PCW 8256, use Drive A as B after gotek replacement?

[LaughingInPurgatory]

Hi,  I did do a forum search, but couldn't find the information I needed.
I have an 8256 (upgraded to 512k using salvaged ramchips from a very very dead 9512+) and installed a Gotek as drive A:
I still have the old 3inch drive and I'd like to install it as drive B:  however I read that the PCW expects the drive to be a double sided drive as B:
are there hardware/software mods needed to get it to work?
using a CP/M 2.9 version on the gotek
Thanks in advance for any advice

[GeoffB17]

There have been discussions about this before.  You should find something on the forum, connected with using a Gotek.

Yes, the various systems (like say the 2.9 you mention) have slightly different ways of checking the drives, so things can be complicated depending on the version you're using.   You might also find a .FID file B170.FID which sets B: to a CF2 type disk, but this needs a system that will load .FID files.   I think people have managed to do what you're asking, but there's the risk that gaining this might lose something elsewhere.

Using the system 1.7H (an older version, but with the ability to load the .FID files) was a help in some circumstances, this might be OK on the 8xxx series.

I'll see if I can track down the earlier thread(s).

Geoff

[LaughingInPurgatory]

Yeah found some information, but I also read there needs to be something modified on the drive itself so it'll be recognised as B, but couldn't find how..saw some photos for a CPC drive being modded but the circuit board is different from the PCW drive

[GeoffB17]

I remember that there may need to be something modified on the Gotek, but not on the 3" drives which are handled via the connection.

[GeoffB17]

Further to above, there are various threads pre March 2023, all covering parts of the problem, but I don't think there is one that totally fits.

Check the tread dated 18/03/23 started by erikarn pcw8256->8512...Gotek...
also
thread 12th Oct 22 started by Cerebrus2   Help needed with Gotek

You are hitting two problems, and the aswers conflict, so you need to decide on your priorities.   If you want to use an A: drive (180k) as B: then you need the B180.FIB driver to load at boot time, this means you need this file on your boot disk, and you need to use system version 1.14, 1.15 or later to support the drive parameters switch.   BUT this may give you a problem at boot time as the Gotek may appear to pause when loading the FIB, this will cause the PCW to report a disk error.   If you use the switch on the gotek to disconnect the disk, then reselect it, the boot should continue OK.  You can modify the Gotek to fix this, but not sure of the details of that, it's adding a cable to force a drive ready signal, I think.

You can avoid this problem by using the earlier version of the system, v1.07H, this will load FID drivers, but NOT the .FIB one (that you need for the CF2 drive as B:) so you need to consider your priorities.   This has been discussed in other threads, but it's finding the right one??

Geoff