Look at this:
http://cgi.ebay.de/HCX-Floppy-emulator-for-Amiga-Atari-ST-ZX-3-CPC-PC_W0QQitemZ180432516506QQcmdZViewItemQQptZKlassische_Computer?hash=item2a029db59a
Obviously, you can connect the offered device to your PC, then load a discimage into it, and then it behaves as if it was a floppy with the corresponding disc in it.
Just a bit expensive :D
At least for a poor lawyer like me :D
You may try to build by yourself.Every information needed is on his webite.
I prefer to wait a batch of the SDcard version :D
€60... ouch! :(
Considering the hours that go into a project like this, and the amount of work needed just to build it, I don't think the price is extremely expensive. You have to remember, that this is being produced on a hobby scale and not being churned out of a chinese factory with 2€ a month employees and high production volumes. As mentioned above, you can build it yourself, but the price difference won't be all that much, and a pre-built version will have been tested before you get it (I hope), so it's guaranteed to work. On the other hand, there is a simpler SD version online (A very neat solution I have to say), which you could build even cheaper... but you might have to polish up on your french before heading over there...
http://atariamiga.free.fr/installation_sdiskemul_cpc.php
Bryce.
Nice...but I think fano is right.
What about a SD card version?
I´d buy the USB one if I could connect an USB stick directly to the interface.
Is it possible? Or do I need the Windows software at all?
Quote from: viddi on 11:52, 17 November 09What about a SD card version?
Jeff says he hope to start a batch for SD version soon in this thread (in french) : http://cpcrulez.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3881&start=15 (http://cpcrulez.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3881&start=15)
Project is here : http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator (http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator)
It is great as it is able to write to disk images so it will behave as a standard disk drive, i am impatient to see this product in my 6128+ :D
If i found a solution to program pic, i may be tempted to build it by myself if the batch does not come...
Quote from: Gryzor on 07:57, 17 November 09
€60... ouch! :(
That's a fair price. Only the CPLD on this device costs about 25 EUR (at Segor here in germany). Then add the board and the work to assemble it...
Maybe expensive was the wrong word. Indeed, somenone gets all the parts, solders them together and tests it ... should be worth 60 €.
On the other hand, I think I wouldn't use it that often. So I'll let you buy them :D
I didn't say that the guy is ripping us off :D No, what I meant was that €60... is simply a bit too much for the functionality. I'd probably pay that amount with no second thought for an SD version!
Most of these "homemade" projects do tend to be a bit pricy (for the reason already mentioned). Like Symbiface was 120 Eu and a C-one is currently 333 Eu i noticed.
Getting a old style 3.5" drive that is Amstrad compatible isnt impossible .. but perhaps you would try selling it fast again at £184.95 (lol):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-FD-235J-3653-U-3-5-FLOPPY-DRIVE-fbc1bh_W0QQitemZ120472848565QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_FloppyDiskDrives_SM?hash=item1c0cbdc8b5 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-FD-235J-3653-U-3-5-FLOPPY-DRIVE-fbc1bh_W0QQitemZ120472848565QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_FloppyDiskDrives_SM?hash=item1c0cbdc8b5)
Then again i think they are just "fishing" for the extreme dull rich people with that one ;D
And some sellers of 5,25" drives has reached the same crazy prices tho.
Quote from: Bryce on 10:00, 17 November 09
On the other hand, there is a simpler SD version online (A very neat solution I have to say), which you could build even cheaper... but you might have to polish up on your french before heading over there...
http://atariamiga.free.fr/installation_sdiskemul_cpc.php
Woohoo, that one looks really interesting! I like that fact that you can see on screen what's on the SD-card. But I'm wondering how you select which DSK to use. Also, do you think it'll work with my CPC464? I do have the floppy-controller, and currently have a 3.5" drive connected.
Who'll make me one of those? :-D
Quote from: mr_lou on 19:12, 19 November 09Also, do you think it'll work with my CPC464? I do have the floppy-controller, and currently have a 3.5" drive connected.
AFAIK as long you can run a drive, it will work.
Quote from: fano on 20:26, 19 November 09
AFAIK as long you can run a drive, it will work.
Groovy.
I'm not too impressed by the method of selecting the DSK image though. It seems to be 1 button you click to browse through the files.
I remember seeing some other project once, where you'd load some RSX commands first, and then be able to read from an SD-card or Compact Flash as if it was a harddrive. I think that's more interesting. I've been trying to find it online again, but gave up. Anyone knows what I'm talking about?
I might build the SD version when I have time. I asked the author for the PIC Source code, so that I could enhance a few things, but he didn't seem to want to share it. I like the way he overlayed the video signal too. Gives me a few cool ideas such as a "Wallpaper" module for background graphics without any CPU involvement, they could even be animated backgrounds with a bit of trickery.
