Difference between revisions of "Vortex Disc Drives"

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A series of 3.5" and 5.25" floppy disc drives from [[Vortex_Computersysteme|Vortex]] providing up to 720K capacity (704K available).
+
A series of external 3,5" and 5,25" floppy disc drives from [[Vortex_Computersysteme|Vortex]] 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) ==
 
== S- and D-Drives (720K) ==
  
−
These are the very first generation of floppy disc drives from Vortex. They came in variants having either a single ("S" variant) or two ("D" variant) DS/DD 80-track drives installed (BASF 6138).
+
These are the first generation of 720K floppy disc drives from Vortex. They came in variants having either a single drive ("S" variant) or two drives ("D" variant). The "S" variant (as well as the less expensive "Z" variant) was delivered with the same double-height casing as the "D" variant, so that a second drive could be retrofitted.
  
−
* [[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)
+
=== F1-S and F1-D (5,25") ===
  
−
=== Variants ===
+
The F1-S and F1-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.
−
 
+
−
* '''F1 - S''' Single 5.25" drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDC|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1.0 or 2.11
+
−
* '''F1 - D''' Double 5.25" drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDC|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1.0 or 2.11
+
−
* '''M1 - S''' Single 3.5" drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDC|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1.0 or 2.11
+
−
* '''M1 - D''' Double 3.5" drive with power supply connected via ribbon cable to interface with [[FDC|NEC765]] and [[VDOS]] 1.0 or 2.11
+
−
<br />
+
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:FD1.jpg|Vortex F1-D with CPC 6128 Interface
+
Image:IMG 3163.JPG|F1-D
−
Image:vortex controler 1.jpg|An anonymous box housing the controller board
+
Image:Vortex f1d front.jpg|F1-D front view
−
Image:vortex controler 2.jpg|Look inside the controller, a NEC 765 chip and [[VDOS]] upgraded to v2.0
+
Image:Vortex f1d back.jpg|F1-D backside
−
Image:vortex controler 3.jpg|Controller with mounted [[VDOS]] chip
+
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Vortex fd-1 interface 664.jpg|F1-D Interface (CPC 664)
+
Image:Vortex fd-1 interface 664.jpg|F1-D interface<br />(CPC 664)
−
Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine front.jpg|F1-D Interface Board (CPC 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:Fd1 interface 664 platine back.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)
 +
Image:F1DCONT.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 6128)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:F1DCONT.jpg|F1-D Interface Board (CPC 6128)
+
Image:Vortex f1 manual.jpg|F1-S/D manual
 +
Image: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>
 
</gallery>
  
−
=== Second Drive Upgrade ===
+
=== A1-S Upgrade Kit (5,25") ===
  
−
Vortex offered an upgrade option that allowed an F1/M1-S single drive to be upgraded to an F1/M1-D dual drive. To do this, one simply had to install an additional drive in the free drive slot of the S-drive housing.
+
Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a single bare drive and an installation manual, allowing to upgrade a F1-S (single) drive to a F1-D (dual) drive. To do this, one simply had to install the additional drive in the free slot of the drive case.
  
−
=== FDA-1 3" Drive Adapter ===
+
<gallery>
 +
Image:Basf 6138 spare drive.jpg|BASF 6138 spare drive
 +
</gallery>
  
−
This adapter allowed to use an Amstrad 3" drive on Vortex F1/M1 setups connected to a CPC 464. Since only two drives can be used simultaneously, the 3" drive had to be manually selected first using RSX commands.
+
=== M1-S and M1-D (3,5") ===
  
−
* [[Media:3-Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation.pdf|3" Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation]] {{DE}} (manual)
+
The M1-S and M1-D models are based on 3,5" disk drives.
 +
 
 +
=== FDA-1 3" Drive Adapter ===
 +
 
 +
This adapter allows to connect an external FD-1 3" drive on Vortex F1/M1 setups on the CPC 464. Since only two drives can be used at the same time, the external 3" drive first had to be selected manually with RSX commands.
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 52: Line 54:
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter.jpg|Adapter to connect an additional 3" disc drive in between a CPC 464 and a F1/M1
+
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter.jpg|FDA-1 Adapter
 
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides.jpg|Inside the adapter box
 
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides.jpg|Inside the adapter box
 
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides closeup.jpg|Inside the adapter box (closeup)
 
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides closeup.jpg|Inside the adapter box (closeup)
 +
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter plug cable.jpg|Plug (cable side)
 +
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter plug floppy.jpg|FD-1 3" floppy drive plug
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
=== FDC I/O Ports ===
 
=== FDC I/O Ports ===
  
−
All types of floppy disk controllers for the F1-S/F1-D/M1-S/M1-D range are based on the NEC 765 chip. The manual states that "controllers having an integrated ROM module/eprommer" (the later 6128 interfaces?), the port addresses can be freely configured using a decoder ROM.
+
All types of floppy disk controllers for the F1-S/D and M1-S/D series are based on the NEC 765 chip. The manual states that on "controllers having an integrated ROM module/eprommer" (probably the later 6128 interfaces?), the port addresses can be freely configured using a decoder ROM.
  
