Changes
/* Other Errors at this point */ Improve presentation : turn big paragraph into easy-to-read QA thanks to "description list" markup.
'''Guide to hook up a 3.5" pc drive to your Amstrad CPC 6128 or 664 (For non-techy people like me).'''<br> You can also check out another guide [[Guide on how to connect a 3.5 | here]]
This guide is for people who own 6128/CPCs 664 cpc's that has the /6128 with 34 pin EDGE connector type interfaces(sold e.g. I know that people in the UK and DK has the Edge connectors).<br>For another guide, check [[Guide_on_how_to_connect_a_3.5]].
== What you need (minimum requirements)==
- a pc 3.5" floppy drive : For usable models see [[Drive_Compatibility]], [[Modify_PC_floppy_drives]] and [[Adding_3.5%22_drive_to_CPC464]].<br>
- a old style pc floppy cable
- a paperclip or a small piece of wire
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:PinsJumpers1Psu20pin1.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.
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|400px600px]]
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. [[Image:IMGP1639 50%.jpg|600px]] You can process the same way with only 1 drive 3"5 and 5"1/4 connectors , you can use the 3"5 connector before the edge card connector instead.
=== 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|400px600px]]
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 ===
== Two heads (OPTIONAL) ==
== Worries and what 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://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.
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 ==[[Guide on how to connect a 3.5]] Another local guide [[Modify PC floppy drives]] How to force certain PC drives to produce RDY signal (used for CPC)
http://www.cpcmania.com/ (Spanish & English)
http://www.phenixinformatique.com/secti ... e&artid=67 (French)
http://www.amstradtoday.com/elements/up ... cteur2upgrade/upgrade.htm #nodisk (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)
== 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
[[Dsktools]] "dsktools is a set of tools for reading and writing DSK and EDSK images to real floppy disks for use with theAmstrad/Schneider CPC range of home computers. The main target platform for dsktools is GNU/Linux."
CDPRead/CDPWrite: http://www.caprice32.cybercube.com/downloads.php
'''Cholo'''
[[Category:HardwareDIY]][[Category:DATA Storage]]