The only IDE interface I've ever seen for the CPC was "CPCNG" (www.hanssummers.com/computers/cpcng/ide/) which I don't think ever got to the prototype phase. It would (if finished) read/write IDE harddrives or Compact flash cards. As far as the hardware is concerned, it's pretty easy to connect IDE devices to a CPC (check out the MyIDE interface for the Atari 8-Bit - www.mr-atari.com), the problems are with the software needed to control the device. Bad software can change a really good idea into a useless collection of components. The MyIDE device has some very good software onboard, which rounds off the product perfectly. Anybody interested in porting it to CPC? ;D
Quote from: Bryce on 09:54, 26 November 09
I might build the SD version when I have time. I asked the author for the PIC Source code, so that I could enhance a few things, but he didn't seem to want to share it. I like the way he overlayed the video signal too. Gives me a few cool ideas such as a "Wallpaper" module for background graphics without any CPU involvement, they could even be animated backgrounds with a bit of trickery.
The only IDE interface I've ever seen for the CPC was "CPCNG" (www.hanssummers.com/computers/cpcng/ide/) which I don't think ever got to the prototype phase. It would (if finished) read/write IDE harddrives or Compact flash cards. As far as the hardware is concerned, it's pretty easy to connect IDE devices to a CPC (check out the MyIDE interface for the Atari 8-Bit - www.mr-atari.com), the problems are with the software needed to control the device. Bad software can change a really good idea into a useless collection of components. The MyIDE device has some very good software onboard, which rounds off the product perfectly. Anybody interested in porting it to CPC? ;D
Symbiface has IDE on board + extra RAM + extra RAM which acts like rom.
A DOS compatible with AMSDOS was in progress but never finished.
http://www.wincpc.ch/index.php?topic=projects-symdos
I would like to see this finished.
Ok, an alternative would be to build an interface similar to the spectrum one.
Two types here, a very cheap "8-bit" one and a "more expensive" 16-bit one.
http://www.worldofspectrum.org/zxplus3e/interface.html
Would these be any better?
I know Symbiface also has IDE, but I was more referring to stand-alone devices, ie: small interface circuits that just offer IDE, rather than the "All-singing-and-dancing" (Eierlegende-Wollmilchsau / le mouton à cinq pattes) solutions such as Symbiface.
Bryce.
Well, there is also the IDE8255 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/IDE8255) by Yarek. This is just a 8255 PIO with address logic and the IDE device can be directly connected to the 8255.
Here is a detailed description of a similar 8255 interface: An 8-bit IDE interface (http://www.pjrc.com/tech/8051/ide/wesley.html).
Quote from: Octoate on 15:07, 26 November 09
Well, there is also the IDE8255 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/IDE8255) by Yarek. This is just a 8255 PIO with address logic and the IDE device can be directly connected to the 8255.
Here is a detailed description of a similar 8255 interface: An 8-bit IDE interface (http://www.pjrc.com/tech/8051/ide/wesley.html).
Also look here:
http://8bit.yarek.pl/interface/yamod.ide8255/index.html
This 8255IDE interface is cheap, small and the fastest for the CPC. Unlike the SF-II it is only a IDE card.
Bye the way, if somebody produces the floppy emulator with an SD card I would buy one, I can also pay the money in advance.
About pricing: 60 Euros is cheap! Guys what do you think how much you would pay in a computer shop? How much time it takes to developp such a project? How much money you have to pay only for the parts and then the assembly time? 60 is a fair price!
TFM of FutureSoft
Any chance I'd be able to use such a Flash-card reader one of those on my CPC464? I mean, like going to drive B would give me a kind of harddrive? I have 128mb ram and a DDI interface with a 3.5" + 3" drive connected at the moment. I'm hoping I could replace the 3" drive with a "harddisk" like a flash-card reader.
Are there any of the mentioned solutions that can do that, or do I need a CPC6128?
Technically there is no reason why it wouldn't work with the DDI-1 interface as Drive B, but it doesn't exactly work like a hard-drive, the Memory card has all the DSK files stored on it and you can choose one which it then fools the CPC into thinking there's a floppy drive present with that disc in it. When (and if) I build any of them, I will report back with 6128 and DDI-1 results.
Bryce.
That sounds great Bryce.
As far as I understand, it is possible to hook up a card-reader, if you load some RSX commands before accessing the card. Theese RSX commands could be loaded from disk. But couldn't they also come from another cartridge?
