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NFG Forums => SIG X68000 => Topic started by: Max on July 25, 2018, 09:34:36 PM

Title: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 25, 2018, 09:34:36 PM
what do you think about it?....Just to collect ideas and see if it is actually great and useful at 100%
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on July 26, 2018, 02:12:20 AM
I took a look at the documentation through Google Translate - it looks to be really useful and really powerful.  I'm going to order one in and see if I can start some English documentation on it.  Maybe even write an LCD Loader for the Raspberry Pi part so it can run self-contained if I can find the time.  I'm excited to try it - never been a fan of floppies.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 26, 2018, 03:15:40 AM
hey man could you pls give me some more details about it?...Can it be plugged directly to a x68k in order to replace an ordinary fdd or it is just more complicated?....So to know if it could be a good order by my side too...
thanks
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on July 26, 2018, 04:08:18 AM
The instructions say that the FDX68 can simulate either one or two floppy drives, and it can be connected either internally or externally.  So it can take the place of one or both of your internal floppies if you want it to.

I just barely ordered the FDX68 through Buyee and ordered the components to make an external floppy cable to my X68030 from DigiKey. Now to just wait for everything to come in.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 26, 2018, 04:23:43 AM
externally would be ok to me, I have already plugged a scsi2sd to my Sharp Pro II and it works great but does this widget use the same way? Where am I supposed to plug it into?....It's shipped stand alone without any sort of cables/wires etc....
If you could give me any suggestions and If I need some cable/plug to make ti work.....in the end I found this link to buy it, is that right too?
https://gimons.booth.pm/cart?added_to_cart=true&via=shop
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on July 26, 2018, 08:21:13 AM
This is the ordering link, although if you live outside of Japan, you'll need to order using an intermediary service (I used Buyee).

https://booth.pm/en/items/887491

As for the external connection, your X68000 should have an external floppy drive connector available that you would plug it into.  You may need a custom cable though.  What model is your X68000?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 26, 2018, 05:13:16 PM
ah ok....my model is X68000 PRO II CZ-653C now with 4mb. It could be really interesting but for whom it may concern the custom cable I do not know where to find/create/purchase it....
thanks for your suggestions.....I'm here all ears!!!!
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on July 27, 2018, 02:59:58 AM
The PRO II uses a DSUB 37 pin connector for the external floppy, while the FDX68 uses the internal floppy 34 pin connection. You may be able to find a DSUB 37 Pin to Internal Floppy 34 Pin cable on Buyee, or maybe someone here on the forums would be able to make you one.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 27, 2018, 04:11:22 AM
great....I'll look for it!!!!
tks
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 27, 2018, 04:40:57 AM
got the widget from buyee.....I was too keen and curious.....I could not resist...now I really need the cable you mention DSUB 37 Pin to Internal Floppy 34 Pin cable if someone checking this page could give me a heads up and i might buy this hand-made/custom cable from a x68k addicted here.... :) :)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on July 27, 2018, 02:57:42 PM
How does this work with compact?

Does it emulate a 5.25 FD? The 3.5” drives break very easily and are close to impossible to fix.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on July 27, 2018, 10:31:21 PM
Quote from: Max on July 26, 2018, 04:23:43 AM
externally would be ok to me, I have already plugged a scsi2sd to my Sharp Pro II and it works great but does this widget use the same way? Where am I supposed to plug it into?....It's shipped stand alone without any sort of cables/wires etc....
If you could give me any suggestions and If I need some cable/plug to make ti work.....in the end I found this link to buy it, is that right too?
https://gimons.booth.pm/cart?added_to_cart=true&via=shop

I have just had a look at the digikey website, is it Italian? and you mate?...'cause i'm currently living in Milan and we could keep in touch and exchange ideas on that even directly.....
then, I'll need the custom cable you mentioned and hope you can help me out with that.....
tks.....

P.S: then I'l be asking some other questions but not here so not to bother others on tiny stupid things....
let me know mate...send me a pm just in case... :)

ciao
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on August 09, 2018, 03:36:42 PM
All the parts arrived for my FDX68 setup - the controller itself, a Raspberry Pi to drive it, and the parts to build an external FDD cable for my X68030. Now I just need next week to get here so I have time to actually build it and use it!

