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Disc A series of external 3,5" and 5,25" floppy disc drives from [[Vortex_Computersysteme|Vortex]], with 80 tracks and providing up to 720K capacity (704K available). The Vortex drives were most popular in Germany. For more information regarding VDOS and the Vortex Disk Format, see the dedicated [[VDOS]] Wiki page.

== Vortex -S and -and D -Drives (720K/disk) ==

* '''F1 - S''' Single 5These are the first generation of 720K floppy disc drives from Vortex.25They came in variants having either a single drive ("S" variant) or two drives (" drive with [[FDC|NEC765]], with [[VDOS]] 1.0* '''F1 - D''' Double 5" variant).25The " drive with [[FDC|NEC765]], with [[VDOS]] 1.0* '''M1 - S''' Single 3.5" drive variant (as well as the less expensive "Z" variant) was delivered with [[FDC|NEC765]], with [[VDOS]] 1.0* '''M1 the same double- height casing as the "D''' Double 3.5" variant, so that a second drive with [[FDC|NEC765]], with [[VDOS]] 1could be retrofitted.0

These are the original drives from Vortex=== F1-S and F1-D (5, for use on CPC 464. The hardware supports one or two 80 track drives, additionally a 325" [[Amstrad Disk Drive|FD-1]] can be connected as third drive, ie. unlike most other CPC disk interfaces it supports more than 2 drives. [[VDOS]] only stores information for 2 drives at one time. ) ===

TO BE CONFIRMED: Does the interface fully decode US0/US1 from NEC765 The F1-S and if you select unit 3 which drive is accessedF1-D models are based on BASF 6138 (81690-001) type 5,25" disk drives, i.e. double-sided, 80 tracks per side, 96 tpi density.

== <gallery>Image:IMG 3163.JPG|F1-DImage:Vortex f1d front.jpg|F1-Z Drives D front viewImage:Vortex f1d back.jpg|F1-D backside</gallery><gallery>Image:Vortex fd-1 interface 664.jpg|F1-D interface<br />(180KCPC 664)Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine front.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine back.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)Image:F1DCONT.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 6128)</side or 180Kgallery><gallery>Image:Vortex f1 manual.jpg|F1-S/D manualImage:Vortex F1 SystemDisk 464.jpg|F1-S/D system disk?<br />(CPC 464) ==Image:Vortex f1 manual disk.jpg|F1-S/D system disk<br />(CPC 664/6128)</gallery>

* '''F1 === A1- Z''' Single S Upgrade Kit (5.,25" drive without FDC, without [[VDOS]]* '''M1 - Z''' Single 3.5" drive without FDC, without [[VDOS]]) ===

These are the ''Low-Capacity'' drives from Vortexoffered an upgrade kit consisting of a single bare drive and an installation manual, for use on CPC 664/6128 or CPC 464 with DDIallowing to upgrade a F1-1 S (ie. on computers that already have single) drive to a FDC and AMSDOSF1-D (dual)drive. There doesn't seem to be anything special about To do this product, just an off-one simply had to install the-shelf disk additional drive, shipped with a CPC-specific connection cablein the free slot of the drive case.

AMSDOS can only access 40 tracks. TO BE CONFIRMED<gallery>Image: Are the drives 80 track, double sided? Is there any way to access the second side with AMSDOS (e.gBasf 6138 spare drive. side switch??)jpg|BASF 6138 spare drive</gallery>

== Vortex = M1-X Drives S and M1-D (720K/disk3,5") ===

* '''F1 The M1- X''' Single 5.25" drive without FDC, with [[VDOS]] 2.0* '''S and M1 - X''' Single D models are based on 3.,5" drive without FDC, with [[VDOS]] 2disk drives.0 (not inside drive)* '''F1 - XRS''' same as F1-X, upgraded with RS232 interface* '''M1 - XRS''' same as M1-X, upgraded with RS232 interface

These are the newest drives from Vortex, for use on CPC 664/6128 or CPC 464 with DDI=== FDA-1 (ie. on computers that already have a FDC). The |S command (for accessing a third drive) is no longer used, the new |X command allows to swap drive A and B (same as [[X-DDOS]] from Dobbertin)3" Drive Adapter ===

Links:* [https://nfggames.com/X68000/Documentation/Floppy%20Drives/NEC/NEC%20FD1035%20Floppy.pdf NEC This adapter allows to connect an external FD-1 3" drive inside on Vortex F1/M1-X] NEC setups on the CPC 464. Since only two drives can be used at the same time, the external 3" drive inside Vortex M1-Xfirst had to be selected manually with RSX commands.