Any hardware that needs it's own RSX commands can include an onboard ROM to make them accessable, or at least, that's the neatest way of doing it, although not the cheapest. The advantage of the Floppy emulator solution is that it doesn't need any new commands, because the CPC thinks it just a regular floppy, all the standard CPC disc commands work as normal. The SD-Emul from Sundance does require a joystick to navigate the on-screen menu, but when I build it, I intend to replace this with some small buttons on the PCB.
Bryce.
Quote from: Bryce on 09:48, 30 November 09
Any hardware that needs it's own RSX commands can include an onboard ROM to make them accessable, or at least, that's the neatest way of doing it, although not the cheapest.
I'm having a little bit of trouble figuring out why people prefer a floppy emulator over such a harddrive-kinda solution. Is it "just" because of the price and/or work in building such a device?
Surely being able to type e.g.
|fdir
|frun "filename"
|fload "filename"
- would be more intriguing than a floppy emulator? (the "f" would be short for "flash").
Quote from: Bryce on 09:48, 30 November 09The advantage of the Floppy emulator solution is that it doesn't need any new commands, because the CPC thinks it just a regular floppy, all the standard CPC disc commands work as normal. The SD-Emul from Sundance does require a joystick to navigate the on-screen menu, but when I build it, I intend to replace this with some small buttons on the PCB.
I see the advantage, and somehow, selecting a DSK would be kinda like entering a folder, which you'd probably do in another solution too. The only part of the floppy-emulator I don't like, is the way DSK files are selected. I'd much rather control that from the CPC using RSX commands, rather than clicking through 100 DSK files using 2 buttons....
The on-screen display helps of course, but still.....
One of the reasons the HxC/SDEmul emulators don't use RSXs is that they seem to be compatible with absolutely anything out there that has 8-Bits, including my granny's toaster (it's a really cool toaster, honest). So the RSX software would have to be written for each computer family seperately, as well as that, if the RSXs were ROM based, the hardware would have to connect to the expansion port too (like the FDD-1 does) and would then be around the size and cost of a Symbiface (which does all of the above and more, but for CPC only). Floppy Emulation is a happy medium, which makes use of the fact that the CPC already has the floppy hardware and commands available. That said, it should be possible to make some changes to the HxC / SDEmul so that the navigation is done by CPC keys instead of a Joystick/external buttons, but this would again make the module CPC-Only, which is not what their goal was.
Bryce.
Quote from: Bryce on 09:53, 01 December 09
...and would then be around the size and cost of a Symbiface (which does all of the above and more, but for CPC only).
Floppy Emulation is a happy medium, which makes use of the fact that the CPC already has the floppy hardware and commands available. That said, it should be possible to make some changes to the HxC / SDEmul so that the navigation is done by CPC keys instead of a Joystick/external buttons, but this would again make the module CPC-Only, which is not what their goal was.
To me, the floppy-emulation is mostly interesting because it'll run on my CPC464, while SymbiFace requires a CPC6128. Even though I do have a CPC6128 too, the CPC464 is just the one I prefer using because it's the one I grew up with.
Any chance it would be possible to make software RSX commands to select a DSK file from such a floppy-emulator? That way the hardware would still work on all machines, and the software RSX commands could just be loaded from another drive.
(I'm thinking about Orion Prime that somehow manages to put 4 DSK files onto a 720kb floppy and switch between them as it pleases).
From a software point of view, it shouldn't be a problem, the real problem is getting a physical connection to the PIC (Processor) on the emulator. Some sort of output from the CPC (either the printer or expansion port) would need to communicate with the PIC, which means additional hardware. It's not impossible, it's just messy. A small navigation program would probably be needed and I assume you would want the files listed on the "real" screen (ie: not an overlay), so the PIC would have to send the file list back to the CPC too (meaning the connection would most likely need to be through the expansion port). at this stage, a neat project is turning into a tangle of circuits and wires.
Bryce.
Quote from: Bryce on 09:53, 01 December 09
..... the hardware would have to connect to the expansion port too (like the FDD-1 does) and would then be around the size and cost of a Symbiface (which does all of the above and more, but for CPC only).
Well, the SF2 can't emulate floppy disc drives. Thats the point and the fascinating feature of the Floppy Emulator. It CAN be connected like a normal floppy disc drive.
That's not really what I meant, The answer refers more to the question of having to navigate with a joystick/buttons on the interface or incorporating soft navigation. I just wanted to point out, that making this controllable through RSXs would dis-proportionately increase the price of the device to an extent that the "Price per Feature" ratio would go way off the map.
Bryce.
got mine through the post today. cant wait to test it!
Really? Do let us know! Post some pics too! Make a small review if possible!
just realised i need a floppy cable from the CPC to the card!
