Universal drive

Nothing universal. Let me break this down by type: CP/M and Related Formats: Teledisk will read most CP/M and related formats on double-density (MFM) diskettes. Standard IBM PC floppy controllers are physically unable to read single-density (FM) formats (for some reason, even though the Western Digital chip they used supported FM, they never connected the pin. The Teledisk folks have some instructions to modify old IBM controllers). Teledisk can also read CP/M and related formats on FM diskettes with an appropriate floppy controller (e.g. CompatiCard, or modified IBM controller). Some CompatiCard versions will also allow connection of 8" drives to an IBM compatible. If you find a CompatiCard for sale, buy it. Non-CP/M Related, Non-Apple Formats: Teledisk does not read other FM formats that are not similar to CP/M (e.g. TRS-80 Model 1). I'm not aware of a solution to read/write formats such as TRS-80 Mod1, Coleco, Atari 8-bit, etc. Later TRS-80's like the Model 4/4P can read TRSDOS diskettes and copy the files to CP/M format which could then be read with Teledisk. Apple II: There is no physical way to read an Apple II diskette on IBM floppy drives. There are 3 solutions: 1) Use a Trackstar 128 card in an IBM compatible; 2) use a //e emulation card in a Macintosh LC series, then copy to PC format if necessary; 3) Copy the 5.25" Apple DOS files to 3.5" ProDOS format on a //e equipped with 3.5" and 5.25" drives, then use an old Apple File Exchange on a Mac to read the ProDOS disk. Macintosh: All Macs with SuperDrive/FDHD drives can read/write PC format. To read Mac dual-density format on the PC, you can either copy the files to PC format on a newer Macintosh (be SURE to keep the disk write protected or the newer Mac will automatically screw it up so it won't read properly on your old Mac!) or you can use a Central Point Copy II Option Board Deluxe on an IBM compatible. Others: Atari ST uses DOS format in the first place. Amiga can be read on the PC by Amiga emulators. C64, I have no idea, but I know at least you could use a C128 to copy files to CP/M format. NOTE that if you don't want to actually access FILES, but just want to COPY the disk, all you need is a Central Point Option Board in an IBM compatible. I use my "Compaq Computer" (a.k.a. Portable I) with an Option Board to copy any SD/DD format, including Apple II. Kai -----Original Message----- From: Max Eskin [mailto:maxeskin@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, October 01, 1998 4:36 PM To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers Subject: Universal drive Is there a device that would allow _any_ disk, independently of format, including Apple ][ disks, to be read? I know Teledisk can do this for all conventional formats, but not Apple disks. It would be nice to connect one of these and read the disk image into a file. The main reason why I ask is for rescuing messed up floppies... ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com