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General Category => Amstrad CPC hardware => Topic started by: troupe86 on 11:20, 27 April 24

Title: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: troupe86 on 11:20, 27 April 24
Hello all!

I've recently acquired a lovely PCW 8256 computer and I was wondering if there is a readily available Gotek drive solution for it?

My searching online hasn't shown any available for sale, despite some articles showing the installation process.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: XLV2K on 18:44, 27 April 24
I guess it just works if you flash it ( or buy it flashed ) with the HxC or flashfloppy firmware . There are also 3D-printed bays to install the Gotek in the place of the 3" FDDs https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2850367 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2850367) https://hobbyretro.com/en/retro/adapter-for-gotek-amstrad-pcw (https://hobbyretro.com/en/retro/adapter-for-gotek-amstrad-pcw)
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: troupe86 on 18:22, 17 May 24
Ok,

So I have two Goteks (a more traditional Gotek and a FlashFloppy) and neither seem to be loading disk images despite me updating the firmware on it from the FlashFloppy GitHub.

The disk images show up on the menu of the USB stick but they won't actually load, even when I hit the spacebar. Is there something I'm missing?

Are my jumper settings correct? Do I need to edit a config file at all to get images to boot on the PCW?

I should add that I have tried about 4 different USB sticks!

Any and all help is appreciated!

(https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/112/457/576/964/773/781/original/e279b8086f21a40b.jpg)

(https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/112/457/577/009/151/328/original/f1057f1091f445a9.jpg)

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: troupe86 on 19:52, 29 May 24
Ok, so I managed to get the PCW to boot from the original disk drive after I got a CP/M disk.

(https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/112/525/854/797/790/027/original/7d1652e44fae28b6.jpg)

I STILL cannot get the Gotek working though. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated so that I can explore the library more.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: robcfg on 21:42, 29 May 24
How exactly are you connecting the Gotek to the PCW?

The Gotek has the standard 34 pin connector while PCW drives have a 26 pin one.

Can you show us what type of cable/adapter are you using?
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: troupe86 on 17:39, 30 May 24
Quote from: robcfg on 21:42, 29 May 24How exactly are you connecting the Gotek to the PCW?

The Gotek has the standard 34 pin connector while PCW drives have a 26 pin one.

Can you show us what type of cable/adapter are you using?

I'm using adaptor cables that I bought from eBay that were listed as compatible. I'm currently using FlashFloppy 4.6 as well but nothing will load.

(https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/112/530/983/038/496/403/original/52980327d4a6f7b5.jpg)

(https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/112/530/983/845/669/283/original/7084fd11c528f998.jpg)

And here is the other Gotek:

(https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/112/531/012/290/400/643/original/af1fc97fa791e510.jpg)


All help is appreciated by the way!



Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: eto on 11:35, 31 May 24
I think the floppy cable on the Gotek is upside down. 

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/DIY:Floppy_Drives#Adaptor_Cable_for_Internal_Floppies_.2F_HxC_emulator
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW 8256 - Gotek Drive?
Post by: troupe86 on 13:53, 03 June 24
I looked at the diagram in the link and it was seemingly built upside down by the seller.

I rectified it by swapping the cable around, and matching it to the diagram, however I still have the same issues.

Does anyone know of a reputable seller of the correct ribbon cable? My power cable adaptor is fine.
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