Disk drives
From CPCWiki - THE Amstrad CPC encyclopedia!
The Disk Drive is a common Mass Data storage from the 80's.
Alongside other technologies :
- ROM used in Cartridges or Hardwired... Faster but so expensive.
- Cassettes. Awfully slowler and not that reliable.
In modern day, the Cassette port can easily be replaced by any modern audio device : MP3 or CD readers.
Amstrad 464 (Plus or OLD) lack the extra ROM sofware and Disc Controller needed to use a Disk Drive. That's why external Disk Drive for CPC include such ROM.
Despite this, Disk are one of the easiest way to read softwares on Amstrad 8 bits, especially 6128 or 664 models.
The most common trick is to use a 3"1/2 disk drive, as this is the easier to find nowadays. You can even replace the 3" dick drive from a 6128+ with a proper 3"1/2 disk drive, by filing some plastic.
Abbreviations in French :
- K7 = cassettes ("Ka Sept")
- D7 = Diskettes ("Dé Sept")
Amstrad parts numbers
- 30001 P.C.B. 3" Disc drive
- 30002 P.C.B. 3" Disc drive
- Z70312 P.C.B. 3" Disc Drive
- Z70313 P.C.B. 3" Disc Drive
- Z70341 P.C.B. 3" Disc Drive
- Z80264 P.C.B. 3" disc drive
Existing models
- Amstrad DDI-1 / FD-1 Disk Drive
- Cumana 3" Disk Drive
- Data Media Disc System
- Jasmin AM5D 5 "1/4 floppy drive
- KDS 5¼" Disc Drive (KDS Electronics)
- Vortex Disc Drives (Vortex)
