Re: Floppy Drive Emulator

Perry Burdick wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I am an electronics instructor (read as NOT an engineer) attempting to
> create an interface that uses the forgotten floppy drive B connector. My
> circuit would attach to the floppy drive controller and pretend to be a
> floppy drive with a floppy disk in it. The "floppy disk" would contain a
> single file that could be accessed by software. The "file" would contain the
> info being passed from the microcontroller (i.e., CPU temperature, fan
> speed, an iButton security system, etc.) What I have experience in is: PIC
> microcontroller programming, disk structures (FAT/directory entry), fairly
> experienced in the function of the floppy drive and the controller. What I
> am seeking assistance in is:
> > The specific details of the values used for formatting a track (data
> address marks, etc.)
> >How to calculate the CRC for each sector
> > The specifics of each disk command (i.e., read sector, write track)
> > How does MFM encoding work and does it have to be 500kbps if I am
> providing the timing and the index pulse.
> > Is there an organization that maintains floppy drive standards like the
> ATA standards for hard drives?
> > What is the significance of the gaps?
>
> I am seeking information from people who might have attempted this before,
> good, bad, or otherwise. Is this not feasible? Does it already exist? I am
> willing to share the final solution. Please respond to
> Thank you very much, and thank you for not flaming me
> for seeking expert advice.
>
> Perry Burdick
>
> There are 10 types of people; those who understand binary, and those who
> don't!

Thats an interesting idea. I don't have much experince with this, but for more
info you might also look into the old tape drives that connected to the floppy
chain. Also of interest might be some old IBM PS/2 systems. I have seen a lot of
info about those becuase some used a non-standard interface and there's a fair
amount of hacking info on how to make a 'normal' floppy work with the
non-standard PS/2 floppy cable. Just a couple ideas.

--
dosman