HFE image files using the left/right buttons. 
3. Press middel button to select (insert disc). To choose another image later make sure to eject the current disc first (again middel button).

== Using floppies ==

Just like with a real floppy disc its possible to damage the disc if it still inserted when powering on and off. So before turning off you should "eject" the disc by pressing the middel key on the emulator board, just to be safe. Similar is when you turn on your system and the floppy is still "inserted", its best to do a quick eject and then insert the image again to avoid errors on the disc.

== Good and bad ==

The Good: 
- Really well made board (smaller than the USB one) and was well packed. 
- Nice led screen (cool). 
- It works quite well and is less restricted than the USB version. 
- Reads and writes all discs so far. 
- You can turn off the track/read noice. 

The Bad: 
- Cant use it to transfer files to pc as there currently is no way to extract a DSK from the HFE. 
- a 200kb DSK converts to 1mb HFE file. 
- the white power plug on the board dosnt have a "hole" so a normal power cable wont fit unless i file off the little white "tooth". 
- I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause).

== Links ==
HxC official homepage (has manual, firmware and software): 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator

Lotharek site (sells HxC on ebay): 
http://atari.plof.pl/

Guide for HxC SD Version

2010-05-05T17:43:29Z

Cholo: /* Drive configuration */

HxC SD Emulator Guide (How to power the [[HxC Floppy Emulator]])

== Powering ==

Powering the board you need a 5V from a normal pc power supply or similar. As you only need the 5V (usually red wire) and not the 12V (Yellow) perhaps it would be best use a extender (V-split) cable and cut the 12V cable so you dont fry the board. Better read the manual carefully, especially if you want to use the board internally where the Amstrad power is usually just opposite the pc one.

== Firmware upgrading ==
First you should upgrade your boards firmware. The firmware file (.UPD) needs to be the first file on the SD card. Also the file needs to be in one (cant be fragmented all over the SD card). So first you should format your SD card to FAT32 (or reformat just to make sure). Then copy over the .UPD (like HXCFE_V0_2_2_0.UPD) file to the root of the SD card. 

Once you have the prepared SD card in the emulator. Press down the "move left" and "move right" keys together and then power the board. Should take 1-2 seconds tops to flash the board. 

(to format a drive go to Control Panel then Administration and choose the right click the drive to get the format option). 

Better get the lastest firmware here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

== Configuration file ==

Download the latest emulator software here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator

Open the Software and choose "Drive" then "SD HxCFE settings file". Click on SAVE to make the HXCSDFE.CFG file (choose default options) and save it on your SD CARDS root.

== DSK convertion to HFE ==
DSKs need to be converted to the HFE file format. "LOAD" the DSK in the Software and "Export" it to HFE.

== Drive configuration ==

Set the right jumpers on the board (Default on my was "primary A:"). But as most people will probably use the drive as secondary B drive. Secondary drive setting is shown here:

[[Image:SDSETTINGS.jpg]]

== Using the Display/Board buttons ==
1. First it will ask if its the A Drive (click middel button .. aka accept). Even if you use the drive as 2 drive you need to choose A Drive option here. 
2. scrool between HFE image files using the left/right buttons. 
3. Press middel button to select (insert disc). To choose another image later make sure to eject the current disc first (again middel button).

== Using floppies ==

Just like with a real floppy disc its possible to damage the disc if it still inserted when powering on and off. So before turning off you should "eject" the disc by pressing the middel key on the emulator board, just to be safe. Similar is when you turn on your system and the floppy is still "inserted", its best to do a quick eject and then insert the image again to avoid errors on the disc.

== Good and bad ==

The Good: 
- Really well made board (smaller than the USB one) and was well packed. 
- Nice led screen (cool). 
- It works quite well and is less restricted than the USB version. 
- Reads and writes all discs so far. 
- You can turn off the track/read noice. 

The Bad: 
- Cant use it to transfer files to pc as there currently is no way to extract a DSK from the HFE. 
- a 200kb DSK converts to 1mb HFE file. 
- the white power plug on the board dosnt have a "hole" so a normal power cable wont fit unless i file off the little white "tooth". 
- I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause).

== Links ==
And better also get the official manual (new one): 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

File:SDSETTINGS.jpg

2010-05-05T17:34:57Z

Cholo: Picture of HxC Floppy Emulator SD Version

Picture of HxC Floppy Emulator SD Version

Guide for HxC SD Version

2010-05-05T17:13:59Z

Cholo:

HxC SD Emulator Guide (How to power the [[HxC Floppy Emulator]])

== Powering ==

Powering the board you need a 5V from a normal pc power supply or similar. As you only need the 5V (usually red wire) and not the 12V (Yellow) perhaps it would be best use a extender (V-split) cable and cut the 12V cable so you dont fry the board. Better read the manual carefully, especially if you want to use the board internally where the Amstrad power is usually just opposite the pc one.

== Firmware upgrading ==
First you should upgrade your boards firmware. The firmware file (.UPD) needs to be the first file on the SD card. Also the file needs to be in one (cant be fragmented all over the SD card). So first you should format your SD card to FAT32 (or reformat just to make sure). Then copy over the .UPD (like HXCFE_V0_2_2_0.UPD) file to the root of the SD card. 

Once you have the prepared SD card in the emulator. Press down the "move left" and "move right" keys together and then power the board. Should take 1-2 seconds tops to flash the board. 

(to format a drive go to Control Panel then Administration and choose the right click the drive to get the format option). 

Better get the lastest firmware here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

== Configuration file ==

Download the latest emulator software here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator

Open the Software and choose "Drive" then "SD HxCFE settings file". Click on SAVE to make the HXCSDFE.CFG file (choose default options) and save it on your SD CARDS root.

== DSK convertion to HFE ==
DSKs need to be converted to the HFE file format. "LOAD" the DSK in the Software and "Export" it to HFE.

== Drive configuration ==

Set the right Jumper on the board (Default on my was "primary A:"). But as most people will probably use the drive as secondary B drive .. look up the right setting in the new manual.

== Using the Display/Board buttons ==
1. First it will ask if its the A Drive (click middel button .. aka accept). Even if you use the drive as 2 drive you need to choose A Drive option here. 
2. scrool between HFE image files using the left/right buttons. 
3. Press middel button to select (insert disc). To choose another image later make sure to eject the current disc first (again middel button).

== Using floppies ==

Just like with a real floppy disc its possible to damage the disc if it still inserted when powering on and off. So before turning off you should "eject" the disc by pressing the middel key on the emulator board, just to be safe. Similar is when you turn on your system and the floppy is still "inserted", its best to do a quick eject and then insert the image again to avoid errors on the disc.

== Good and bad ==

The Good: 
- Really well made board (smaller than the USB one) and was well packed. 
- Nice led screen (cool). 
- It works quite well and is less restricted than the USB version. 
- Reads and writes all discs so far. 
- You can turn off the track/read noice. 

The Bad: 
- Cant use it to transfer files to pc as there currently is no way to extract a DSK from the HFE. 
- a 200kb DSK converts to 1mb HFE file. 
- the white power plug on the board dosnt have a "hole" so a normal power cable wont fit unless i file off the little white "tooth". 
- I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause).

