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A series of external 3.,5"/and 5.,25" floppy disc drives from [[Vortex_Computersysteme|Vortex]] with 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.

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

These are the first generation of 720K floppy disc drives from Vortex. The interface supports They came in variants having either a single drive ("S" variant) or two drives ("D" variant) 80-track drives (BASF 6138). Additionally, a 3The " [[Amstrad Disk Drive|FDS" variant (as well as the less expensive "Z" variant) was delivered with the same double-1]] can be connected height casing as third drivethe "D" variant, ie. unlike most other CPC disk interfaces it supports more than 2 drives. With [[VDOS]] only two drives are accessible at one timeso that a second drive could be retrofitted.

The drives interfacing with their own FDC can be used with the CPC 6128 to use different I/O ports === F1-S and F1-D (see below5,25").===

* '''<gallery>Image:IMG 3163.JPG|F1 - S''' Single 5DImage:Vortex f1d front.25" drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDCjpg|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] F1-D front viewImage:Vortex f1d back.jpg|F1-D backside</gallery><gallery>Image:Vortex fd-1interface 664.0 or 2jpg|F1-D interface<br />(CPC 664)Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine front.11jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)* '''Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine back.jpg|F1 - D''' Double 5interface board (CPC 664)Image:F1DCONT.25" drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to jpg|F1-D interface with [[FDCboard (CPC 6128)</gallery><gallery>Image:Vortex f1 manual.jpg|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1F1-S/D manualImage:Vortex F1 SystemDisk 464.0 or 2jpg|F1-S/D system disk<br />(CPC 464)Image:Vortex f1 manual disk.11jpg|F1-S/D system disk<br />(CPC 664/6128)* '''M1 </gallery> === A1- S''' Single 3.Upgrade Kit (5,25" ) === Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a single bare drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDC|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1.0 or 2.11* '''M1 an installation manual, allowing to upgrade a F1- D''' Double 3.5" S (single) drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDC|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1a F1-D (dual) drive.0 or 2To do this, one simply had to install the additional drive in the free slot of the drive case.11

Image:FD1Basf 6138 spare drive.jpg|Vortex F1-D with CPC 6128 InterfaceBASF 6138 spare drive

These are less expensive ''low-capacity'' drives from Vortex, for use on CPC 664/6128 or and were meant to be directly connected as B drive to a CPC 464 with DDI-1 (ie. on computers that already have or a FDC and AMSDOS)CPC 664/6128. There doesn't seem to be anything special about this product, just Since these drives ship neither with an off-the-shelf disk driveown controller nor a [[VDOS]] ROM, shipped with a CPC-specific connection cable. Since this drive they do rely fully relies on AMSDOS, and thus only 40 tracks on one side can be accessed, resulting in the same capacity (180K/side) as the 3" drives.

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

* '''The F1 - Z''' Single 5.25" model is based on a later revision of the BASF 6138 type disk drive with power supply with ribbon cable (does not come with interface containing FDC or [[VDOS]]81757-001)* '''M1 - Z''' Single 3, which offers more configuration options using jumpers.5 The drive was shipped in a " drive with power supply with ribbon cable double step" configuration to use only 40 tracks, and thus the cheaper and more widely available DS DD floppy disks (does not come with interface containing FDC or [[VDOS]]48 tpi, 180K/side)could be used.

Image:F1Basf 6138 81757 001.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-x001) driveImage:Basf 6138 81757 001 jumpers.jpg|Vortex F1BASF AG 6138 (81757-Z001) 40 track jumper configuration

== X= A1-Drives Z Upgrade Kit (720K/disk5,25") ===

These are the latest drives from Vortex for use on CPC 664offered an upgrade kit consisting of a controller, a manual, a CP/6128 or CPC 464 with DDI-1 (ie. on computers that already have M license and an utility disk which allows a FDC). Only singleF1-Z drive variants were available. The |S command (for accessing to be upgraded to a third drive) is no longer used, the new |X command allows to swap drive A and B (same as [[XF1-DDOS]] from Dobbertin). These drives are well designed and strong. They are housed in a metal case with power supply (which has good protection with fuses) and have good quality S drive mechanisms. The drive has jumpers on it that can be configured as needed.