Hahahahaha :D Not that easy to find nowadays, in all seriousness :D
yes i totally forgot about that side of things. Doesnt really mention it on the auction either lol
doh!
Well he didn't even mention you need to be connected to a power plant somehow, did he? :D
electricity is needed????? :-[
Quote from: khisanth on 16:54, 22 December 09
electricity is needed????? :-[
What can you do, 8-bit is old technology... you can hook it up to a stationary bike, though.
I got my board yesterday and has just a little testing and it all works well.
Closeup of the board:
http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/8830/closeupp.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/8830/closeupp.jpg)
Setup as a secondary drive on my (dusty) 464:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6759/hookupo.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6759/hookupo.jpg)
Installing: Just plug in the board normally using the usb-cable and windows (Vista 64 bit) will launch update and download and install the right drivers.
The software: better get the latest emulator software from the site. Just un-zip the software to where you want it and run the executable to launch the Emulator.
Powering: the board is powered by the usb cable.
Plugging in:
1. make sure power is off on the pc.
2. on the cpc side plug it in as you would with a external drive. Note that amstrad ribbon cables can be a bit hard of fitting into the emulator board socket. But being a bit gentle it fits ok. Also note that you may need to fit it "udside down" of what is suggested.
3. plug in the usb cable and launch the emulator. Set option to DF1 (and better load a dsk too).
4. if you have a DDI also turn it on.
5. finally turn on the amstrad.
Using:
1. better insert a 3" in any other drive you may have.
2. use |B to switch to B drive.
3. have fun.
Q&A:
Q: I tried using CAT or |B but the whole thing is kinda frozen, also all 4 light are on and i can see that tracks keep changing in the pc emulator?
A: you probably have the ribbon cable in reverse. Turn everything off and plug the ribbon in again in reverse.
Q: im used |B but is getting a read error/disc missing?
A: did you forget to put a 3" floppy in the other drive?
Things i tried but didnt work: Tried to get it to work as a single primary drive on the 464 but that didnt work.
Just noticed that: apparently the board only supports READING of floppies. So you cant use it for any temporary/permanent data storage at all (no writing at all).
Kinda makes it importent to use it as secondary drive as you cant do anything "serious" work on it.
Or perhaps im doing something wrong or Vista is blocking something? I do wonder what the export/save image and make system floppy are for if you cant change the original image? Or perhaps it works for other systems (amiga?) but hasnt been implemented for Amstrad? Anyone knows?
According to the project's website (http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#USBFloppyemulator), write support is only available on the SDCARD version of the board. The USB version is read-only.
Quote from: Grim on 15:10, 23 December 09
According to the project's website (http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#USBFloppyemulator), write support is only available on the SDCARD version of the board. The USB version is read-only.
Bonjour!
What a pity :-( Read only is only half the fun. Not sufficient to really replace a drive. But the SDCARD seems to work fine. Will try to get one too. Just in case this world runs out of CPC drives ;-)
Au revoir and Merry X-Mas!
Quote from: Grim on 15:10, 23 December 09
According to the project's website (http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#USBFloppyemulator), write support is only available on the SDCARD version of the board. The USB version is read-only.
Ah thanks, i must have missed that in translation. Also i should probably have guessed it from the flowchart too.
Still a great piece of equipment and a fast way to get data from pc to amstrad (and it will definately come in handy with my amiga too). Oh also would like to mention that the board is really well made too. Lotharek really did a pro job building these.
Happy Christmas y'all 8)
Okay, finally got hold of a CPC floppy disk cable and hooked it up to the USB floppy emulator and it works PERFECTLY !!!!!!!!!!!!
now i have access to every game ever in milliseconds!!!
This is great news (now who's doing the production run of the PCBs, preferably once SD is ready in one common design as well?). :)
I wonder if optocouplers (with part of the circuitry being powered from its respective computer's side) wouldn't fit in nicely to completely avoid the risk of "frying" any machine due to the difference in potential (and/or at least cause nasty ground loops).
Yet another means would be the latest crop of consumer-electronics components to make the USB connection wireless (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_USB also lists a number of competing options).
Quote from: khisanth on 18:56, 16 January 10
Okay, finally got hold of a CPC floppy disk cable and hooked it up to the USB floppy emulator and it works PERFECTLY !!!!!!!!!!!!
now i have access to every game ever in milliseconds!!!
Ain't that sweet... can you make a video? :)
yeah good idea! will get one done tonight :)
Fantastic, thanks!!!
Okay here you go. Not a great video, as I dont have a tripod but you get the idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar5ygebI8og
"Cast"? :D :p :p
Thanks for the vid, I think I want one...