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on August 11, 2018, 01:46:46 AM
great man.....waiting for your endeavours!!!
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on September 12, 2018, 06:00:24 PM
guys I need your help now that I got my FDX68 from Japan and as I have a Sharp x68k Pro II I actually need to know first the best way how to use it and which cable(s) I am supposed to use to plug it externally into my X68K as in the past I sucessfully  did with my scsi2sd perfectly configured and working.....now this widget really interests me and I'm ready to try it in order to see if after some experiments could be useful and okay for me and everyone in the community....pretty ready to show my endevours and results maybe creating a whole step by step guide but I need you out there..... who knows even how to get it work with the use of some RPi model, I own one 3b myself.....please contact me and who is able to make the cable (s) for me, will be paid fairly!!!!
thanks everyone in advance

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on September 14, 2018, 05:27:52 AM
ehy mates...no one has some good news for me?...please, I'd really want to set it and use it ....even with a raspberry PI 3 that I own.....
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: hyrulebr on September 25, 2018, 01:15:50 AM
Quote from: ShootTheCore on August 09, 2018, 03:36:42 PM
All the parts arrived for my FDX68 setup - the controller itself, a Raspberry Pi to drive it, and the parts to build an external FDD cable for my X68030. Now I just need next week to get here so I have time to actually build it and use it!


Any news to share to us?  ;D

After 4 non reading drives  for my XVI I´m looking for a emulator solution like HxC or FDX68. Please share with us your experience!  ;)



Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on September 25, 2018, 12:43:51 PM
I received 2 FDX86’s today. 1 populated. 1 PCB only.

I will try and get it to work on my X68K compact. And then my OG system. The author has a really good web site (google translate) with sufficient information.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on September 27, 2018, 07:15:41 PM
so good Leonk.....on my side I have the same but I'd need a cable to plug it into my Pro II if it is supposed to work this way, I am not able to make one myself unluckily.....any siggestions?...
let us know your endevours they 'll be really appreciated....
thanks
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: skpstmgs on September 28, 2018, 04:49:19 AM
This looks like a cool project, though hard to understand all its features since the product page is all in Japanese.
Does anyone know if this could be used as an external FDD #0 & #1 in an XVI to boot games off it, but still keep the internal drives as #2 & #3?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on September 28, 2018, 08:53:19 AM
Google translate is your friend.  I use a Chrome plugin that translates whatever page I'm on..

That aside.  Yes, it has jumpers to do just that.  The software that runs on the Pi can emulate 2 FDD based on jumpers (Set them to 0 and 1) and the internal drives get 2 and 3.

Lets be clear.. you need a Pi.  You need to run software on the Pi, in command line.  So you need to be familiar with Linux command line.  The FDX68 is mostly a voltage level translator, not much more (Pi runs at 3.3V, X68K FDD port at 5V).
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 04, 2018, 01:15:16 AM
Given the designer doesn't sell a cable for the older X68K computers that use a DB37 connector, I decided to make my own.  While I'm sourcing parts, I decided to review to pinout so I'll know how to solder between DB37 and the IDC34 connector on the FDX68.

To my surprise .. the pinout on the FDX68 is IDENTICAL to the internal floppy disk connector on the X68000!!!  That is great news to anyone that wants to just temporary test it by just unplugging the FD cable from the internal drive, and plugging it into the FDX68.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: hyrulebr on October 04, 2018, 05:52:48 AM
Quote from: leonk on October 04, 2018, 01:15:16 AM
Given the designer doesn't sell a cable for the older X68K computers that use a DB37 connector, I decided to make my own.  While I'm sourcing parts, I decided to review to pinout so I'll know how to solder between DB37 and the IDC34 connector on the FDX68.

To my surprise .. the pinout on the FDX68 is IDENTICAL to the internal floppy disk connector on the X68000!!!  That is great news to anyone that wants to just temporary test it by just unplugging the FD cable from the internal drive, and plugging it into the FDX68.