{| class== "wikitable"|-! RSX !! Description|-| &#124;S,1 || Use 3" drive as drive A, upper Vortex Adddrive is disabled|-ons ==| &#124;S,2 || Use 3" drive as drive B, lower Vortex drive is disabled|-| &#124;S,0 || Disable the 3" drive (default)|}

* <gallery>Image:Vortex X modul (adding RS232 support to 3rd drive adapter.jpg|FDA-X drives)1 Adapter* VDOS2Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides.0 (upgrading older drives to [[VDOS]] 2jpg|Inside the adapter boxImage:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides closeup.0jpg|Inside the adapter box (closeup)* Second Image:Vortex 3rd drive unit adapter plug cable.jpg|Plug (for upgrading a single -S cable side)Image:Vortex 3rd drive to a dual adapter plug floppy.jpg|FD-D 1 3" floppy drive)plug</gallery>

== = FDC I/O Ports ===

Standard Addresses (same as used by AMSDOS): FB7Eh 765 FDC (internal) Status Register (R) FB7Fh 765 FDC (internal) Data Register (RAll types of floppy disk controllers for the F1-S/W) FA7Eh Floppy Motor OnD and M1-S/Off Flipflop Special Addresses (secondary FDC): FBF6h D series are based on the NEC 765 FDC (Vortex,ext) Status Register (Read) FBF7h 765 FDC (Vortex,ext) Data Register (Rchip. The manual states that on "controllers having an integrated ROM module/W) FA7Eh Floppy Motor On/Off Flipflop eprommer" (same as normal) (The Special addresses are mentioned in probably the manual for the Vortex -X driveslater 6128 interfaces?) (but apparently they are referring to other/older Vortex drives, not the -X drives)port addresses can be freely configured using a decoder ROM.

The Special addresses are used only on '''CPC 664/6128 and only if the Vortex drive includes an FDC chip.464:'''

The X drive has a different PCB than the PCB for the S, the manual describes connecting the DDI{| class="wikitable"|-1 interface to the X drive interface and a 'decoder! Address !! Description|-ROM' which defines the I| 0xFB7E || uPD control|-| 0xFB7F || uPD data|-| 0xFA7E || motor on/O decoding?off|}

* Note1: The {| class="wikitable"|-Z and ! Address !! Description|-X drives do not include FDC chips.* Note2: The | 0xFBF6 || uPD control|-S and | 0xFBF7 || uPD data|-D drives do reportedly work only | 0xFA7E || motor on CPC 464 (?)./off|}

RS232 Ports * [[Media:Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464 - Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464]] {{DE}} (for Vortex F1 user manual)* [[Media:Vortex_Vdos_2.0_Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für das Diskettenbetriebssystem VDOS 2.0]] {{DE}} (VDOS 2.0 user manual)* [[Media:3-X drives with RS232Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für den FDA-1 3"-Adapter]] {{DE}} (3" adapter user manual) FADC/FADD=Serial Data* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|Vortex F1-S/ControlD Systemdiskette für CPC 464]] (system disk, 720k image, bootable) FBDC* [[Media:VORTF1.DSK|Vortex F1-S/FBDD/FBDF=Counter 0D Systemdiskette für CPC 664/6128]] (system disk, 720k image)* [[Media:Vortex10.zip|VDOS 1/Mode.0 ROM]] {{DE}} So it's probably compatible with Amstrad/Pace * [[Media:Vortex20.zip|VDOS 2.0 ROM]] {{DE}} * [[Media:80307-058 BASF 6138 Mini Disk Apr83.zip|BASF 6138 Datasheet (and probably also including, but not using, Channel B Ports FADEF1-S/FADF and FBDED/Z Floppy Disk Drive).]]

The Vortex -Z These are less expensive drives do not seem and were meant to include any be directly connected as B drive to a CPC 464 with DDI-1 or a CPC 664/6128. Since these drives ship neither with an own controller nor a [[VDOS]] ROM (so , they do support rely fully on AMSDOS and thus only normal 40-Track AMSDOS Formatstracks on one side can be accessed, but NOT resulting in the 80-Track Vortex formatsame capacity (180K/side)as the 3" drives.