 
'''CPC 464:'''
 
'''CPC 464:'''
Line 86: Line 90:
 
| 0xFA7E || motor on/off
 
| 0xFA7E || motor on/off
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
=== Downloads ===
 +
 +
* [[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}} (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-Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für den FDA-1 3"-Adapter]] {{DE}} (3" adapter user manual)
 +
* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|Vortex F1-S/D Systemdiskette für CPC 464]] (system disk, 720k image, bootable)
 +
* [[Media:VORTF1.DSK|Vortex F1-S/D Systemdiskette für CPC 664/6128]] (system disk, 720k image)
 +
* [[Media:Vortex10.zip|VDOS 1.0 ROM]] {{DE}}
 +
* [[Media:Vortex20.zip|VDOS 2.0 ROM]] {{DE}}
 +
* [[Media:80307-058 BASF 6138 Mini Disk Apr83.zip|BASF 6138 Datasheet (F1-S/D/Z Floppy Disk Drive)]]
  
 
<br />
 
<br />
  
−
== Z-Drives (180K) ==
+
== Z-Drives (180K/side) ==
  
−
These are basic and less expensive ''low-capacity'' drives and were meant to be directly connected to a CPC 664/6128 or CPC 464 with DDI-1 (ie. on computers that already provide a floppy controller). Since these drives do not ship with a special controller, they do rely fully on AMSDOS and thus only 40 tracks can be accessed.
+
These are less expensive drives and were meant to 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, they do rely fully 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") ===
  
−
* '''F1 - Z''' Single 5.25" drive with power supply with ribbon cable (does not come with interface containing FDC or [[VDOS]])
+
The F1-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.
−
* '''M1 - Z''' Single 3.5" drive with power supply with ribbon cable (does not come with interface containing FDC or [[VDOS]])
+
−
<br />
+
  
−
== X-Drives (720K) ==
+
<gallery>
 +
Image:Basf 6138 81757 001.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) drive
 +
Image:Basf 6138 81757 001 jumpers.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) 40 track jumper configuration
 +
</gallery>
  
−
These are the latest drives from Vortex for use on CPC 464 with DDI-1 or CPC 664/6128 computers (ie. on computers that already have a FDC), so no own FDC 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). 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 drive mechanisms. The drive has jumpers on it that can be configured as needed.
+
=== A1-Z Upgrade Kit (5,25") ===
  
−
* [http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Vortex%20X-Laufwerke%20Manual.de.rar Vortex X-Laufwerke] {{DE}} (manual)
+
Vortex 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 drive.
−
* [[Media:Manual de las Unidades Vortex.pdf|Manual de las Unidades Vortex]] {{ES}} (manual)
+
 
−
* [https://nfggames.com/X68000/Documentation/Floppy%20Drives/NEC/NEC%20FD1035%20Floppy.pdf NEC drive inside Vortex M1-X] NEC drive inside Vortex M1-X
+
=== M1-Z (3,5") ===
  
−
=== Variants ===
+
The M1-Z model is equipped with a single 3,5" disk drive.
  
−
* '''F1 - X''' Single 80 track, Double Sided, 5.25" drive with power supply
 
−
* '''M1 - X''' Single 80 Track, Double Sided, 3.5" drive with power supply
 
−
* '''F1 - XRS''' same as F1-X, upgraded with RS232-C interface
 
−
* '''M1 - XRS''' same as M1-X, upgraded with RS232-C interface
 
 
<br />
 
<br />
 +
 +
== 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-X and 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>
 
<gallery>
 
File:F1-x front.jpg|F1-X
 
File:F1-x front.jpg|F1-X
−
File:Vortex-f1-x-backside.jpg|F1-X backside
+
File:Vortex f1-x cpc464 backside.jpg|F1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)
−
File:F1-x inside.jpg|F1-X inside view
+
File:Vortex f1-x cpc664 backside edge.jpg|F1-X backside, showing edge connector (CPC 664)
−
File:F1x m1x manual.jpg|F1-X/M1-X manual and utility disk
+
File:F1-x inside.jpg|F1-X inside view, showing a BASF 6139 drive
 +
File:F1x m1x manual.jpg|F1-X/M1-X manual and system utilities disk
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
=== M1-X and 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>
 
