If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Floppy Drive Emulator
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! |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
"Perry Burdick" wrote in message ... ............. ........... 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.) .......... Why you not use the serial port?. 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? Search for NEC uPD765 or NATIONAL DP8473 datasheet (Floppy disk controllers). Eduardo. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Query: Program to reassign Drive letters after removing second hard drive? | Some One | General | 1 | August 9th 03 07:05 PM |
Hard drive invisible after long "power off" | Peter | General | 7 | July 25th 03 09:39 AM |
Hard drive that boots elsewhere refuses to boot in this machine | Simon O'Connor | General | 9 | July 22nd 03 06:34 AM |
3.5" Floppy Disk Drive Question | Scott H. | General | 3 | July 15th 03 01:58 PM |
newb questions about SCSI hard drives | fred.do | General | 7 | June 26th 03 01:59 AM |