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/* PC to CPC floppy connector */
== PC to CPC floppy connector ==
[[File:Cpc6128floppytopcfloppy.gif]]
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=== Ready / Disk Changed signal ===
This signal differs between floppy drives model:
*For 3inch floppy drives (pin26), it is a "Ready" signal. The /RDY signal turns on when a disk is inserted and spinning in the drive, usually after detecting 2 or 3 index pulses, depending on the drive model. It turns off immediately if the disk is removed or the motor stops.
*For PC 3.5inch floppy drives (pin34), it is a "Disk Changed" signal. The /DSKCHG signal determines whether the same disk loaded during the previous disk access is still in the drive.
The easiest solution to this issue is to force the Ready signal on the cable. However, the CPC will hang if you type the CAT command with no disk inserted (inserting a disk will unblock it).
Alternatively, you can [[Modify PC floppy drives]] to create a Ready signal, or use Amiga floppy drives, which already have this signal.
Gotek drives with FlashFloppy or HxC firmware can also be configured to simulate the Ready signal. Don't forget to use a proper floppy drive cable then, not the one commonly sold by CPC hobbyists with the Ready signal forced.
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=== PC Floppy Drive types ===
The IBM PC supports two standard diskette formats on a 5.25 inch drive:
* The first is a double sided, double density, 80 cylinders, format yielding a capacity of 720KB. The double density drive rotates at 300 RPM.
* The other is double sided, quad density, 80 cylinders, with a total capacity of 1.44 MB. The high density drive rotates at 300 RPM.
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