<gallery>
 
File:vortex-m1-x-front.png|M1-X
 
File:vortex-m1-x-front.png|M1-X
 
File:vortex-m1-x-back.png|M1-X backside
 
File:vortex-m1-x-back.png|M1-X backside
−
File:vortex-m1-x-connector.png|M1-X backside, showing IDC connection
+
File:vortex-m1-x-connector.png|M1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)
 
File:vortex-m1-x-under.png|M1-X underside
 
File:vortex-m1-x-under.png|M1-X underside
 
File:vortex-m1-x-inside.png|M1-X inside view, showing the drive and power
 
File:vortex-m1-x-inside.png|M1-X inside view, showing the drive and power
Line 134: Line 159:
 
=== X(RS)-Modul ===
 
=== X(RS)-Modul ===
  
−
The X-drives for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port. To provide VDOS, a "X-Modul" had to be installed. This was a single-ROM board with VDOS 2.0-X and came in two versions, one of which providing an additional RS232-C interface ("XRS-Modul"). The version for the CPC 464 came with a chunky housing in which both the X(RS)-Modul and the DDI-1 had to be installed.
+
The X-drives for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port. 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-X ROM. The ROM board supplied for the CPC 464 came together with a chunky housing in which both the "X-Modul" and the DDI-1 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").  
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 1.jpg|F1-XRS Interface (CPC 464)
+
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 1.jpg|XRS-Modul (CPC 464)
−
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 2.jpg|F1-XRS Interface with DDI-1 installed (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)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:VDOS-2.JPG|X-Modul (CPC 6128)
+
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128.jpg|X-Modul (CPC 6128)
−
Image:VDOS-internal.JPG|X-Modul (CPC 6128) board
+
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>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==== RS232 I/O Ports ====
+
=== RS232 I/O Ports ===
  
−
The RS232-C interface of the -XRS modules were advertised to be compatible with Amstrad/Pace interfaces, but have only one channel (no channel B).
+
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).
−
 
+
−
* [[Media:Vortex RS232-C Manual.pdf|Vortex RS232-C Manual]] {{DE}} (pdf)
+
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 166: Line 192:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== VDOS ==
+
=== Downloads ===
  
−
* [[Media:Vortex_Vdos_2.0_Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für das Diskettenbetriebssystem VDOS 2.0]] {{DE}} (VDOS 2.0 user manual)
+
* [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, 720k 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 664/6128)
 +
* [[Media:NEC_FD1035_Floppy.pdf|NEC FD1035 Datasheet (M1-X Floppy Disk Drive)]]
  
−
=== Vortex Disk Format ===
+
<br />
  
−
See [[VDOS#Vortex_Disc_format|VDOS: Vortex Disc Format]]
+
== Software Accessories ==
 +
 
 +
=== DOSCOPY ===
 +
 
 +
DOSCOPY is a CP/M 2.2 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 manual
 +
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Disk.JPG|DOSCOPY 5,25" disk
 +
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Screenshot.JPG|DOSCOPY screenshot
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==== Downloads ====
 +
 
 +
* [[Media:DOSCOPY.DSK|DOSCOPY 1.1]] {{DE}} (Vortex 360k disk image)
 +
* [[Media:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|DOSCOPY 1.1 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual)
 +
 
 +
=== PARA 3.0 ===
 +
 
 +
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 manual
 +
Image:Vortex PARA 3.0 Disk.JPG|PARA 3.0 5,25" disk
 +
Image:Vortex PARA 3.0 Screenshot 1.JPG|PARA 3.0 loading screen
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==== 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>
 +
Image:Para 30 plus intro.jpg|PARA 3.0+ loading screen
 +
Image:Para 30 plus mainmenu.jpg|PARA 3.0+ main menu
 +
Image:Para 30 plus analyzer.jpg|PARA 3.0+ format analyzer
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==== Downloads ====
 +
 
 +
* [[Media:PARAPLUS.DSK|PARA 3.0+]] {{DE}} (Vortex 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 1985/09
 +
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-02.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/02
 +
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-04.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/04
 +
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-07.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/07
 +
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-08.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/08
 +
</gallery>
  
 
[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:DATA Storage]]
 
[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:DATA Storage]]

Revision as of 07:54, 5 April 2024

A series of external 3,5" and 5,25" floppy disc drives from Vortex 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)

These are the first generation of 720K floppy disc drives from Vortex. They came in variants having either a single drive ("S" variant) or two drives ("D" variant). The "S" variant (as well as the less expensive "Z" variant) was delivered with the same double-height casing as the "D" variant, so that a second drive could be retrofitted.