Does anyone know when the SD version of HxC will be available???
Do you mean to buy? I have downloaded the SD version plans, to build it myself. I intend optimising it slightly because I don't need the Atari ST functionality, but everything else (circuit / software) is there if you intend building one.
Bryce.
Yes, I'm going to buy such a device.
Can you build one for me, too?
Sorry, I don't really build devices for others. If I start doing that, then all of a sudden 100 people want one and it starts getting complicated. I will however make a single sided layout version which is much easier for most hobby electronics people to build and I will put these files on the Wiki if the original author doesn't have a problem with it.
Bryce.
if you could post the schematic and list of components, I'd be happy to solder it together myself ;D
The Schematic is here:
http://atariamiga.free.fr/sdiskemul_tech.php
(Version 2.21)
He sent me the Component list, but I'll have to go looking for it tonight. I'll be making a few changes to the hardware (removing Amiga bits I don't need), but I will use his software.
I'll get back to you.....
Bryce.
@ynot.zer0: care doing one for me, too? Would pay... :)
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:02, 27 January 10
@ynot.zer0: care doing one for me, too? Would pay... :)
Me too. :)
;D Like I predicted. You only have to say the words "I'll build one" and all of a sudden there's a queue at your door and you're planning production runs :D That's why my policy has always been: Distribute the plans, make it as easy (and cheap) as possible to build and let others do the production. Although I do tend to sell my (working) prototypes when I've finished a project.
Bryce.
Yes of c
Quote from: Bryce on 10:08, 27 January 10
;D Like I predicted. You only have to say the words "I'll build one" and all of a sudden there's a queue at your door and you're planning production runs :D
Exactly :D
But what can you do? I have barely enough time to hug the girlfriend, if I sit down to learn and THEN make the darn thing I won't have a girlfriend anymore...
You'll have to teach the Girlfriend to solder :D Then you can look after the Wiki, while she's building you an SD Card Reader / PS/2 Mouse adapter, etc :D
Yes, and while she's at it, she could also bring home a substitute girlfriend for all the time she'll be spending with the iron...
Luckily my wife doesn't read the CPCWiki, so I can say this.....
If she's trained with one Iron (for clothes), then it's a small step to move on to soldering irons :D
(If you never hear from me again, then I was wrong and she DOES read the Wiki :D )
Bryce.
Good-bye, Bryce, good to have known you :D
Anyone out there willing to build a SD-HxC interface for me?
I've seen a REV B layout of the SD HxC Interface
http://torlus.com/floppy/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275
Final layout presentation
yes but what about the price???
Or what about a full set of documentation (Layout / BOM / Schematics / Firmware) so that we can build one ourselves?
Bryce.
Quote from: Bryce on 13:48, 27 January 10
Luckily my wife doesn't read the CPCWiki, so I can say this.....
If she's trained with one Iron (for clothes), then it's a small step to move on to soldering irons :D
(If you never hear from me again, then I was wrong and she DOES read the Wiki :D )
Bryce.
Using a iron for clothes on a surface mount chip? hmmm.. she certainly has talent if she can do that!
Well, she doesn't read the wiki, OR are you talking to use from the cellar/cupboard and eating nothing but bread and water now? ;)
I admit it was a risky statement, but no, she doesn't read the wiki :) Although the hot plate I use for Ball grid array parts is more or less an iron turned upside down. I'm not sure if she could manage SMD parts with "her" iron. She tried soldering once (normal parts / normal soldering iron) and it didn't go well at all :D
Bryce.
Quote from: spybro on 10:03, 26 February 10
yes but what about the price???
I don't know it, either. Maybe 50-60EUR?
If you plan to order PCBs at e.g. Pcb-Pool, please inform me about that. I am very interested in this emulator, too. Maybe we can order more than one prototype and receive a discount :).
way to expensive for sth that only loads roms as a drive :o
i'll stay with my 3.5 drive
and will wait for the magicians of the forum
to produce real cpc+ oriented hardware (acid)
to spent my money
It doesn't load ROMs as a drive, it mounts DSK files as a drive so that you can have your entire Disk collection on an SD Card. And if it's only 50€, then that's a bargain when you consider the time and effort that goes into designing something of this calibre. I'd still prefer to build it myself, so that I can choose the size and shape of the PCB to fit my preferred housing. I usually produce the PCBs myself, so I won't be making any PCBPool orders though.
Bryce.
I wish these things were designed to fit inside the CPC or Plus models... there's plenty of flippin room inside, just needs a bit of thought. The cards I now have running alongside my Plus are looking a right eyesore. C'mon intergrate these cards for christ sake.
