If you want to ask questions about how the machine works, peculiar details, the differences between models, here it is !
How to program the oric hardware (VIA, FDC, ...) is also welcome.
Hello,
I'm happy to build my new Cumana controllers, but I have difficult with the drives. I have an old Jasmin drive, so I can use it, but I have 4 Amstrad CPC drives, so I want to try to connect them. The problem is that these drives have 26 pins interface, and the Oric Drives are with 34 pins. So my question is: does anybody know where I can find the 26 pins Amstrad drives pinouts? I can't find any info in the Internet.
My second question is: Can I connect 3.5" drive to Cumana if I reconfigure the drive to be set as "A" drive?
I hope for useful info
Thanks in advance,
George
Hi - where are you getting the parts for the Cumana controllers? I am also interested in building one of these, so please share details as much as you can..
Hello,
the most difficult parts are ofcource MB8877A and FDC9216. I have bought them on ebay.The rest are standart TTL-chips. The most difficult was 74LS221, but I have found them after a couple of days via shops. Tell me what parts you need and I'll try to help you.
Yup, I need an MB8877A and FDC9216, and 74LS221! Everything else has been simple to source, but those 3 parts are tricky .. if you know where to get them please share the details, or if you want to do a bulk order, that would also be cool ..
How many 74LS221 you need? I have bought 10 today for 1 euro per peace.
FDC9216 are here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FDC9216B-Integrat ... 5d28d1538d
I have bought 5, so the people are serious.
Later I thing I can say you where to buy MB8877A.
But the main problem is floppy drive I thing. Tommorrow I'm waiting an old TEAC with jumpers, so I will set it to "A" and pray to work. Wish me success
ibisum wrote:
I have the opportunity to find floppy drives here at work quite frequently, also ..
mmm just one small question. As 3.5" floppies are getting quite uncommon and I can also find some here at work, are there any restrictions about the drives which are usable with the Oric? Any 3.5" drive could work with, for instance, a microdisc contoller?
I was told that it was possible to use a 3.5" FD, in DD mode (if you can find one that supports *real* DD), so I guess so .. but the question is whether you can find a 3.5" DD floppy drive these days ..
Don't need DD drives at all. I'm happy to say that I've hust connected HD flopy drives to Cumana and they works fine. I just wanted to connect 3.5" driveas first drive to avoid booting from 3" drive. So the models I have succes are:
TEAC FD-235HF 6291 - the easy option - it has jumpers at the back for choise "A" or "B" drive
TEAC FD-235HF C282 - it needs opening the cover and some careful soldering
ALPS D33113 - same as TEAC C282 - it needs opening the cover and some careful soldering
The soldering is needed to breac connection between smd connection DS1 and carefully connect smd connection DS1.
The thing is that I have access to several old computers which include 3.5" floppy drives, and I am not sure if it would be a nice idea to grab one or two of those in case I manage to connect them to the oric using a microdisc controller (real one, home-made or something simulating it)...
Mmmm... maybe it would be a better idea to just wait for the SD card interface
If it will help for SD-driver you're writing and you have difficults building the Cumana, I can build one for you if you have board and I have MB8877A soon.
On the page 12 you can see the signals at 34-pin side to 26-pin side.
So the problem is if I want to make this drive as "b" (I want ), because there's no jumpers to set drive number on Amstrad drive. So I must reconfigure the cable.