== Links ==
And better also get the official manual (new one): 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

Guide for HxC USB Version

2010-05-03T18:56:07Z

Cholo: Created page with 'HxC USB Emulator Guide (work in progress) == Installing == Just plug in the board normally using the usb-cable and windows (Vista 64 bit) will launch update and download …'

HxC USB Emulator Guide 
(work in progress)

== Installing ==

Just plug in the board normally using the usb-cable and windows (Vista 64 bit) will launch update and download and install the right drivers (also drivers are available at the site, see links).

== The software ==

Better get the latest emulator software from the site (see links). Just un-zip the software to where you want it and run the executable to launch the Emulator.

== Powering ==
The board is powered by the usb cable.

== Setting up ==
1. Make sure power is off on the pc. 
2. On the cpc side plug it in as you would with a external drive. Note that amstrad ribbon cables can be a bit hard fitting into the emulator board socket. But being a bit gentle it fits ok. Also note that you may need to fit it "udside down" of what is suggested. 
3. Plug in the usb cable and launch the emulator. Set option to DF1 (assuming you are using the emulator externally as a second drive). 
4. If you have a DDI also turn it on. 
5. Finally turn on the amstrad.

== General use ==
1. Click on the big "load" button and select your DSK file. 
2. Better insert a 3" in any other drive you may have. 
3. Use |B to switch to B drive. 
4. Have fun.

== Q&A ==
Q: I tried using CAT or |B but the whole thing is kinda frozen, also all 4 light are on and I can see that the tracks keep changing in the pc emulator? 
A: You probably have the ribbon cable in reverse. Turn everything off and plug the ribbon in again in reverse. 
Q: I used |B but now Im getting a read error/disc missing? 
A: Did you forget to put a 3" floppy in the other drive?

== Links ==
Download the latest emulator software here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator

Guide for HxC SD Version

2010-05-03T18:15:12Z

Cholo: Created page with 'HxC SD Emulator Guide (Work in progress) == Powering == Powering the board you need a 5V from a normal pc power supply or similar. As you only need the 5V (usually red wi…'

HxC SD Emulator Guide 
(Work in progress)

== Powering ==

Powering the board you need a 5V from a normal pc power supply or similar. As you only need the 5V (usually red wire) and not the 12V (Yellow) perhaps it would be best use a extender (V-split) cable and cut the 12V cable so you dont fry the board. Better read the manual carefully, especially if you want to use the board internally where the Amstrad power is usually just opposite the pc one.

== Firmware upgrading ==
First you should upgrade your boards firmware. The firmware file (.UPD) needs to be the first file on the SD card. Also the file needs to be in one (cant be fragmented all over the SD card). So first you should format your SD card to FAT32 (or reformat just to make sure). Then copy over the .UPD (like HXCFE_V0_2_2_0.UPD) file to the root of the SD card. 

Once you have the prepared SD card in the emulator. Press down the "move left" and "move right" keys together and then power the board. Should take 1-2 seconds tops to flash the board. 

(to format a drive go to Control Panel then Administration and choose the right click the drive to get the format option). 

Better get the lastest firmware here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

== Configuration file ==

Download the latest emulator software here: 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator

Open the Software and choose "Drive" then "SD HxCFE settings file". Click on SAVE to make the HXCSDFE.CFG file (choose default options) and save it on your SD CARDS root.

== DSK convertion to HFE ==
DSKs need to be converted to the HFE file format. "LOAD" the DSK in the Software and "Export" it to HFE.

== Drive configuration ==

Set the right Jumper on the board (Default on my was "primary A:"). But as most people will probably use the drive as secondary B drive .. look up the right setting in the new manual.

== Using the Display/Board buttons ==
1. First it will ask if its the A Drive (click middel button .. aka accept). Even if you use the drive as 2 drive you need to choose A Drive option here. 
2. scrool between HFE image files using the left/right buttons. 
3. Press middel button to select (insert disc). To choose another image later make sure to eject the current disc first (again middel button).

== Using floppies ==

Just like with a real floppy disc its possible to damage the disc if it still inserted when powering on and off. So before turning off you should "eject" the disc by pressing the middel key on the emulator board, just to be safe. Similar is when you turn on your system and the floppy is still "inserted", its best to do a quick eject and then insert the image again to avoid errors on the disc.

== Good and bad ==

The Good: 
- Really well made board (smaller than the USB one) and was well packed. 
- Nice led screen (cool). 
- It works quite well and is less restricted than the USB version. 
- Reads and writes all discs so far. 
- You can turn off the track/read noice. 

The Bad: 
- Cant use it to transfer files to pc as there currently is no way to extract a DSK from the HFE. 
- a 200kb DSK converts to 1mb HFE file. 
- the white power plug on the board dosnt have a "hole" so a normal power cable wont fit unless i file off the little white "tooth". 
- I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause).

== Links ==
And better also get the official manual (new one): 
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator

By Cholo

Guide on how to connect a 3.5

2009-10-18T15:05:16Z

Cholo: Created page with 'Guide to hook up a 3.5" pc drive to your Amstrad CPC 6128 or 664 (For non-techy people like me) This guide is for people who own 6128/664 cpc's that has the 34 pin EDGE connecto…'

Guide to hook up a 3.5" pc drive to your Amstrad CPC 6128 or 664 (For non-techy people like me)

This guide is for people who own 6128/664 cpc's that has the 34 pin EDGE connector type interfaces. I know that people in the UK and DK has the Edge connectors.
People in Germany use the CENTRONICS type connectors also some of the cpc PLUS range use Centronics. Centronics users need a different kind of cable.

Example of a final setup: [http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6102/quickyp3.jpg]

== What you need (minimum requirements) ==
- a pc 3.5" floppy drive 
- a old style pc floppy cable 
- a paperclip or a small piece of wire 
- a powersource for the drive 
- a 3.5" floppy disc 

Suggest you also get: 
- pins & jumpers or maybe some real switches 
- tape 
- Y-powercable (may be optional)

== The Cable ==
By some amazing luck the 6128/664 use the exact same floppy-connector as a old 5.25" pc floppy drive. So all you need to connect up is a old style pc floppy cable that has both the old style 5.25" large edge connector and new style 3.5" small pc floppy connector. 
Hardest part is probably to get one of these cables as they havnt really been used in years. You can still buy these cables "brand new" at several shops. If you have a older pc it probably also has one of these cables in it, that you can borrow (and replace with one of the new cables if you need).

Looks like so:
[http://pchan.250free.com/BelkinFloppy1.JPG]

BELKIN still sells this cable, I got mine locally but this one looks like its the one:
[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Universal-Floppy-Ribbon-cable/dp/B000JJN4SC/ref=sr_1_16/202-1047157-5520611?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1180710236&sr=8-16]

This is the 5 connector one, but a 3 connector one may also work if it has the right
kind/amount of connectors.

== The pc 3.5" Floppy drive ==
So far all the 3.5" drives ive tested all worked with 720kb floppies. The question is if you want a drive that is both compatible with 720kb floppies AND 1.44mb floppies. The old 3.5" drives was build differently that the ones you buy today, so most drives today dosnt work well with 1.44mb floppies while connected to a Amstrad. Most importent tho: New 3.5" drives does work really using 720kb floppies while hooked up to Amstrads.

So if you want to avoid troubles, use 720kb floppies only.

720kb floppies are hard to get, so just "make" some yourself from 1.44 floppies. Tape over the little "High Density" hole in the top left (both sides). That way the drive will think the floppy is 720kb only and act accordingly. Usually works ok, but make sure to make extra backups of your importent stuff as these tend to work less reliable.