Nice to know!  :) I´m waiting restock from creator and also have to look for the cable. Yesterday I loose this auction on Yahoo but I think that was too high for a homemade cable...

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k334206658

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 04, 2018, 06:24:33 AM
That's crazy!  I purchased all the components to make the cable today.  Total was about $20 CDN ($15 USD)  And the FD cable I got is a high quality, brand name, that was been wrapped in protective plastic to make it look like an external cable! (instead of internal ribbon)

I'll post pics when done.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 04, 2018, 11:17:27 AM
Finished soldering the cable today. Waiting for Raspberry Pi to come in

(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/eTQGZg.jpeg)

(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/BFLbgk.jpeg)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on October 04, 2018, 06:44:44 PM
great job mate....I'll be waiting for you....! :)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: hyrulebr on October 10, 2018, 05:24:11 AM
Quote from: leonk on October 04, 2018, 06:24:33 AM
That's crazy!  I purchased all the components to make the cable today.  Total was about $20 CDN ($15 USD)  And the FD cable I got is a high quality, brand name, that was been wrapped in protective plastic to make it look like an external cable! (instead of internal ribbon)

I'll post pics when done.

Hi Leonk

Which cable did you buy?

I want ask to you and others FDX68 users about image compatibility. The author wrote something about converting existing images (XDF, DIM, etc) to proprietary format FDX (which includes much more information). Do you know if existing images easily find on internet are working properly?


Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on October 11, 2018, 08:59:23 AM
It's such a new device that I doubt there's a lot of images available, but hopefully we'll start to see more of them.  I plan on doing my part to contribute once I find the time to put my FDX68 together.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 12, 2018, 02:12:14 PM
I’ve posted my progress on twitter (leonkiriliuk). basically. not good news for original X68K. could be a software issue. or who knows. Luckily I have a red zone compact. so once I get the cable done. I’ll test it as well to make sure i got the software side correctly.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 13, 2018, 05:24:35 AM
SUCCESS!  I got FDX68 to work on OG X68000 ...

(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/H0gNfI.jpeg)
(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/OjIiV4.jpeg)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 13, 2018, 05:28:27 AM
I did find 1 big flaw.. by default, the internal 5.25" drives are set for drive 0 and drive 1 via jumpers.  So they will always be A: and B:.  When I boot from FDX68, it gets C:

Majority of multi disk games will only search for the next disk on A: or B: (you can see this with the A: light seeking).  One solution to this would be to figure out the jumper configuration on these Sharp drives and force them to drive 2 and 3, and make the FDX68 into drive 0 and 1.  The only issue with doing this is the system will no longer boot SCSI if a drive 0/1 is not present (something I recall from having the switch set wrong on my X68K compact).

At least now I have a way to boot OS/fix bootloader if FD dies on me.  Time to focus on Compact next!

(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/dbkEml.jpeg)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: mattsoft on October 14, 2018, 01:38:44 AM
Nice work leonk! This is good news. Now to wrangle a proxy service to get one from Japan. Ugh!
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on October 14, 2018, 07:21:13 AM
excellent LEONK...I wonder if a guide/walkthrough could be possible on your side to actually light us up on that....personally, I own a Pro II and the idea of trying sth new makes me really curious about!!!
My FDX68 is ready....even if I still need finding someone who can make a cable for me to plug it into my X68K  and give me the chance to figure it out......
Cheers
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 14, 2018, 07:27:42 AM
FDX68 is not as simple as SCSI2SD. You need to use a raspberry pi and be comfortable on the Linux command line.

I SSH into the Pi from my laptop, sftp the disk images over, and then use the command line tools to load them into the FDX68 drive emulator. Rinse and repeat for other disks.

If you didn’t understand what I just wrote then this device is not for you. If you did. Pm me and i can help you with the cable.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: famiac on October 16, 2018, 08:24:31 AM
Does the FDX68 interface with the drives via a simple linux program? What commands are available to us?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 16, 2018, 01:42:32 PM
Quote from: famiac on October 16, 2018, 08:24:31 AM
Does the FDX68 interface with the drives via a simple linux program? What commands are available to us?

