25 Dec
2003
25 Dec
'03
11:35 p.m.
From: "Jules Richardson" <julesrichardsonuk(a)yahoo.co.uk>
To: "Classic Computers" <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Friday, December 26, 2003 1:16 PM
Subject: Info on UM8397 floppy disk IC?
Hi,
has anyone got any data on the UM8297 floppy disk controller IC?
I found one on a tiny ISA board in the loft the other day (labelled
"FDC-III"). I was hoping it might provide a little more flexibility in
reading non-PC floppies on a PC machine (specifically Acorn BBC - none
of the spare PC motherboards I have kicking around happen to have floppy
controller ICs that do this)
I've had a look at the floppy formats supported by my conversion system,
which btw originates in the UK. I havnt come across BBC formats in the
servicebureay, but according to the software BBC is found in quite some
flavours, reaching from single-side single-density 5.25" to DSDD 3.5"
Before you spend a lot of time playing around with things, it would be good
to know the discs physicals and logicals.
I would be happy to help out, so if you send me one or two discs, I can tell
you the characteristics. From there, you can start tinkering, or e.g. find a
Microsolutions Compaticard IV card. If you have only relatively few discs, I
could convert them for you for P & P and a pint or two.
Nico