The
semi-0discrete solution ('74 as a divide by 2 and a handful of
transistors) turns up all over the place. It's easy to design and reliable.
Always nice to know. I just need to figure out how much write current
the Panasonic chip provides (all I have is a short-form datasheet, which
doesn't include any figures or calculations, just a pinout and a few
electrical specs).
The Amstrad service manaual (FD2 Scheamtic Diagram) suggests that pin 27
of the ASIC is the write current adjustment input. It is grounded via a
10k resisotr, and if the diagram si to be leived, has a nominal 6.9V
across it. Assuming all the write current flows through that resistor
(which would be logical), I would guess th write current is around 690uA.