Tape over this hole picture: [http://pchan.250free.com/Floppies1.JPG]

== Paperclip & more ==
All you really need is one piece of paperclip (the metal kind) to be able to make a single short on the floppy cable, but it would probably be better to get some proper pins and jumpers or some real small wires. Also if you wanna do some really fansy stuff, you might wanna get at least 3 paperclips/wires/pins/jumpers. (se later)
Motherboard pins are usually sold in long rows where you can break of smaller parts, like a set of 2 pins, then use normal pc jumpers on em to quickly set on/off.

Paperclips and pins picture: [http://pchan.250free.com/PinsJumpers1.JPG]

== Powersource ==
You need to power the 3.5" floppy drive somehow. Currently im powering the drive using an external IDE Hdd USB interface box. These are easy and cheap to buy today and you can get them everywhere. They dont dont take up much space and usually have a on/off button too. Easy to use as all you need it the small Y-powercable to hook it up to the drive: [http://pchan.250free.com/Ycable1.JPG]

You can also use a normal PC powersupply of cause, there are "complications". A modern powersupply dosnt turn fully on unless it detects a motherboard is present. So what I used to do was drag a whole pc box up next to the Amstrad and use that to power the floppy drive.

My current setup: [http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6102/quickyp3.jpg]

== Setting it all up ==
All you do is basicly the same as if you would hook up a FD1 drive to a cpc 6128. No soldering or disassembly required. Just hook up the cable to the DRIVE connetor on the Amstrad and the Floppy drive to the next edge connector on the cable. 
Pretty hard to get it wrong as the edge connector only fits one way and usually the same is said with the floppy connector. BUT .. there IS a few floppy drives that have the pins upside down, so u might need to twist the cable around once .. most likely not tho.

So far: [http://pchan.250free.com/CableOn1.JPG]

Note that this type of pc cable usually has some internally twisted cables .. make sure the CPC/PC does NOT have the twisted bit between them.

== Setting the READY signal ==
Last thing you need to do is set the ready signal. This is done by connecting pin 33 and 34. Its the last 2 pins on the cable. Use a bend paperclip or a small wire to short the 2 pins like so (Marked in WHITE).

Like so: [http://pchan.250free.com/CableClose1.JPG]

Thats it. Now u SHOULD have a fully working 3.5" B drive !!

== How to use the Drive & error solving ==
1. Power on the floppy first. 
2. Then turn on the cpc. 

Type "|B" to change to drive B in basic (and make sure there is a floppy in the drive). If the drive spins up and you get "Ready" message, then it works. Dont forget that you need to format the floppy to use it like normal.

And up and running (my old setup): [http://pchan.250free.com/AllUpAndRunning1.JPG]

Errors at this point: 
- You turn on the cpc but get a blank/rolling screen? Most likely the pc cable connector needs to be flipped over (pins are upside down). 
- Bad Command? Floppy drive detected by cpc but is not powered. Recheck your powersupply is connected and working. 
- You turn on the cpc and both drives act-as-one .. and the floppy light is constantly on? Most likely you didnt short pin 33 & 34 .. is the paperclip/wire loose? .. or did you accidentally short pin 1 & 2 instead? Try moving the paperclip to the other end of the connector. 
- Read error on drive? Disc hasnt been formatted yet? Use software like Discology to quickly format drive B .. or to quicky copy a disc from A to B .. or make a test floppy on pc (see transfer bit later). 
- Disc is write protected error? Make sure the write tab on the disc is down (move tab down on right side of disc). 

== Two heads (OPTIONAL) ==
Ok, everything is working so far? Want to do some more advanced stuff like using 2 sides on your floppy? Please note that this is 100% optional and you dont really need it, but i put it here if you you like to solder in a switch and its nice to know that you have this option. Still, probably much easier and less confusing to use 2 floppies instead of doing this mod.

Anyways, right now your drive is using head 1 (aka side 1), but if you connect pin 31 and 32 it will change to side/head 2. Remove the short again to get back to side/head 1.
Pin 31 & 32 is marked in RED on the picture: [http://pchan.250free.com/CableClose1.JPG]

== Primary drive setting (OPTIONAL) ==
Another mod that is 100% optional, and most people will probably never need this.
If you have ever tried running software straight from a B drive you will probably remember that you can easily get in troubles (like freeze ups) because the software still tries to load from drive A. Wouldnt it be nice to if you could turn drive B into drive A (and A into B)? Connect up pin 11 & 12 while the drive is on to do the drive switcheroo. Marked in BLUE (sixth pair of pins from the top): [http://pchan.250free.com/CableClose1.JPG]

NOTE: Make sure to remove the short after you have turned off the whole thing (or you will get a drives-act-as-one error on next bootup). So you will have to set the 11/12 pin each time you wanna do the drive switching.

If you dont want to do this mod, just always run your software from drive A (and use B as backup).

Another closeup of all 3 pairs of pins without doodlin: [http://pchan.250free.com/SuperClose1.JPG]

== Transfering software between CPC and PC ==
Yes, a pc can read and write those 3.5" Amstrad formatted floppies. There is a handfull of pc utilities that can read/write to the floppies.

I suggest getting CPCDiskXP by Oscar Sanchez from http://www.cpcmania.com

It reads a 1 side in about 100 seconds (with verify) .. and writing back 1 side takes about 25 second :) Runs in Windows XP/Vista using a nice lowlevel driver that you might recognise from Amiga- and Atari ST-discs reading pc tools. 
Note that you can only use floppies from a INTERNAL floppy drive (a usb one wont work). 
Seems to me that only the Amstrad is picky about if you use 1.44mb or 720kb floppies .. the pc has no such troubles, so ANY floppy drive may work on pc (from my experience). Also the tape-down-1.44-to-720-floppy-fix works on pc too (even tho its a bit more unstable).

== FAQ ==
Q: Can I use a FD1 cable to connect a 3.5" floppy drive? 
A: In theory yes, but its hard to set the ready signal. Connecting pin 33&34 is probably best done on the drive itself with a small piece of wire/metal. People who can solder will know how to fix the cable itself tho. 

Q: Can i hook up a 3.5" to a cpc 464 like this? 
A: No. Hooking up a 3.5" isnt possible without some serious soldering and you also need that DDI interface. 

Q: I got one of those german Schneider 6128 with Centronics connector? 
A: Look at the german site below for pins. 

Q: The floppy drive isnt registered at all .. not even getting errors? 
A: Try cleaning the connector on the Amstrad. 

Q: Can I use those odd format discs on the 3.5" ? 
A: 41 track & other Amstrad formats works fine. 

Q: Can i use the fully 720kb on the floppy? 
A: You need a special rom like Parados to replace Amsdos to do that. 

== Links to other sites about 3.5" floppy drive hookup ==
http://www.cpcmania.com/ (Spanish & English) 
http://www.phenixinformatique.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=67 (French) 
http://www.amstradtoday.com/elements/upgrade/lecteur2.htm (French) 
http://www.terra.es/personal/diegovp/ (Spanish) 
http://usuarios.lycos.es/putusoft/emucpc/softwaree.htm (Spanish) 

== Great sources about anything CPC (including 3.5" connecting) ==
http://genesis8.free.fr/amstrad/faq/index.php (English/French/Dutch/German/Spanish) 
http://www.amstrad-cpc.de/ (German) 

== Tools to read CPC floppies on pc ==
CPCDiskXP: http://www.cpcmania.com/ 
ManageDsk: http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/download.php?dcategory=Utilitaires&sortby= 
22DISK: http://www.znode51.de/specials/22disk/ 
ReadDSK/WriteDSK: http://www.julien-nevo.com/arkos/tools.html

Guide by Cholo

Willem Programmer

2008-07-27T22:18:47Z

Cholo:

A Guide by [[Cholo]]

Quick little guide on how to use a modern (cheap) Willem programmer board to backup your old Amstrad roms or make new ones.