F1-S and F1-D (5,25")

The F1-S and F1-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.

  • F1-D

  • F1-D front view

  • F1-D backside

  • F1-D interface
    (CPC 664)

  • F1-D interface board (CPC 664)

  • F1-D interface board (CPC 664)

  • F1-D interface board (CPC 6128)

  • F1-S/D manual

  • F1-S/D system disk
    (CPC 464)

  • F1-S/D system disk
    (CPC 664/6128)

A1-S Upgrade Kit (5,25")

Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a single bare drive and an installation manual, allowing to upgrade a F1-S (single) drive to a F1-D (dual) drive. To do this, one simply had to install the additional drive in the free slot of the drive case.

  • BASF 6138 spare drive

M1-S and M1-D (3,5")

The M1-S and M1-D models are based on 3,5" disk drives.

FDA-1 3" Drive Adapter

This adapter allows to connect an external FD-1 3" drive on Vortex F1/M1 setups on the CPC 464. Since only two drives can be used at the same time, the external 3" drive first had to be selected manually with RSX commands.

RSX Description
|S,1 Use 3" drive as drive A, upper Vortex drive is disabled
|S,2 Use 3" drive as drive B, lower Vortex drive is disabled
|S,0 Disable the 3" drive (default)

  • FDA-1 Adapter

  • Inside the adapter box

  • Inside the adapter box (closeup)

  • Plug (cable side)

  • FD-1 3" floppy drive plug

FDC I/O Ports

All types of floppy disk controllers for the F1-S/D and M1-S/D series are based on the NEC 765 chip. The manual states that on "controllers having an integrated ROM module/eprommer" (probably the later 6128 interfaces?), the port addresses can be freely configured using a decoder ROM.

CPC 464:

Address Description
0xFB7E uPD control
0xFB7F uPD data
0xFA7E motor on/off

CPC 664/6128:

Address Description
0xFBF6 uPD control
0xFBF7 uPD data
0xFA7E motor on/off

Downloads


Z-Drives (180K/side)

These are less expensive drives and were meant to 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, they do rely fully on AMSDOS and thus only 40 tracks on one side can be accessed, resulting in the same capacity (180K/side) as the 3" drives.

F1-Z (5,25")

The F1-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.

  • BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) drive

  • BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) 40 track jumper configuration

A1-Z Upgrade Kit (5,25")

Vortex 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 drive.

M1-Z (3,5")

The M1-Z model is equipped with a single 3,5" disk drive.


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-X and 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.

  • F1-X

  • F1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)

  • F1-X backside, showing edge connector (CPC 664)

  • F1-X inside view, showing a BASF 6139 drive

  • F1-X/M1-X manual and system utilities disk

M1-X and 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.

  • M1-X

  • M1-X backside

  • M1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)

  • M1-X underside

  • M1-X inside view, showing the drive and power

  • M1-X inside view, close-up of the drive from above

  • M1-X inside view, close-up from the backside

X(RS)-Modul

The X-drives for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port. 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-X ROM. The ROM board supplied for the CPC 464 came together with a chunky housing in which both the "X-Modul" and the DDI-1 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").

  • XRS-Modul (CPC 464)

  • XRS-Modul with built-in DDI-1 visible (CPC 464)

  • XRS-Modul board beneath the DDI-1 (CPC 464)

  • XRS-Modul board backside (CPC 464)

  • X-Modul (CPC 6128)

  • X-Modul board (CPC 6128)

  • X-Modul board backside (CPC 6128)

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).

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


Software Accessories

DOSCOPY

DOSCOPY is a CP/M 2.2 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.

  • DOSCOPY physical manual

  • DOSCOPY 5,25" disk

  • DOSCOPY screenshot

Downloads

PARA 3.0

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.

  • PARA 3.0 physical manual

  • PARA 3.0 5,25" disk

  • PARA 3.0 loading screen

Downloads

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.

  • PARA 3.0+ loading screen

  • PARA 3.0+ main menu

  • PARA 3.0+ format analyzer

Downloads

  • PARA 3.0+ Language:german (Vortex 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.



Media Coverage

  • Schneider CPC International 1985/09

  • Schneider CPC International 1986/02

  • Schneider CPC International 1986/04

  • Schneider CPC International 1986/07

  • Schneider CPC International 1986/08

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