==== Variants =M1-Z (3,5") ===

* '''F1 The M1- X''' Single 80 track, Double Sided, 5.25" drive Z model is equipped with power supply and ribbon cable which connects to interface containing [[VDOS]] 2.0* '''M1 - X''' Single 80 Tracka single 3, Double Sided, 3.5" disk drive with power supply and ribbon cable which connects to interface containing [[VDOS]] 2.0* '''F1 - XRS''' same as F1-X, upgraded with RS232 interface* '''M1 - XRS''' same as M1-X, upgraded with RS232 interface

<gallery captionbr /> ="= X-Drives (720K) == These are the latest drives from Vortex for use with a CPC 464 with DDI-1 or a CPC 664/6128 (ie. on systems that already have a floppy disc controller); no additional controller was required anymore. Instead, a ROM module was supplied together with the 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 [[X-DDOS]] from Dobbertin). === F1-Xand F1-XRS (5,25") === The F1-X model is based on either a single BASF 6138 (81690-001) or a single BASF 6139 5,25" disk drive. The 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. <gallery>File:VortexF1-x front.jpg|F1-XFile:Vortex f1-x-fullcpc464 backside.jpg|Vortex F1-X with Manual and Driver Diskbackside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)File:Vortex-f1-xcpc664 backside edge.jpg|F1-X backside, showing edge connector (CPC 664)File:F1-x inside.jpg|Vortex F1-X Backsideinside view, showing a BASF 6139 driveFile:F1x m1x manual.jpg|F1-X/M1-X manual and system utilities disk

<gallery caption=== M1-X and M1-XRS (3,5"Vortex ) === The M1-Xmodel 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:vortex-m1-x-front.png|Front of Vortex M1-X File:vortex-m1-x-underback.png|Underneath the Vortex M1-XbacksideFile:vortex-m1-x-insideconnector.png|Inside the Vortex M1-X backside, showing the drive and powerIDC connector (CPC 464)File:vortex-m1-x-backunder.png|Back of Vortex M1-X showing connectors and power.undersideFile:vortex-m1-x-connectorinside.png|Back of Vortex M1-X inside view, showing IDC connection the drive and powerFile:vortex-m1-x-drive-close.png|Inside Vortex M1-X with a inside view, close -up of the drive from aboveFile:vortex-m1-x-drive-details.png|Inside Vortex M1-X with a inside view, close -up of from the back of the drivebackside

== Add= X(RS)-ons Modul ===

* Vortex The X-Modul (adding RS232 support to -X drives)* VDOS 2for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port.0 (upgrading older drives In order to provide [[VDOS]] , the "X-Modul" (sometimes also called "VDOS module") must be connected additionally to the expansion port. This contains a ROM board that provides a VDOS 2.0)* Second drive unit (-X ROM. The ROM board supplied for upgrading the CPC 464 came together with a single chunky housing in which both the "X-S drive to a dual Modul" and the DDI-D drive1 controller were installed. All variants were also available with an additional RS232-C interface (in this case called either "XRS-Modul" or "X-Modul/RS").

== I<gallery>Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 1.jpg|XRS-Modul (CPC 464)Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 2.jpg|XRS-Modul with built-in DDI-1 visible (CPC 464)Image:Xrs 464.jpg|XRS-Modul board beneath the DDI-1 (CPC 464)Image:Vortex xrs 464 board backside.jpg|XRS-Modul board backside (CPC 464)</O Ports ==gallery><gallery>Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128.jpg|X-Modul (CPC 6128)Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128 Board Front.jpg|X-Modul board (CPC 6128)Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128 Board Backside.jpg|X-Modul board backside (CPC 6128)</gallery>

Standard Addresses (same as used by AMSDOS): FB7Eh 765 FDC (internal) Status Register (R) FB7Fh 765 FDC (internal) Data Register (R=== RS232 I/W) FA7Eh Floppy Motor On/Off Flipflop Special Addresses (secondary FDC): FBF6h 765 FDC (Vortex,ext) Status Register (Read) FBF7h 765 FDC (Vortex,ext) Data Register (R/W) FA7Eh Floppy Motor On/Off Flipflop (nearly same as normal, bit precise) (The Special addresses are mentioned in the manual for the Vortex -X drives) (but apparently they are referring to other/older Vortex drives, not the -X drives)O Ports ===

The Special addresses are used only on CPC 664RS232-C interface of the "XRS-Modul" was advertised to be compatible with Amstrad/6128 and Pace interfaces, but offers only if the Vortex drive includes an FDC chipone channel (so no channel B).