== Requirements ==

- A Willem Eprom programmer board v3.x or better (+cable & power adapter).

- a couple of empty/erased eproms.

- a pc that has a parallel port (DP25).

== Used in this guide ==

Used a Willem v4.5 board and software 0.98D in the pics, but the other version boards/software works just as well.

== Eproms explained short ==

Eproms is bacisly like a cd-rw .. you can only write to them ONCE .. unless you have special hardware (eprom eraser). So to make it really simple: pretend that you have 16000 dominoes .. and you tip them all at once .. forming a unique pattern that makes a amstrad chip. Problem is .. you can only tip them once.

== Amstrad (ep)roms ==

Amstrad rom are usually 16kBYTE .. so using 128kBIT chips is the way to go. So hunting down a couple of 28 legged 27128 or 27C128 eprom chips (cleaned/erased/empty) and you are ready. Please note that i said USUALLY .. there are a couple roms that has a different size .. still .. you can fit a smaller rom quite easy into a larger Eprom if needed.

== I suggest reading about eproms ==

http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/How_EPROMS_Work

http://www.arlabs.com/help.htm

After reading that .. did you notice the difference between 27128 and 27C128 (The "C" part) while reading that? The "C" part like a 27C128 need 6V .. but the non-"C" part like 27128 do not (only need 5V). But how do you make sure that the odd used chip "pulls" you got cheap off ebay will work ? Use 6V only !

== First time install ==

You have gotten your Willem programmer board and some empty eproms. Lets set it all up. First turn off you pc and remove the power cord from the pc too. Then connect the Willem board using the (hopefully) supplied parallel printer cable (DB25). First install the software (like setup_98d5_PCB45.exe). Reboot you pc and double click the xp_stop_polling.reg if needed (donno about Vista).

== Setting up the board vs chip ==

First you need to find the right setting for your chip. The Willem software will do that for you. So open up EPROMS45 program and click on the "Device select" button then select 27C128.

[[Image:Eprom01.jpg|400px]]

== Then you will get the correct setup for your chip ==

With a little luck the rest of the setting on the board wont need to be change as the "factory settings" works quite well most 27128/27C128.

But just in case here is a step by step check:

[[Image:Board.jpg|600px]]

=== Step 1 ===

change the correct chip pattern to tell the board that we are using a 27C128 chip.

=== Step 2 ===

check correct Vpp (programming voltage). Note how it usually says on the chip what the Vpp is (see RED circle). 27C128 usually use 12,5V and this is usually the default of the board. Note that you MAY get some chips that require the higher 21V. If you get a chip without visible Vpp try the lower 12,5V first. So far all the chips ive used worked with 12,5V.

=== Step 3 ===

Ensure that all these pins are in normal chip usage position (normal usage for this chip of cause). This is the default posistions, so with a little luck you wont have to touch them at all.

=== Step 4 ===

Select software version to fit board (default).

=== Step 5 ===

Select power source. If your Willem was sold as a "usb"-kit it will most likely be in usb position and if your got a "poweradapter"-kit it will be in that position. Note: if USB cable (5V) is used you can only READ eproms .. to write/burn eproms you will need a power adapter at 9V, 12V or 15V to supply the 6V needed for writing.

=== Step 6 ===

The "write protection" jumper. Probably the only jumper you actually have to set manually yourself When your are READING your eproms .. make sure to keep this at 5V normal position.

=== Step 7 ===

insert your 27128 or 27C128 chip like shown. Make sure that the Notch points UP towards the handle (see green circle). Ensure that the chip is inserted at the BOTTOM and that all the chip legs fit correctly. Then press down the handle to secure the chip in place.

Warning: inserting the chip wrongly may damage both the chip and board. Always doublecheck the chip is correctly in place.

=== Step 8 ===

hook up power source (adapter or usb cable). Again, if you really intend to use the Willem "for real" you will need a real adapter as even tho the usb cable feels like a nice plug and play-ish, its good to have the ability to write too. The "Jack in" on the board seems to be a normal round jack stick like used with most common adapters. Looks like the same jack as used by Amstrad monitors.

== Reading a (ep)rom ==

Once you got the whole thing connected and powered. Its time test everything (if this is your first time better use a empty eprom first )

Better make a quick hardware test:

[[Image:Eprom06.jpg|400px]]

And you hopefully get a "Hardware Present".

Then all you do is press the "READ" botton and the rom is read in 2-3 seconds. To see what has been fetched click on the "BUFFER" tab below and youll see something like:

[[Image:Eprom13.jpg|400px]]

Then just hit the "SAVE" button to save the file. The software defaults the save format to a binary .bin file. Note that you may need rename the files after to a .ROM file (large letters) if you want them to be recognised by most amstrad emulators

== Writing a eprom ==

Nearly the same board setup is needed when writing to a eprom as when reading. So if this is your first time using the board, you will need to go trough the same 8 steps. The difference: in step 6 you need to take off the brown jumper to allow the 6V programming supply voltage !!

Once everything is set up and the software is running click on the "BLANK TEST" button to see that the eprom actually is empty. Should it say "not empty" then doublecheck all your board settings .. if you chose a wrong setting like wrong Vpp or the chip is larger/smaller that you think .. it may report back as not empty even tho it actually is.

If the chip gives you a "Device is empty" you can go ahead. Load up the rom you want written (click load) and press "PROGRAM CHIP" to burn. Takes 3-5 seconds as it also does a verify after writing.

 

== Using larger eproms ==

Yes is also works quite nicely, ive burned a couple of 27256/27C256 myslef. Only had to change the chip pattern (step 1) according to the Willem software. One small hickup is that the software cant burn half a rom, so you will have to make your 16kb rom into a 32kb one first. A quick copy did it for me in Dos/command (cmd):
<pre>COPY /B Protext1.bin+Protext2.bin Protext32.bin
</pre>
Merged the 2 identical 16kb Protext roms into a "double" 32kb one. Works nicely with a Rombo Romboard, tho i dont really know what part of the rom is actually used You can use any other merging software of cause, if the dos/cmd isnt your thing.

 

== General on use of the chip board ==

Use common sense when operating the board.

WARNING: Make SURE not to access the board from software without a chip has been inserted and locked in place !! It IS possible to change chips while the power is on and the software is open on your pc, but better not accidentally press anything in the software while changing. No reason to power the board unless you are just about to read or write a rom.

Stongly suggest having a look at http://www.willem.org/ to see if i forgot to warn you about something or other. You can also get most of the software there.

And if you cant find the software anywhere else feel free to grab the files from me at:

http://www.4shared.com/dir/5388657/daeb09f0/EPROM_WILLEM.html 

Got a few other related files in there too.