That is almost correct. The magic is actually a Linux program that runs on the Pi. It does the drive emulation in software. The only big thing the FDX68 does is convert the standard 3.3V data lines on the Pi to 5V the X68k understands. It’s a simple voltage translator!!

Go to the maker’s web site and use Google translate. He has very good documentation.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on October 16, 2018, 07:29:34 PM
Quote from: leonk on October 14, 2018, 07:27:42 AM
FDX68 is not as simple as SCSI2SD. You need to use a raspberry pi and be comfortable on the Linux command line.

I SSH into the Pi from my laptop, sftp the disk images over, and then use the command line tools to load them into the FDX68 drive emulator. Rinse and repeat for other disks.

If you didn’t understand what I just wrote then this device is not for you. If you did. Pm me and i can help you with the cable.

I may deal with these things and I own a PI and do some work on it evry now and then ..... certainly a step by step guide would help me out.....I 'm keen on trying new devices above all for X68K.....
anyway I'll mail you as I can.....
thanks mate!!!
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: hyrulebr on October 18, 2018, 11:44:14 PM
FDX68 is now in stock again. Hust got mine!  ;D

https://gimons.booth.pm/items/887491

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on October 19, 2018, 04:18:11 AM
i don't actually know if I'm going to use mine so if someone would like to have one just pm and we may have a deal with it....
cheers

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: srtomiz on October 19, 2018, 06:57:19 PM
I've got a question about this, as far as I read here and the FDX86 page, everyone using it as an external floppy drive but It should work as a replacement for the internal disk drives too. The ACE won't try to boot without an Internal floppy disk connected but maybe It would work with an FDX86 connected to the motherboard port.

Am I right or I'm missing something?.



Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 20, 2018, 12:47:24 AM
You are correct. On compact with their horrible 3.5” drives this is a must. Those units also have an external switch to easily switch the boot priority on drives.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on October 21, 2018, 02:21:13 PM
Made the compact cable today. works great!!

(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/vhB9MI.jpeg)

(http://u.cubeupload.com/leonk/g2Dmmh.jpeg)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on October 21, 2018, 08:35:11 PM
excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: takka on November 07, 2018, 12:05:01 PM
FDX68 cable?

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h354567910
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on November 07, 2018, 02:22:31 PM
after shipping that’s an expensive cable.

Why would anyone use the internal ribbon cable is beyond me as well.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: TortoiseFire on November 12, 2018, 12:26:28 AM
@leonk,  excited about the FDX68. Even though it is mounted externally is it possible to disable the internal real A+B drives and make the FDX68 emulate A and B? I ask this because of keeping compatibility with floppy games.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on November 12, 2018, 04:18:47 PM
yes. you can do that. very easy on x68k systems have switch to switch  internal to drive 2/3 and then external is configured to 0/1.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on November 20, 2018, 06:51:47 PM
Quote from: leonk on November 12, 2018, 04:18:47 PM
yes. you can do that. very easy on x68k systems have switch to switch  internal to drive 2/3 and then external is configured to 0/1.

As far as I now only Compact models have this switch on the back.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on November 21, 2018, 01:59:44 AM
Nothing is stopping you from taking the cover off, disconnecting the internal drives, and plugging the FDX68 into the main PCB.  It's the same pinout as the external port - just different connector (in this case, your standard PC internal connector!)

If you use external, you boot FDX68 as drive 2/3.  I do that to test the device all the time; boot HumanOS, install the bootloader into SRAM, and then be able to boot SCSI2SD.  No need for floppy drive.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on November 21, 2018, 03:56:54 AM
Quote from: leonk on November 21, 2018, 01:59:44 AM
Nothing is stopping you from taking the cover off, disconnecting the internal drives, and plugging the FDX68 into the main PCB.  It's the same pinout as the external port - just different connector (in this case, your standard PC internal connector!)

I know this.But for example Pro internal FDDs have a separate connector for extra FDD signals so you can't use this device.