That's the exact reason why I want to build it myself, my version will definitely be an internal solution with a thru-put for the original drive and an ABBA switch to make things even easier.
Bryce.
Top stuff... don't forget the tutorial ;)
As long as the original author doesn't have a problem with it, I'll add the pcb layout and tutorial when I'm finished, but I haven't even started yet.
Bryce.
final SD-HxC demo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzfUZorBayw
pre-order just started by ebay member lotharek1977
just pre-ordered mine 8)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180479359777&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_7051wt_1165
Oooo wish I had waited to spend my money on this! a lot more convenient. Especially if you can do a mod and build it into your CPC
I would buy one, but only if it came complete with the Amstrad Plus range connector.
Just preordered. Even tho i got the usb one, the SD one must be so much more mobile (the usb cable really limits the area you can use it in).
Looks like another polish fella is selling suitable 3" (well 3,5") drive cables (uk and german ones both):
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/urban-retro/
Does the German Centronics cable work on a 6128 plus machine or are they different?
The centronics cables are the same.
Quote from: ukmarkh on 15:12, 11 March 10
I would buy one, but only if it came complete with the Amstrad Plus range connector.
Do you know where you can get a Plus connector for it? If so, I'll pre-order one.
This is my problem, the last one I bought cost me £10 and I was desperate so had no choice. It took bloody ages to arrive, to the point where I nearly gave up. So I don't wanna go through that again, if someone is selling a CPC device it should at the very min come with all the flippin connectors.
Either way, I'm a CPC sucker and will probably end up buying it regardless.
Quote from: ukmarkh on 13:27, 12 March 10
This is my problem, the last one I bought cost me £10 and I was desperate so had no choice. It took bloody ages to arrive, to the point where I nearly gave up. So I don't wanna go through that again, if someone is selling a CPC device it should at the very min come with all the flippin connectors.
Where did you get the £10 one from?
I expect that the seller is either targeting the largest market (by far classic CPCs) or doesn't have a Plus himself to test it on (or both).
ebay... the same guy I think that sells bootleg carts
Yeah looks like the fella now sells all 3 cables:
6128+ Centronic:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Amstrad-CPC-6128-PLUS-ribbon-cable-disk-disc-HxC-drive_W0QQitemZ230448332218QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_VintageComputing_RL?hash=item35a7ca7dba
(http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Amstrad-CPC-6128-PLUS-ribbon-cable-disk-disc-HxC-drive_W0QQitemZ230448332218QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_VintageComputing_RL?hash=item35a7ca7dba)
UK 6128 Edge connector:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Amstrad-CPC-Spectrum-ribbon-cable-disk-disc-HxC-drive_W0QQitemZ230446459758QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_VintageComputing_RL?hash=item35a7adeb6e (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Amstrad-CPC-Spectrum-ribbon-cable-disk-disc-HxC-drive_W0QQitemZ230446459758QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_VintageComputing_RL?hash=item35a7adeb6e)
German Schneider 6128 Centronics:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Schneider-CPC-6128-ribbon-cable-disk-HxC-floppy-drive_W0QQitemZ230447735869QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_VintageComputing_RL?hash=item35a7c1643d (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Schneider-CPC-6128-ribbon-cable-disk-HxC-floppy-drive_W0QQitemZ230447735869QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_VintageComputing_RL?hash=item35a7c1643d)
Quote from: khisanth on 11:15, 19 January 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar5ygebI8og
I love the part where you place the device on the "On the edge" Commodore book. 8)
Prize to you for being the first person to mention it :)
Surprised it took so long! Great book by the way ;)
Quote from: khisanth on 13:20, 15 March 10
Prize to you for being the first person to mention it :)
*blush*
Quote from: khisanth on 13:20, 15 March 10
Surprised it took so long! Great book by the way ;)
Of course. One of the best books I read during the last years, and I am not ashamed to say that in a CPC forum. ;)
Definitely recommended.
http://www.variantpress.com/books/on-the-edge
Just reading through the HxC2001 Forum. It doesn't look like Jeff is going to release the schematics of the final version of the SD Card device (the one he's now offering for sale). On the one hand I can understand that, if he intends manufacturing it for a profit he wont want others selling it cheaper (because they don't have to cover the developement costs), but it's still a pity, because I'd like to have done my own layout that fits nicely inside the CPC (just for myself, not to produce).
I noticed the newer version has reduced the TTL logic down to a single chip compared to the prototype version. So anyone wanting to build their own has the choice of: A) Building the larger prototype version, which wont be supported by future firmware or B) Buying one and living with the fact that it doesn't fit inside the CPC.
I'm tending towards option A as I have most of the parts lying around at home.
Bryce.