== The Commodore 64 enigma ==

Yes, C64 carts also use the exact same chip size and type eproms (28 legged 27128/27C128 16kb 12,5V) .. but can the Willem burn them? Probably can .. if the carts isnt encrypted or inverted or similar silliness. I notice that "the commodore store" on ebay is selling 27128 eproms (not erased tho) and other eproms with 28 legs, and so is Alphaworks:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/The-Commodore-Store

http://www.alphaworks.com.au/store.htm

== Where to get a Willem ==

Plenty of sellers on Ebay and they all seem to be located in China (i got mine from there). Make sure to search internalional and youll drown in possible sellers that sells the board at about $22. If you are worried about getting a fitting power adapter it may be worth buying a auction with one included .. you may have to buy a power converter instead. Also dont worry to much about getting a different version board, because even a older v3 board can do the job. Boards can also look completely different even tho its the same version .. all the boards has the same jumper sets .. they just move them around a bit on the board.

== Buying clean erased eproms ==

Ebay is probably the place. Note that 27C256 are cheaper and easier to find than 27C128 ones. Do note that some sellers isnt always the most reliable .. "100% erased and tested" sometimes means the opposite Better buy small quantities first.

== Erasing eproms yourself ==

Quict easy and cheap too. A bit dangerous tho. To erase a eprom you need a stong doze of UV light to shine down the little window in the top of the eprom. The doze of UV light is so strong that should you get some in your eyes you would go BLIND and should you get some on your skin you will get burned. Thats why eprom erasers are always a closed box with a special drawer so you cant accidentally look at the UV bulb. Buying a cheap eprom eraser is easy on ebay too. A quick search for "eprom eraser" will get you a long list with prices as low as $10. One of those cheap chinese ones will do the job nicely, but you may wanna be a little more carefull when handling it. Maybe putting the eraser into a black garbage bag or similar to make sure its sheltered properly (cant hurt to be extra carefull). 27C128/27128/27C256/27256 eproms usually need a doze of UV light for 20 minutes to be completely empty. If you are worried about the whole erasing thing, then maybe it better to just stick to just buying already empty eproms as they are cheap enough.

== Links: ==

http://www.willem.org/

http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/How_EPROMS_Work

http://www.arlabs.com/help.htm

 

== FAQ ==

Q: Im getting a "Hardware Error: Check Power & connection"?

A: Make sure both parallel & power cable is connected and plugged in. Make sure the "power" jumper is set correctly (Step 8 ). Could also mean that the board is dead.

 Q: Im getting a "Device is NOT Empty ($000000)" error?

A: Eprom appears not to be empty and it is likely to happen if you buy used chips. Could also be a wrong setting setting with either chip patteren or Vpp (step 1 & 2).

 Q: I programmed a eprom and everything seemed fine, didnt even get any errors, but when i use the rom in my romboard it dosnt work?

A: Probably a size mismatch between the .ROM file your burn and the chip size. The software dosnt warn you in any way, so if you accidentally load a 16kb rom file and write it to a 32kb one, everything will appear to have been written ok .. but it really hasnt.

 Q: I pressed the Program button and everything started ok, but suddenly got stuck at 1-2%? Also im getting a "Error at 0x0001F3 Chip = 0xFF Buffer = 0x18" ? (or similar message).

A: Supply voltage seems to be to low (step 6). Check that the jumper is off so you get the full 6V. Note: you can do this while the power is still on, and save your burn by repressing the program button .. it should continue programming the rest of the chip.

[[Category:Hardware]]

Guide on how to connect a 3.5" drive to a CPC6128/664

2008-06-22T08:34:17Z

Cholo:

'''Guide to hook up a 3.5" pc drive to your Amstrad CPC 6128 or 664 (For non-techy people like me).'''

This guide is for people who own 6128/664 cpc's that has the 34 pin EDGE connector type interfaces. I know that people in the UK and DK has the Edge connectors.

People in Germany use the CENTRONICS type connectors also some of the cpc PLUS range use Centronics. Centronics users need a different kind of cable.

== What you need (minimum requirements)==

- a pc 3.5" floppy drive
- a old style pc floppy cable
- a paperclip or a small piece of wire
- a powersource for the drive
- a 3.5" floppy disc

Suggest u also get:

- pins & jumpers or maybe some real switches.
- tape

== The Cable ==

By some amazing luck the 6128/664 use the exact same floppy-connector as a old 5.25" pc floppy drive. So all you need to connect up is a old style pc floppy cable that has both the old style 5.25" large edge connector and new style 3.5" small pc floppy connector.
Hardest part is probably to get one of these cables as they havnt really been used in years. If you have a 486 pc or older, try peeking inside to see if it has one of these cables, then you can easily borrow and replace it with a new style cable.

Looks like so:

[[Image:BelkinFloppy1.JPG|400px]]

But let give you a hand. BELKIN still sells this cable, I got mine locally but this one looks like its the one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Universa ... 36&sr=8-16

This is the 5 connector one, but a 3 connector one may also work if it has the right
kind/amount of connectors.

== The pc 3.5" Floppy drive ==

So far all the 3.5" drives ive tested all worked. The question is if you want a drive that is both compatible with 720kb floppies AND 1.44mb floppies.
All drives SEEM to work flawlessly with 720kb floppies .. but for some reason .. you get a LOT of read errors with SOME drives when you insert a 1.44mb floppy?

Quick fix: Use 720kb floppies only. 720kb floppies are hard to get, so just make some yourself from 1.44 floppies. Tape over the little "High Density" hole in the top left (both sides). That way the drive will think the floppy is 720kb only and act accordingly. Works Great.

[[Image:Floppies1.JPG|600px]]

=== Slow fix ===

find a drive that works with both size of floppies.
I say: a old TEAC FD-235HF drive works with both size floppies.
Hearsay from other sites: Alps & Mitsumi drives MAY work fully.
One way or the other i use the tape mod on all my 1.44mb floppies because it makes them compatible with all the drives i have.

=== Paperclip & more ===

All you really need is one piece of paperclip (the metal kind) to be able to make a single short on the floppy cable, but it would probably be better to get some proper pins and jumpers or some real small wires. Also if you wanna do some really fansy stuff, you might wanna get at least 3 paperclips/wires/pins/jumpers. (se later)
Motherboard pins are usually sold in long rows where you can break of smaller parts, like a set of 2 pins, then use normal pc jumpers on em to quickly set on/off.

[[Image:PinsJumpers1.JPG|400px]]

== Powersource ==

You need to power the 3.5" floppy drive somehow. A normal pc powersupply will do this quite nicely but there are "complications". A modern powersupply dosnt turn fully on unless it detects a motherboard is present.
There is 3 possible solutions to this problem:

1. drag a whole pc up next to your amstrad so u can power the floppy that way.

2. use another way to power the floppy.

3. cheat a modern pc powersupply to think a motherboard is present. Fooling a modern powersupply isnt really that hard .. all
u need is to connect the GREEN wire (ready signal) with one of the BLACK wires (ground). This works with both the 20 pin powersupplys and the newer 24 pin ones. Here is a shot of my 20 pin one:

[[Image:Psu20pin1.JPG|400px]]

Connected the green pin 14 wire with the black pin 13 wire. Note that i used pin 13 just because it was right next to pin 14 .. but any other black wire will work just as well.
The newer 24 pin powersupply can be fixed just like that, but note that the green wire is pin 16 on the 24 pin one. So a possible setup on the 24 pin setup could be green pin 16 connected with black pin 15.

