The FDC speed is more impressive when you realize the Amstrad CPC’s tape loads at only 2 kbits/s in fast mode. Note: tape loading can be way faster than that if an MP3 player is used instead of a real physical tape, as it has been demonstrated here: https://youtu.be/MAIsOIwgJWA
Note: Some FDC commands don't require the motor to be on. For example, the seek command that moves the floppy drive head works fine with the motor off. [https://64nops.wordpress.com/2021/07/10/a-la-decouverte-du-fdc-episode-2/ Source]
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