Does anyone know which plastic case is suitable for the interface?
For example from Kemo Germany:
http://www.kemo-electronic.de/index.php?cPath=64_116_118&language=en
Go one myself... wonder when it'll arrive!
Now, for the cables...
Couldn't resist either. Although I have more CPC gadgets than I can possibly use in my spare time. ::)
He seems to be doing quite well :)
I wonder how many end up in CPC users' hands... though, of course, you can use it with other systems as well. I guess that for an Amiga you use a normal floppy cable? How about a c64 - is it possible?
Quote from: Gryzor on 15:19, 20 March 10
How about a c64 - is it possible?
The C64 solutions are much simpler than a complete floppy emulator, because the C64 just uses a serial interface to connect a floppy. There are already devices which you can use, e.g. the MMC2IEC device (MM2IEC in the C64-Wiki (german) (http://www.c64-wiki.de/index.php/MMC2IEC/PeterSieg-Platine)).
Quote from: Octoate on 17:16, 20 March 10
The C64 solutions are much simpler than a complete floppy emulator, because the C64 just uses a serial interface to connect a floppy. There are already devices which you can use, e.g. the MMC2IEC device (MM2IEC in the C64-Wiki (german) (http://www.c64-wiki.de/index.php/MMC2IEC/PeterSieg-Platine)).
Well, maybe; I have the chance of buying an IDE64 device from a friend, but I was asking about this device here - would I be able to use it? :)
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:26, 21 March 10
Well, maybe; I have the chance of buying an IDE64 device from a friend, but I was asking about this device here - would I be able to use it? :)
No. The C64 does not have a shugart interface, and thats what the device here emulates. The IEC serial bus is a completely different beast.
I always wondered how commodore technicians managed to build such a well engineered serial bus design with a co-procoessor inside the floppy disc drive and yet make it so slooooow, while the rest of the world happily used the dumb shugart interface - even for 3" floppys. ;)
Heh... not even explained on "On the Edge" AFAIR!
Quote from: Bryce on 10:08, 27 January 10
;D Like I predicted. You only have to say the words "I'll build one" and all of a sudden there's a queue at your door and you're planning production runs :D
Isn't that what Seeed (http://www.seeedstudio.com)s are made for?
Dangerous Prototypes (http://dangerousprototypes.com) seem to be using them all the time, for loads (http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/theme-collections-c-61.html) of stuff (http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/specials.html) one would often have a hard time building at similar cost (considering tools, supplies and shipping, let alone time itself)...
Yes, but I'm not a big fan of these type of devices. It's rare that one device has everything you need so you either end up adding additional modules which makes things very expensive or you compromise on your features.
I prefer building from scratch, then you only get what you need and the price is kept to a minimum. You can also tune the PCB dimensions to the size you really want.
Or were you suggesting releasing the plans to them, so that they build and sell the unit?
Bryce.
I wish I could build my own stuff!
Anyone recommend a good UK based PCB built to order company?
Quote from: Bryce on 08:32, 27 April 10
Or were you suggesting releasing the plans to them, so that they build and sell the unit?
That's up to their (rights-holding) author of course, but yes, manufacturers like these have specialized in pooling orders and resources to build Open Hardware in commercial-scale production runs.
So while at the end of the day in spite of the commendable efforts by http://atari.plof.pl "Price, anyway, will be much higher" as the devices are hand-made one by one, a service like http://SeeedStudio.com assembling and testing them automagically at high throughput and scale effects (with cheap shipping even from China) could ensure that this accomplished development gets all the attention and traction (or "critical mass", for users of "nucular" inclination ;)) it deserves, while ensuring a steady revenue stream(let :) at least) to its creator so he'll keep improving his design (and provide others with the same opportunity - e.g. making a wireless variant as well?) and won't lose interest anytime soon after reaching that level:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St8wWMiSgt0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzfUZorBayw
...even more so now that that last floppies are discontinued (http://cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php/topic,710.msg7942) and hundreds of thousands of not so soldering-savvy musicians will be in need of solid-state replacement for the aging drives on their MIDI gear etc. (always had the same READY/density etc. issues as CP/M enthusiasts anyway, but further complicated by the expense and embarrassment of equipment failing -more prone to error facing the elements- on stage in front of a concert crowd or while the studio clock counts down their accounts to zero).
Alrighty! Finally arrival of the much waited packet from Lotharek.
Inside: 1x SD HxC card.
Quick guide to get going:
1. format your SD card to FAT32 if it is not (as other FAT´s isnt supported (go to Control Panel/Administration then look at drives)
2. Download the latest emulator software here:
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator (http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SoftwareFloppyemulator)
And better also get the Manual (new one):
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator (http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html#SDCARDFloppyemulator)
3. Open the Software and choose Drive / SD HxCFE settings file. Click on SAVE to make the HXCSDFE.CFG file (choose default options) and save it on your SD CARDS root.