Quote
If you use external, you boot FDX68 as drive 2/3.  I do that to test the device all the time; boot HumanOS, install the bootloader into SRAM, and then be able to boot SCSI2SD.  No need for floppy drive.

Can all software boot from FDD 2/3?

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on November 21, 2018, 05:56:36 AM
Yes.. they all can boot from 2/3.  You only run into problem with multi-disk games.  Many games are coded to look for other disks only on A/B and not C/D.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on November 21, 2018, 05:59:33 PM
Quote from: leonk on November 21, 2018, 05:56:36 AM
Yes.. they all can boot from 2/3.  You only run into problem with multi-disk games.  Many games are coded to look for other disks only on A/B and not C/D.

Can you try the game Mugen Senshi Valis II with FDX68 set as 0/1 drives?Put DISK A in drive 0 and DISK B in drive 1 and, after loading,  see if you get a prompt to insert DISK D in drive 0.This game uses the autoeject fuction in a different way than the others.

P.S.
Is source of FDX68 public?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on November 30, 2018, 02:18:26 PM
English manual added to the Wiki.  Enjoy.

https://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=x68000:adding_an_fdx68_to_x68000
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on November 30, 2018, 05:33:36 PM
many many thanks Leon, a big help to us all....... :)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on November 30, 2018, 07:26:20 PM
I'm designing an adapter to connect X68000 to HxC and at same time emulate some needed proprietary FDD signals.Tests are going well, I attach 3D preview of the solution for internal FDDs of Compact and external of all other models.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Max on December 01, 2018, 01:59:13 AM
ehy mates...things seem to move so well for our Sharp X68K......I'm really keen on that and thanks a lot for putting your endeavours in this.....I surely stay tuned for this project too....
cheers
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on January 04, 2019, 06:55:28 AM
An update of my projects.I received the bare boards of my X68000 to HxC adapter (I attach picture of two assembled units), it works fine on my Pro model connected to its 37 pin D-SUB connector emulating both 0/1 and 2/3 drives with one HxC floppy emulator.I was not able to test the Compact internal solution because my Compact is faulty.Now I will do some little fixes to my design (mainly for a better LED handling ) then I will send again projects files to my PCB manufacturer.As for the Compact internal solution I may need some volunteers, for this purpose I was also be able to obtain some spare FFC 34 pin cables for internal FDD (see picture attached).

(https://i.postimg.cc/VrrgMnqs/DSCN6491.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VrrgMnqs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Snkg5XhV/DSCN6492.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Snkg5XhV)
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on January 04, 2019, 07:44:09 AM
You should probably give this project a name and start a new thread for it.  FDX68 is a very different project from the one you have here from my understanding.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: mattsoft on February 20, 2019, 05:54:50 AM
Quote from: caius on January 04, 2019, 06:55:28 AM
An update of my projects.I received the bare boards of my X68000 to HxC adapter (I attach picture of two assembled units), it works fine on my Pro model connected to its 37 pin D-SUB connector emulating both 0/1 and 2/3 drives with one HxC floppy emulator.I was not able to test the Compact internal solution because my Compact is faulty.Now I will do some little fixes to my design (mainly for a better LED handling ) then I will send again projects files to my PCB manufacturer.As for the Compact internal solution I may need some volunteers, for this purpose I was also be able to obtain some spare FFC 34 pin cables for internal FDD (see picture attached).

(https://i.postimg.cc/VrrgMnqs/DSCN6491.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VrrgMnqs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Snkg5XhV/DSCN6492.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Snkg5XhV)

This is very cool. Any progress? I'm going to pursue the FDX68 route, but this looks like it might be more turnkey.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on February 20, 2019, 06:11:44 AM
I had the chance to assemble the second revision of my adapter (the one for external 37pin SUB-D connector) which fixed some issue with LED handling and it works fine on my X68000 Pro model , I was able to emulate both 0/1 and 2/3 units with the HxC foppy emulator and correctly load multi-disk games.I have no time to go through the software library so I'm looking for some volunteers.In next days I will post a video of the working unit as well assemble the Compact internal solution (looking for volunteers here too).I'll keep you updated.