== Pictures = F1-Z (5,25") ===

<gallery caption="The Vortex F1 Drives-Z model is based on a later revision of the BASF 6138 type disk drive (81757-001), which offers more configuration options using jumpers. The drive was shipped in a "double step" configuration to use only 40 tracks, and thus the cheaper and more widely available DS DD floppy disks (48 tpi, 180K/side) could be used.  <gallery>Image:F1-xBasf 6138 81757 001.jpg|F1BASF AG 6138 (81757-Z Disc Drive001) driveImage:FD1Basf 6138 81757 001 jumpers.jpg|F1BASF AG 6138 (81757-D Disc Drive001) 40 track jumper configuration

<gallery caption=== A1-Z Upgrade Kit (5,25") === Vortex Disc Drive Interface (for offered an upgrade kit consisting of a controller, a manual, a CP/M license and an utility disk which allows a F1-Z drive to be upgraded to a F1-S or drive. === M1-D drivesZ (3,5")=== The M1-Z model is equipped with a single 3,5"disk drive. <br />Image:vortex controler == X-Drives (720K) == These are the latest drives from Vortex for use with a CPC 464 with DDI-1or a CPC 664/6128 (ie.jpg|A anonymous box houses the on systems that already have a floppy disc controllerImage:vortex controler 2.jpg|Look inside the ); no additional controllerwas required anymore. Instead, a ROM module was supplied together with 765 chipthe drive, which provided VDOS 2.0-X. Only single-drive variants were available. The |S command (for accessing a third drive) is no longer used, the new |X command allows to swap drive A and B (same as [[VDOSX-DDOS]] from Dobbertin). === F1-X and F1-XRS (upgraded to v25,25") === The F1-X model is based on either a single BASF 6138 (81690-001) or a single BASF 6139 5,25" disk drive.0The BASF 6139 is a revisioned version which is slightly more compact (~1cm shorter), and also a number of electronical and mechanical design flaws that affected durability were corrected. The F1-XRS variant is equipped with an additional RS232-C interface.Image<gallery>File:vortex controler 3F1-x front.jpg|Controller with [[VDOS]] mountedF1-XFile:Vortex f1-x cpc464 backside.jpg|F1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)File:Vortex f1-x cpc664 backside edge.jpg|F1-X backside, showing edge connector (CPC 664)File:F1-x inside.jpg|F1-X inside view, showing a BASF 6139 driveFile:F1x m1x manual.jpg|F1-X/M1-X manual and system utilities disk

<gallery caption="Vortex Disc Drive Interface (for == M1-X drivesand M1-XRS (3,5")=== The M1-X model is based on a single NEC FD1035 type 3,5"disk drive. The M1-XRS variant is equipped with an additional RS232-C interface. <gallery>File:NoPicturevortex-m1-x-front.gifpng|Newer M1-X File:vortex-m1-x-back.png|M1-X backsideFile:vortex-m1-x-connector.png|M1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)File:vortex-m1-x-under.png|M1-X undersideFile:vortex-m1-x-inside.png|M1-X inside view, showing the drive interface without 765and powerFile:NoPicturevortex-m1-x-drive-close.gifpng|Newer M1-X inside view, close-up of the drive interface without 765from aboveFile:vortex-m1-x-drive-details.png|M1-X inside view, plus RS232close-up from the backside

<gallery caption="Vortex M1== X(RS)-Modul === The X drive-drives for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port. In order to provide [[VDOS]], the ">File:vortexX-m1Modul" (sometimes also called "VDOS module") must be connected additionally to the expansion port. This contains a ROM board that provides a VDOS 2.0-xX ROM. The ROM board supplied for the CPC 464 came together with a chunky housing in which both the "X-frontModul" and the DDI-1 controller were installed.png|Front of Vortex M1All variants were also available with an additional RS232-C interface (in this case called either "XRS-Modul" or "X -Modul/RS"). File<gallery>Image:vortex-m1-x-underVortex fd1 464 controller 1.pngjpg|Underneath the Vortex M1XRS-XModul (CPC 464)FileImage:vortexVortex fd1 464 controller 2.jpg|XRS-m1Modul with built-xin DDI-inside1 visible (CPC 464)Image:Xrs 464.pngjpg|Inside XRS-Modul board beneath the Vortex M1DDI-X showing the drive and power1 (CPC 464)FileImage:vortex-m1-x-backVortex xrs 464 board backside.pngjpg|Back of Vortex M1XRS-X showing connectors and power.Modul board backside (CPC 464)File</gallery><gallery>Image:vortex-m1Vortex X-x-connectorModul 6128.pngjpg|Back of Vortex M1X-X showing IDC connection Modul (CPC 6128)FileImage:vortex-m1-x-driveVortex X-closeModul 6128 Board Front.pngjpg|Inside Vortex M1X-X with a close up of the drive from aboveModul board (CPC 6128)FileImage:vortex-m1Vortex X-x-drive-detailsModul 6128 Board Backside.pngjpg|Inside Vortex M1X-X with a close up of the back of the driveModul board backside (CPC 6128)