=== More about powersupply pin layout here ===

20pin: http://www.hardwarebook.info/ATX_Power_Supply
24pin: http://www.hardwarebook.info/ATX_v2.2_Power_Supply

Note that VERY old powersupplies USED to turn on fully by themselves, so if u have a REALLY old pc u can see if it works.

=== Setting it all up ===

All u do is basicly the same as if you would hook up a FD1 drive to a cpc 6128. No soldering or disassembly required. Just hook up the cable to the DRIVE connetor on the Amstrad and the Floppy drive to the next edge connector on the cable.
Pretty hard to get it wrong as the edge connector only fits one way and usually the same is said the floppy connector. BUT .. there IS a few floppy drives that have the pins upside down, so u might need to twist the cable around once .. most likely not tho.

[[Image:CableOn1.JPG|600px]]

Note that this type of pc cable usually has some internally twisted cables .. make sure the CPC/PC does NOT have the twisted bit between them.

=== Setting the READY signal ===

Last thing you need to do is set the ready signal. This is done by connecting pin 33 and 34. Its the last 2 pins on the cable. Use a bend paperclip or a small wire to short the 2 pins like so (Marked in WHITE):

[[Image:CableClose1.JPG|600px]]

Thats it. Now u SHOULD have a fully working 3.5" B drive.

1. Power on the floppy first.

2. Then turn on the cpc.

=== Errors at this point ===

- You turn on the cpc but get a blank/rolling screen? Most likely the pc cable connector needs to be flipped over (pins are upside down).

Type "|B" to change to drive B in basic (where ø is the rsx char). A simple CAT will show if the disc/drive works.

=== Other Errors at this point ===

- Bad Command? Floppy drive detected by cpc but is not powered. Recheck your powersupply is connected and working. - You turn on the cpc and both drives act-as-one .. and the floppy light is constantly on? Most likely you didnt short pin 33 & 34 .. is the paperclip/wire loose? .. or did you accidentally short pin 1 & 2 instead? Try moving the paperclip to the other end of the connector. - Read error on drive? Disc hasnt been formatted yet? Use software like Discology to quickly format drive B .. or to quicky copy a disc from A to B .. or make a test floppy on pc (see transfer bit later). - Disc is write protected error? Make sure the write tab on the disc is down (move tab down on right side of disc).

== Two heads (OPTIONAL) ==

Ok, everything is working so far? Want to do some more advanced stuff like using 2 sides on your floppy?

Easy enough .. right now your floppy is using head 1 (aka side 1).. if you also connect pin 31 and 32 it will change to side/head 2. Remove the short again to get back to side/head 1.
I must admit that i myself only use one side/head because i cant be bother with the switching sides/heads. But it might be worth it if you buy one of them fansy on/off switches from a electronics shop.
Pin 31&32 is marked in RED on picture.

== Making floppy primary drive(OPTIONAL) ==

Donno if you have ever tried running software straight from a B drive, but it usually sucks badly (software freeze up). Wouldnt it be nice to if you could turn drive B into drive A (and A into B)? Connect up pin 11 & 12 while the drive is on to do the drive switcheroo. Marked in BLUE (sixth pair of pins from top).
Make sure to remove the short after you have turned off the whole thing (or you will get a drives-act-as-one error on next bootup). So you will have to set the 11/12 pin each time you wanna do the drive switching .. This one however seems quite usefull .. off to the shop to get a switch

Another closeup of all 3 pairs of pins without doodlin:

[[Image:SuperClose1.JPG|400px]]

== And up and running ==

[[Image:AllUpAndRunning1.JPG|400px]]

Transfering software between CPC and PC:

Yup, a pc can read and write those 3.5" Amstrad formatted floppies. There is a handfull of pc utilities that can read/write to the floppies.

I suggest getting CPCDiskXP by Oscar Sanchez from http://www.cpcmania.com/

It reads a 1 side in about 100 seconds (with verify) .. and writing back 1 side takes about 25 second Runs in Windows XP/Vista using a nice lowlevel driver that you might recognise from Amiga- and Atari ST-discs reading pc tools.
Note that you can only use floppies from a INTERNAL floppy drive (a usb one wont work).
Seems to me that only the Amstrad is picky about if u use 1.44mb or 720kb floppies .. the pc has no such troubles, so ANY floppy drive may work on pc (from my experience). Also the tape-down-1.44-to-720-floppy-fix works on pc too.

== Things that pop'ed into my head reading up on all this ==

Using a whole pc to power the floppy is getting annoing and uncompfy, so my brain has been thinking in overdrive to come up with a solution.

1. use a normal external-IDE-HDD-USB-enclosure to power the drive .. All you need it the enclosure (with its powersupply) .. then fit a Y-split cable (a IDE-power to Floppy-power one). This is possible if u can find the Y-split cable:

[[Image:Ycable1.JPG|400px]]

2. use a usb-floppy drive .. dissassemble it and hook it up to pc or Wii or xbox 360 or pc or .. Donno if this is possible .. or if you need yet another type of Y-cable or other. Would look nice with one of them slimline usb-drives.

3. Not a tech wizz at all, but all u need to power a floppy is 5V ?? or do you also need the 12V too? Anyways, a couple of batteries on row might do that easy-ish.

== Worries and what not ==

What if i hook something up wrong will my Amstrad break? Nah, dont think so, I mean I did EVERYTHING wrong at least twice and both 6128 & 664 is still alive and running. Also I tried a LOT of things myself before with a FD1 cable and such. Still we are talking about electronics and all that, so do be carefull, and dont forget that everything should fit nicely .. no reason to force anything. OMG OMG my precius 20+ year old gem of a Amstrad just blew up in my face, will you takes full responsibility and buy me a new one? Eh?, sure i will .. not.

== FAQ ==

Q: Can I use a FD1 cable to connect a 3.5" floppy drive?

A: In theory yes, but its hard to set the ready signal. Connecting pin 33&34 is probably best done on the drive itself with a small piece of wire/metal. People who can solder will know how to fix the cable itself tho.

Q: Can i hook up a 3.5" to a cpc 464 like this?

A: No. Hooking up a 3.5" isnt possible without some serious soldering and you also need that DDI interface.

Q: Can i use a 3.5" on a 6128+ ?

A: Sure you can, but u need to make a cable that fits the the Centronics connector and since the pins is a bit upside down with the 6128+ its a bit more on the technical side. Look here for more:

http://www.pcwking1.netfirms.com/helpage34.html
http://genesis8.free.fr/amstrad/faq/
http://www.zettweb.com/semiconductors/h ... drive.html

Q: I got one of those german Schneider 6128 with Centronics connector?

A: Sure, but just like 6128+ its a bit more technical and need a special interface/cable made.

Look here:

http://www.amstrad-cpc.de/

Q: The floppy drive isnt registered at all .. not even getting errors?

A: Try cleaning the connector on the Amstrad.

Q: Can I use those odd format discs on the 3.5" ?

A: 41 track & other Amstrad formats works fine.

Q: Can i use the fully 720kb on the floppy?

A: You need a special rom like Parados to replace Amsdos to do that.

Q: Can i use a 3.5" floppy drive internally in my 6128/664?

A: Well, sure but u need to make another special cable bacause the real internal cable is a lot smaller than the usual pc floppy cable. Also you will need a power converter cable if u want to power the floppy from the inside. If you do use it internally you wont have to set the "primary" pin 11 & 12 as it is already primary.