P.S.
Without taking anything away from it I think the FDX68 is a good and smart solution but a little too cumbersome for an average user
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: ShootTheCore on February 20, 2019, 10:14:58 AM
Hey Caius, I volunteer to help test your adapter - happy to help in any way that I can.  I have an X68030.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: skpstmgs on February 20, 2019, 12:05:01 PM
@Caius I would be interested in testing out the external version of your HxC adapter as well. I have an XVI model. I don't have a 37-pin cable at the moment though. Would it need to be male-to-female? Also, we probably need a new thread for your solution since it's different from the FDX68.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: mattsoft on February 20, 2019, 12:47:46 PM
Indeed, I have an ACE and an HxC for Lotharek and would be willing to test internal or external.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on February 20, 2019, 07:24:01 PM
Quote from: skpstmgs on February 20, 2019, 12:05:01 PM
@Caius I would be interested in testing out the external version of your HxC adapter as well. I have an XVI model. I don't have a 37-pin cable at the moment though. Would it need to be male-to-female? Also, we probably need a new thread for your solution since it's different from the FDX68.

The adapter has a male 37 pin D-SUB connector so you don't need any cable, just plug in to the female one on the rear of your X68000.I'll start a new thread ASAP.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: DejahThoris on February 21, 2019, 02:47:01 PM
I'm also really interested in this!

I have a CZ600, Expert, and Pro that I can test with.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: leonk on February 22, 2019, 04:57:47 AM
You should probably give this project a name and start a new thread for it.  FDX68 is a very different project from the one you have here from my understanding.

It would be a shame for the great work seen ^^^^ to be lost in a different thread.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: mez on February 25, 2019, 06:29:29 AM
Hi Caius
Volonteer too
i own a x68000 expert
thanks
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on February 25, 2019, 07:20:45 AM
OK, guys, thanks for your offers.I'll probably not able to assemble units for you all but only a couple of them (for X68000 models with 37 pin D-SUB externa FDD connector)
I'll contact you in private, perhaps it's better those already equipped with an HxC floppy emulator in order to speed up the test.After testing the device I will start a proper dedicated thread here.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: X-Col on March 10, 2019, 09:31:58 AM
Great work caius!!

I would volunteer to test the internal Compact solution but dont have an HxC  :'(

Where did you get those replacement ribbon cables, been looking for these forever as mine are shot!  :o
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on March 10, 2019, 06:26:50 PM
Quote from: X-Col on March 10, 2019, 09:31:58 AM
Great work caius!!

I would volunteer to test the internal Compact solution but dont have an HxC  :'(

Where did you get those replacement ribbon cables, been looking for these forever as mine are shot!  :o

You need an HxC (or Gotek) to test my internal solution.About the 34 pin FFC cables, I made them fabricate by a manufacturer.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: huggyone76 on May 08, 2019, 06:53:56 PM
Hi everybody !
For those who tried the FDX68. We can read here (from Gimons) :
http://retropc.net/gimons/fdx68/emu_x68k.html
But also here (translation from Leonk) :
https://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=x68000:adding_an_fdx68_to_x68000
that we can use "D68" images formats files... Is it an error and we must read "D88" ?

Thank you !
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: X-Col on August 02, 2019, 08:38:09 PM
Quote from: caius on March 10, 2019, 06:26:50 PMYou need an HxC (or Gotek) to test my internal solution.About the 34 pin FFC cables, I made them fabricate by a manufacturer.

@caius How did the testing go on these? Starting to have issues with my internal floppies on my Compact.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on August 07, 2019, 11:05:45 PM
I sent a unit to an user here, he did for me some testing with mixed results.The board worked fine for me so I don't know what happened.Anyway, I'm going to revisit the design in some time.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: amigo-mexicano on January 06, 2022, 09:31:00 AM
Quote from: caius on August 07, 2019, 11:05:45 PMI sent a unit to an user here, he did for me some testing with mixed results.The board worked fine for me so I don't know what happened.Anyway, I'm going to revisit the design in some time.