4. DSKs need to be converted to the HFE file format. "LOAD" the DSK in the Software and "Export" it to HFE.
5. Put the SD card into the Board.
6. Set the right Jumper on the board (Default on my was "primary A:"). But as most people will probably use the drive as secondary B drive .. look up the right setting in the new manual.
7. Hook up the board to your Amstrad (i hope you have the right cables).
8. Powering the board you need a 5V from like a normal pc power supply. As you only need the 5V (usually red wire) and not the 12V (Yellow) perhaps it would be best use a extender (V-split) cable and cut the 12V cable so you dont fry the board. Better read the manual carefully, especially if you want to use the board internally where the Amstrad power is usually just opposite the pc one.
9. Have fun.
Using the Display/Board buttons:
1. First it will ask if its the A Drive (click middel button .. aka accept). Even if you use the drive as 2 drive you need to choose A Drive option here.
2. scrool between HFE image files using the left/right buttons.
3. Press middel button to select (insert disc). To choose another image later make sure to eject the current disc first (again middel button).
Good and bad:
The Good:
1. Really well made board (smaller than the USB one) and was well packed.
2. Nice blue screen (cool).
3. It works quite well and is less restricted than the USB version.
4. Reads all discs so far. Copies files or track from image to primary A drive with out any fuss.
5. You can turn off the track/read noice.
The Bad:
1. Cant get it to write anything (tried both single file and track copy) so cant use it as a backup drive and cant use it to transfer files to pc.
2. a 200kb DSK converts to 1mb HFE file.
3. the white power plug on the board dosnt have a "hole" so a normal power cable wont fit unless i file off the little white "tooth".
4. I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause).
Quote from: Cholo on 20:01, 28 April 10
4. I realise again that most of the amstrad software isnt compatible to be loaded from a second B drive (not the boards fault of cause).
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/ABBA_switch
You lucky bastard!! You got it!
Thanks for the guide, would you mind posting that in the wiki?
Can't wait to get mine... although one thing put me off: I hadn't realised you needed an extra PSU. I hadn't really thought about it, it just sucks for a setup to need a third box around...
Looking at the device, I'd guess it pulls about 200mA normally and peeks at about 350mA when it's reading the SD Card. You might get away with using the standard CPC supply if you don't have multiple expansions plugged in, the CPC 5V rail is rated at 1A as far as I can remember, with lots of headroom for expansion cards, so a seperate supply might not be required.
Bryce.
But you'd still need to do some modifications... Still, good to know!
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:58, 29 April 10
Thanks for the guide, would you mind posting that in the wiki?
Sure, ill get on it as soon as possible. Still need to test a few things like it should at least be able to work as a "720k pc floppy drive" using Parados/Symbos or similar that support pc-dos (and hopefully read and write both).
As the whole thing is still in "prototype" functionality may change with time. Currently the USB version is the most compatible one i noticed.
Big news. I just got the SD version to Write to disc too. Looks like the board comes with a old firmware, so after updating to the latest prototype firmware it now writes as well as it reads. Both file and track copy tested working. YAY! ;D
I've successfully uploaded files to the sd interface, too. Just transfer a empty dsk into hfe and put it on your sd card.
Problem: No app can handle these files expected the hxc one.
Indeed. Still cant move files from amstrad -> PC if you cant extract/convert back to Dsk. The software does support some convertions tho. If you load the HFE you can also export to: VTR, MFM, AFI and IMG (Raw sector).
I tried to do a Img of a hfe and the 40 tracks ended up as a 180kb file. I suspect someone with a bit of programming could make a converter to dsk fairly easy. Unless one dosnt already exist for one of the other formats.
If you havnt noticed Lotharek are currently selling the 3th batch of SD version on ebay:
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/lotharek1977/
Oh and added 2 guides to the wiki:
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/HxC_Floppy_Emulator
Feel free to correct anything (especially language ;D )
Thanks for the heads-up!
However, he has started selling the third batch, but I haven't received mine from the second batch... is that normal?
http://www.mmj.pl/~lotharek/stuff/post.pdf
I ordered mine back in early March then I received an email a few days ago asking for payment, then I was notified that this list is the batch make & send list. I should receive my card in a week or so. (I have my fingers crossed this time as last time the card never arrived - but that might have been due to me moving house at the exact same time....)
Wooo-hoooo! Mine was sent on the 4th of the month! Can't wait *pant, pant*
Thanks for the pdf...