== Thanks goes to ==

- [[Executioner]], [[UKmarkh]], [[JMD]], [[Wanderer]], [[Zeropolis79]], [[Gryzor]] and [[Ptr]] for great help and contributions to the guide.

- Everybody in the [http://cpczone.net Cpczone.net] forums for putting up with my rantings

- Anyone online who i stole info from

== Sorry About ==

I may have made a few assumtions .. especially about the floppy compatability based on from my own experiences and such. If im wrong let me know

My eeiiieenglish isnt the most fluid and correct spelled and all that, but is readable I hope.

== Links to other sites about 3.5" floppy drive hookup ==

http://www.cpcmania.com/ (Spanish & English)

http://www.phenixinformatique.com/secti ... e&artid=67 (French)

http://www.amstradtoday.com/elements/up ... cteur2.htm (French)

http://www.terra.es/personal/diegovp/ (Spanish)

http://usuarios.lycos.es/putusoft/emucpc/softwaree.htm (Spanish)

== Great sources about anything CPC (including 3.5" connecting) ==

http://genesis8.free.fr/amstrad/faq/index.php or

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/amstrad8bit-faq/ (English/French/Dutch/German/Spanish)

http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Techni ... umentation (English)

http://www.amstrad-cpc.de/ (German)

== Tools to read CPC floppies on pc ==

CPCDiskXP: http://www.cpcmania.com/

ManageDsk: http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/download.php ... es&sortby=

22DISK: http://www.znode51.de/specials/22disk/

ReadDSK/WriteDSK: http://www.julien-nevo.com/arkos/tools.html

CDPRead/CDPWrite: http://www.caprice32.cybercube.com/downloads.php

'''Cholo'''

[[Category:Hardware]]

Guide on how to connect a 3.5" drive to a CPC6128/664

2008-06-22T08:30:48Z

Cholo:

'''Guide to hook up a 3.5" pc drive to your Amstrad CPC 6128 or 664 (For non-techy people like me).'''

This guide is for people who own 6128/664 cpc's that has the 34 pin EDGE connector type interfaces. I know that people in the UK and DK has the Edge connectors.

People in Germany use the CENTRONICS type connectors also some of the cpc PLUS range use Centronics. Centronics users need a different kind of cable.

== What you need (minimum requirements)==

- a pc 3.5" floppy drive
- a old style pc floppy cable
- a paperclip or a small piece of wire
- a powersource for the drive
- a 3.5" floppy disc

Suggest u also get:

- pins & jumpers or maybe some real switches.
- tape

== The Cable ==

By some amazing luck the 6128/664 use the exact same floppy-connector as a old 5.25" pc floppy drive. So all you need to connect up is a old style pc floppy cable that has both the old style 5.25" large edge connector and new style 3.5" small pc floppy connector.
Hardest part is probably to get one of these cables as they havnt really been used in years. If you have a 486 pc or older, try peeking inside to see if it has one of these cables, then you can easily borrow and replace it with a new style cable.

Looks like so:

[[Image:BelkinFloppy1.JPG|400px]]

But let give you a hand. BELKIN still sells this cable, I got mine locally but this one looks like its the one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Universa ... 36&sr=8-16

This is the 5 connector one, but a 3 connector one may also work if it has the right
kind/amount of connectors.

== The pc 3.5" Floppy drive ==

So far all the 3.5" drives ive tested all worked. The question is if you want a drive that is both compatible with 720kb floppies AND 1.44mb floppies.
All drives SEEM to work flawlessly with 720kb floppies .. but for some reason .. you get a LOT of read errors with SOME drives when you insert a 1.44mb floppy?

Quick fix: Use 720kb floppies only. 720kb floppies are hard to get, so just make some yourself from 1.44 floppies. Tape over the little "High Density" hole in the top left (both sides). That way the drive will think the floppy is 720kb only and act accordingly. Works Great.

[[Image:Floppies1.JPG|600px]]

=== Slow fix ===

find a drive that works with both size of floppies.
I say: a old TEAC FD-235HF drive works with both size floppies.
Hearsay from other sites: Alps & Mitsumi drives MAY work fully.
One way or the other i use the tape mod on all my 1.44mb floppies because it makes them compatible with all the drives i have.

=== Paperclip & more ===

All you really need is one piece of paperclip (the metal kind) to be able to make a single short on the floppy cable, but it would probably be better to get some proper pins and jumpers or some real small wires. Also if you wanna do some really fansy stuff, you might wanna get at least 3 paperclips/wires/pins/jumpers. (se later)
Motherboard pins are usually sold in long rows where you can break of smaller parts, like a set of 2 pins, then use normal pc jumpers on em to quickly set on/off.

[[Image:PinsJumpers1.JPG|400px]]

== Powersource ==

You need to power the 3.5" floppy drive somehow. A normal pc powersupply will do this quite nicely but there are "complications". A modern powersupply dosnt turn fully on unless it detects a motherboard is present.
There is 3 possible solutions to this problem:

1. drag a whole pc up next to your amstrad so u can power the floppy that way.

2. use another way to power the floppy.

3. cheat a modern pc powersupply to think a motherboard is present. Fooling a modern powersupply isnt really that hard .. all
u need is to connect the GREEN wire (ready signal) with one of the BLACK wires (ground). This works with both the 20 pin powersupplys and the newer 24 pin ones. Here is a shot of my 20 pin one:

[[Image:Psu20pin1.JPG|400px]]

Connected the green pin 14 wire with the black pin 13 wire. Note that i used pin 13 just because it was right next to pin 14 .. but any other black wire will work just as well.
The newer 24 pin powersupply can be fixed just like that, but note that the green wire is pin 16 on the 24 pin one. So a possible setup on the 24 pin setup could be green pin 16 connected with black pin 15.

=== More about powersupply pin layout here ===

20pin: http://www.hardwarebook.info/ATX_Power_Supply
24pin: http://www.hardwarebook.info/ATX_v2.2_Power_Supply

Note that VERY old powersupplies USED to turn on fully by themselves, so if u have a REALLY old pc u can see if it works.

=== Setting it all up ===

All u do is basicly the same as if you would hook up a FD1 drive to a cpc 6128. No soldering or disassembly required. Just hook up the cable to the DRIVE connetor on the Amstrad and the Floppy drive to the next edge connector on the cable.
Pretty hard to get it wrong as the edge connector only fits one way and usually the same is said the floppy connector. BUT .. there IS a few floppy drives that have the pins upside down, so u might need to twist the cable around once .. most likely not tho.

[[Image:CableOn1.JPG|600px]]

Note that this type of pc cable usually has some internally twisted cables .. make sure the CPC/PC does NOT have the twisted bit between them.

=== Setting the READY signal ===

Last thing you need to do is set the ready signal. This is done by connecting pin 33 and 34. Its the last 2 pins on the cable. Use a bend paperclip or a small wire to short the 2 pins like so (Marked in WHITE):

[[Image:CableClose1.JPG|600px]]

Thats it. Now u SHOULD have a fully working 3.5" B drive.

1. Power on the floppy first.

2. Then turn on the cpc.

=== Errors at this point ===

- You turn on the cpc but get a blank/rolling screen? Most likely the pc cable connector needs to be flipped over (pins are upside down).

Type "|B" to change to drive B in basic (where ø is the rsx char). A simple CAT will show if the disc/drive works.