== Manuals = RS232 I/O Ports ===

The RS232-C interface of the "XRS-Modul" was advertised to be compatible with Amstrad/Pace interfaces, but offers only one channel (so no channel B). {| class="wikitable"|-! Address !! Description|-| 0xFADC || SIO data (R/W)|-| 0xFADD || SIO control (R/W)|-| 0xFBDC || 8253 counter 0 (R/W)|-| 0xFBDD || 8253 counter 1 (R/W)|-| 0xFBDF || Mode word (W)|} === Downloads === * [httphttps://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Vortex%20Floppy%20Disk%20Station%20F120X-Laufwerke%20Manual.de.rar Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1X-Laufwerke] {{DE}} (manual)* [[Media:Vortex RS232-C Manual for old drives with VDOS 1.0pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex RS232-C Schnittstelle]] {{DE}} (RS232-C user manual)* [http[Media://wwwManual de las Unidades Vortex.cpcwikipdf|Manual de las Unidades Vortex]] {{ES}} (manual)* [[Media:VORTF1X.eu/manuals/DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex%20XX-Laufwerke%20Manual]] (system disk, 720k disk image, original)* [[Media:VTXF1XB.de.rar DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex X-Laufwerke]] (system disk, 720k disk image, modified to boot CP/M 2.2)* [[Media:VDOS20X.ROM|VDOS 2.0-X ROM]] {{DE}} (Manual for new X-drives with German VDOS 2.0-X ROM for CPC 664/6128)* [[Media:Vortex_Vdos_2.0_ManualNEC_FD1035_Floppy.pdf|Vortex VDOS NEC FD1035 Datasheet (M1-X Floppy Disk Drive)]] <br /> == Software Accessories == === DOSCOPY === DOSCOPY is a CP/M 2.02 utility which allows to read and write files from IBM and Atari ST formatted 5,25" disks. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner. <gallery>Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Manual.JPG|DOSCOPY physical manualImage:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Disk.JPG|DOSCOPY 5,25" diskImage:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Screenshot.JPG|DOSCOPY screenshot</gallery> ==== Downloads ==== * [[Media:DOSCOPY.DSK|DOSCOPY 1.1]] {{DE}} (Manual for upgrading from VDOS Vortex 360k disk image)* [[Media:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|DOSCOPY 1.1 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual) === PARA 3.0 to VDOS === PARA 3.0 is a CP/M 2.2 utility allowing to exchange files between the CPC and other CP/M based systems. It claims to support "reading, writing and formatting of 99% of all CP/M formats" and provides a comprehensive disk format analzer. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner. <gallery>Image:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Manual.JPG|PARA 3.0)physical manualImage:Vortex PARA 3.0 Disk.JPG|PARA 3.0 5,25" diskImage:Vortex PARA 3.0 Screenshot 1.JPG|PARA 3.0 loading screen</gallery> ==== Downloads ==== * [[Media:Manual de las Unidades VortexPARA30.pdfDSK|Manual de las Unidades PARA 3.0]] {{DE}} (Vortex720k disk image)* [[Media:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Benutzerhandbuch.zip|PARA 3.0 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{ESDE}} (pdfmanual) === PARA 3.0 PLUS === PARA 3.0 PLUS (or PARA PLUS) is an enhanced distribution of PARA 3.0 which also integrates DOSCOPY 1.3 into a single software suite. <gallery>Image:Para 30 plus intro.jpg|PARA 3.0+ loading screenImage:Para 30 plus mainmenu.jpg|PARA 3.0+ main menuImage:Para 30 plus analyzer.jpg|PARA 3.0+ format analyzer</gallery> ==== Downloads ==== * [[Media:Vortex RS232-C ManualPARAPLUS.pdfDSK|Vortex RS232-C ManualPARA 3.0+]] {{DE}} (pdfVortex 720k disk image, bootable) === SPARA === SPARA was either the predecessor or a cut-down version of PARA 3.0 and was supplied with the F1-Z drives, only supporting 40 track formats. === FutureOS ===[[FutureOS]] has support for Vortex drives, it uses the Vortex 704 KB format for 80 Track drives.  <br /> == Media Coverage == <gallery>Image:Vortex Schneider CPC International 1985-09.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1985/09Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-02.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/02Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-04.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/04Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-07.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/07Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-08.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/08</gallery>