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| 0xFADC || SIO data (R/O decoding?W)|-| 0xFADD || SIO control (R/W)|-| 0xFBDC || 8253 counter 0 (R/W)|-| 0xFBDD || 8253 counter 1 (R/W)|-| 0xFBDF || Mode word (W)|}

So* [https://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Vortex%20X-Laufwerke%20Manual.de.rar Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex X-Laufwerke] {{DE}} (manual)* [[Media:Vortex RS232-C Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex RS232-C Schnittstelle]] {{DE}} (RS232-C user manual)* [[Media:Manual de las Unidades Vortex.pdf|Manual de las Unidades Vortex]] {{ES}} (manual)* [[Media:VORTF1X.DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex X-Laufwerke]] (system disk, not sure if720k disk image, original)* [[Media:VTXF1XB.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}} (German VDOS 2.0-X ROM for CPC 664/when the Special addresses are used at all?6128)* [[Media:NEC_FD1035_Floppy.pdf|NEC FD1035 Datasheet (M1-X Floppy Disk Drive)]]

RS232 Ports (for -X drives with RS232) FADC<br /FADD=Serial Data/Control FBDC/FBDD/FBDF=Counter 0/1/Mode. So it's probably compatible with Amstrad/Pace (and probably also including, but not using, Channel B Ports FADE/FADF and FBDE).>

== Vortex Disk Format Software Accessories ==

The Vortex -Z drives do not seem DOSCOPY is a CP/M 2.2 utility which allows to include any [[VDOS]] ROM (so they do support only normal 40-Track AMSDOS Formatsread and write files from IBM and Atari ST formatted 5, but NOT the 80-Track Vortex format)25" disks. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner.

<gallery caption="Vortex Disc Drive Interfaces">=== Downloads ====Image:vortex controler 1.jpg|A anonymous box houses the controllerImage* [[Media:vortex controler 2DOSCOPY.jpgDSK|Look inside the controller, with 765 chip, connection for F1 disc drive, and [[VDOSDOSCOPY 1.1]] {{DE}} (upgraded to v2.0Vortex 360k disk image)Image* [[Media:vortex controler 3Vortex_DOSCOPY_Benutzerhandbuch.jpgpdf|Controller with [[VDOSDOSCOPY 1.1 Benutzerhandbuch]] mounted{{DE}} (manual)Image:F1DCONT=== PARA 3.jpg|F1-D Interface Board (0 === PARA 3.0 is a CP/M 2.2 utility allowing to exchange files between the CPC 6128)and other CP/M based systems. It claims to support "reading, showing NEC 765 writing and [[VDOS]]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 fd-1 interface 664Vortex_PARA_3.jpg0_Manual.JPG|F1-D Interface (CPC 664)PARA 3.0 physical manualImage:Fd1 interface 664 platine frontVortex PARA 3.jpg0 Disk.JPG|F1-D Interface Board (CPC 664) FrontPARA 3.0 5,25" diskImage:Fd1 interface 664 platine backVortex PARA 3.0 Screenshot 1.jpgJPG|F1-D Interface Board (CPC 664) BacksidePARA 3.0 loading screen

==== Downloads ==== * [[Media:PARA30.DSK|PARA 3.0]] {{DE}} (Vortex 720k disk image)* [[Media:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Benutzerhandbuch.zip|PARA 3.0 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual) === 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 caption="Drive Accessories">Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapterPara 30 plus intro.jpg|Adapter to connect an additional PARA 3" disc drive in between a CPC 464 and a F1-D.0+ loading screenImage:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insidesPara 30 plus mainmenu.jpg|Inside the adapter boxPARA 3.0+ main menuImage:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides closeupPara 30 plus analyzer.jpg|Inside the adapter box (closeup)PARA 3.0+ format analyzer

== Manuals ==* [[Media:Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464 - Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464 - Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (Manual for old drives with VDOS 1.0)* [[Media:3-Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation.pdf|3-Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation]] {{DE}} (Manual for Vortex adapter for connecting a 3 inch floppy drive to the Vortex Disk Station F1 controller)* [http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Vortex%20X-Laufwerke%20Manual.de.rar Vortex X-Laufwerke] {{DE}} (Manual for new X-drives with VDOS 2.0)* [[Media:Vortex_Vdos_2.0_Manual.pdf|Vortex VDOS 2.0]] {{DE}} (Manual for upgrading from VDOS 1.0 to VDOS 2.0)* [[Media:Manual de las Unidades Vortex.pdf|Manual de las Unidades Vortex]] {{ES}} (pdf)* [[Media:Vortex RS232-C Manual.pdf|Vortex RS232-C Manual]] {{DE}} (pdf)* [https://nfggames.com/X68000/Documentation/Floppy%20Drives/NEC/NEC%20FD1035%20Floppy.pdf NEC drive inside Vortex M1-X] NEC drive inside Vortex M1-XDownloads ====