=== Other Errors at this point ===

- Bad Command? Floppy drive detected by cpc but is not powered. Recheck your powersupply is connected and working.
- You turn on the cpc and both drives act-as-one .. and the floppy light is constantly on? Most likely you didnt short pin 33 & 34 .. is the paperclip/wire loose? .. or did you short pin 1 & 2 instead? Try moving the paperclip to the other end of the connector.
- Read error on drive? Disc hasnt been formatted yet? Use software like Discology to quickly format drive B .. or to quicky copy a disc from A to B .. or make a test floppy on pc (see transfer bit later).
- Disc is write protected error? Make sure the write tab on the disc is down (move tab down on right side of disc).

== Two heads (OPTIONAL) ==

Ok, everything is working so far? Want to do some more advanced stuff like using 2 sides on your floppy?

Easy enough .. right now your floppy is using head 1 (aka side 1).. if you also connect pin 31 and 32 it will change to side/head 2. Remove the short again to get back to side/head 1.
I must admit that i myself only use one side/head because i cant be bother with the switching sides/heads. But it might be worth it if you buy one of them fansy on/off switches from a electronics shop.
Pin 31&32 is marked in RED on picture.

== Making floppy primary drive(OPTIONAL) ==

Donno if you have ever tried running software straight from a B drive, but it usually sucks badly (software freeze up). Wouldnt it be nice to if you could turn drive B into drive A (and A into B)? Connect up pin 11 & 12 while the drive is on to do the drive switcheroo. Marked in BLUE (sixth pair of pins from top).
Make sure to remove the short after you have turned off the whole thing (or you will get a drives-act-as-one error on next bootup). So you will have to set the 11/12 pin each time you wanna do the drive switching .. This one however seems quite usefull .. off to the shop to get a switch

Another closeup of all 3 pairs of pins without doodlin:

[[Image:SuperClose1.JPG|400px]]

== And up and running ==

[[Image:AllUpAndRunning1.JPG|400px]]

Transfering software between CPC and PC:

Yup, a pc can read and write those 3.5" Amstrad formatted floppies. There is a handfull of pc utilities that can read/write to the floppies.

I suggest getting CPCDiskXP by Oscar Sanchez from http://www.cpcmania.com/

It reads a 1 side in about 100 seconds (with verify) .. and writing back 1 side takes about 25 second Runs in Windows XP/Vista using a nice lowlevel driver that you might recognise from Amiga- and Atari ST-discs reading pc tools.
Note that you can only use floppies from a INTERNAL floppy drive (a usb one wont work).
Seems to me that only the Amstrad is picky about if u use 1.44mb or 720kb floppies .. the pc has no such troubles, so ANY floppy drive may work on pc (from my experience). Also the tape-down-1.44-to-720-floppy-fix works on pc too.

== Things that pop'ed into my head reading up on all this ==

Using a whole pc to power the floppy is getting annoing and uncompfy, so my brain has been thinking in overdrive to come up with a solution.

1. use a normal external-IDE-HDD-USB-enclosure to power the drive .. All you need it the enclosure (with its powersupply) .. then fit a Y-split cable (a IDE-power to Floppy-power one). This is possible if u can find the Y-split cable:

[[Image:Ycable1.JPG|400px]]

2. use a usb-floppy drive .. dissassemble it and hook it up to pc or Wii or xbox 360 or pc or .. Donno if this is possible .. or if you need yet another type of Y-cable or other. Would look nice with one of them slimline usb-drives.

3. Not a tech wizz at all, but all u need to power a floppy is 5V ?? or do you also need the 12V too? Anyways, a couple of batteries on row might do that easy-ish.

== Worries and what not ==

What if i hook something up wrong will my Amstrad break? Nah, dont think so, I mean I did EVERYTHING wrong at least twice and both 6128 & 664 is still alive and running. Also I tried a LOT of things myself before with a FD1 cable and such. Still we are talking about electronics and all that, so do be carefull, and dont forget that everything should fit nicely .. no reason to force anything. OMG OMG my precius 20+ year old gem of a Amstrad just blew up in my face, will you takes full responsibility and buy me a new one? Eh?, sure i will .. not.

== FAQ ==

Q: Can I use a FD1 cable to connect a 3.5" floppy drive?

A: In theory yes, but its hard to set the ready signal. Connecting pin 33&34 is probably best done on the drive itself with a small piece of wire/metal. People who can solder will know how to fix the cable itself tho.

Q: Can i hook up a 3.5" to a cpc 464 like this?

A: No. Hooking up a 3.5" isnt possible without some serious soldering and you also need that DDI interface.

Q: Can i use a 3.5" on a 6128+ ?

A: Sure you can, but u need to make a cable that fits the the Centronics connector and since the pins is a bit upside down with the 6128+ its a bit more on the technical side. Look here for more:

http://www.pcwking1.netfirms.com/helpage34.html
http://genesis8.free.fr/amstrad/faq/
http://www.zettweb.com/semiconductors/h ... drive.html

Q: I got one of those german Schneider 6128 with Centronics connector?

A: Sure, but just like 6128+ its a bit more technical and need a special interface/cable made.

Look here:

http://www.amstrad-cpc.de/

Q: The floppy drive isnt registered at all .. not even getting errors?

A: Try cleaning the connector on the Amstrad.

Q: Can I use those odd format discs on the 3.5" ?

A: 41 track & other Amstrad formats works fine.

Q: Can i use the fully 720kb on the floppy?

A: You need a special rom like Parados to replace Amsdos to do that.

Q: Can i use a 3.5" floppy drive internally in my 6128/664?

A: Well, sure but u need to make another special cable bacause the real internal cable is a lot smaller than the usual pc floppy cable. Also you will need a power converter cable if u want to power the floppy from the inside. If you do use it internally you wont have to set the "primary" pin 11 & 12 as it is already primary.

== Thanks goes to ==

- [[Executioner]], [[UKmarkh]], [[JMD]], [[Wanderer]], [[Zeropolis79]], [[Gryzor]] and [[Ptr]] for great help and contributions to the guide.

- Everybody in the [http://cpczone.net Cpczone.net] forums for putting up with my rantings

- Anyone online who i stole info from

== Sorry About ==

I may have made a few assumtions .. especially about the floppy compatability based on from my own experiences and such. If im wrong let me know

My eeiiieenglish isnt the most fluid and correct spelled and all that, but is readable I hope.

== Links to other sites about 3.5" floppy drive hookup ==

http://www.cpcmania.com/ (Spanish & English)

http://www.phenixinformatique.com/secti ... e&artid=67 (French)

http://www.amstradtoday.com/elements/up ... cteur2.htm (French)

http://www.terra.es/personal/diegovp/ (Spanish)

http://usuarios.lycos.es/putusoft/emucpc/softwaree.htm (Spanish)

== Great sources about anything CPC (including 3.5" connecting) ==

http://genesis8.free.fr/amstrad/faq/index.php or

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/amstrad8bit-faq/ (English/French/Dutch/German/Spanish)

http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Techni ... umentation (English)

http://www.amstrad-cpc.de/ (German)

== Tools to read CPC floppies on pc ==

CPCDiskXP: http://www.cpcmania.com/

ManageDsk: http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/download.php ... es&sortby=

22DISK: http://www.znode51.de/specials/22disk/

ReadDSK/WriteDSK: http://www.julien-nevo.com/arkos/tools.html

CDPRead/CDPWrite: http://www.caprice32.cybercube.com/downloads.php

'''Cholo'''

[[Category:Hardware]]