Hey @caius , sorry for the necropost, did you ever got your adapter working? I need one exactly like that one for my X68k PRO (external).
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: aotta on March 24, 2023, 07:32:51 AM
Sorry to re-resume the post, but i'd like to have an adapter like this too... if it's abandoned, could @caius share gerber's files here for some further tests? 
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on April 03, 2023, 11:38:19 PM
I made a new board lately and successfully tested it :

https://youtu.be/Va8uD7YivJE

'FLIP-FLOP' emulator will be available for sale ASAP.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: kanjiology on April 05, 2023, 04:58:49 AM
Awesome! I will be interested in purchasing this.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: mez on April 07, 2023, 02:32:50 AM
Quote from: caius on April 03, 2023, 11:38:19 PM'FLIP-FLOP' emulator will be available for sale ASAP.

Fantastic ! Of course I'm in for 2 or 3 cards !
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: aotta on April 22, 2023, 03:47:32 AM
I love the FLIP-FLOP emulator idea, and i'm waiting it will be on the market, but i'd like to complete the db37 to idc34 connector i made:

(https://u.cubeupload.com/aotta69/FFX68.jpg)
 
It works with my gotek with FlashFloppy firmware, but it not support multi disk options and insert / eject feature of X68000. I left some pin to play with them, but i didn't find any documentation about how the four "Option" signal neither the insert , eject, and other proprietary ones works in the X68000. Any hints about how to find more info about them?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: aotta on June 02, 2023, 10:33:33 PM
I made great progress with a new board based on an arduino nano to handle the i/o X68k's' special signals.
The project is open source, and until now works on most of (only a few since now, to be honest ;) ) games i tested.

Here the first version, for who's interested:

https://github.com/aotta/X68KFDUINO
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on June 07, 2023, 04:42:05 PM
The final revision of 'FLIP-FLOP' will be soon available for purchase.It will properly handle the proprietary FDD signals (also the blinking LED one) allowing to load all games (single and multi disk).Stay tuned!
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: aotta on June 08, 2023, 06:01:23 AM
Quote from: caius on June 07, 2023, 04:42:05 PMThe final revision of 'FLIP-FLOP' will be soon available for purchase.It will properly handle the proprietary FDD signals (also the blinking LED one) allowing to load all games (single and multi disk).Stay tuned!
Good news Caius!
I handle all signals too, even blinking and lock mask in my open source board, and works with almost all games with multi disks, but can't make it running with Tunnels & Trolls: after the X68K eject the disks and ask for replacing, it didn't recognize i reinserted them: did you tested this games too with your flip-flop?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on June 08, 2023, 04:27:21 PM
Quote from: aotta on June 08, 2023, 06:01:23 AMGood news Caius!
I handle all signals too, even blinking and lock mask in my open source board, and works with almost all games with multi disks, but can't make it running with Tunnels & Trolls: after the X68K eject the disks and ask for replacing, it didn't recognize i reinserted them: did you tested this games too with your flip-flop?

My 'FLIP-FLOP' FDD emulator works with all games, also Tunnels & Trolls.You must analyze the proprietary signals in order to solve your issue, your Arduino code is simply based on info from HxC forum that Jeff posted :

https://torlus.com/floppy/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=465&start=30

Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: aotta on June 08, 2023, 04:44:20 PM
Yes Caius, i used the info found on HxC forum, but I'm afraid my adapter didn't work at 100% because arduino is not fast enough to handle all signals before rising edge of OptX signals (2.5 microsec), not becouse info on forum wasn't rigth. But please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm thinking about moving to a pi pico hardware, but probably the easiest way is waiting your flip-flop! 😜
What about its price? Have you an idea about it?
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: rezb1t on June 25, 2023, 03:05:47 PM
Will the FLIP-FLOP FDD emulator work with an XVI Compact system? I'm very interested if so
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: caius on July 06, 2023, 07:50:28 AM
Quote from: rezb1t on June 25, 2023, 03:05:47 PMWill the FLIP-FLOP FDD emulator work with an XVI Compact system? I'm very interested if so

Yes, it will work also on Compact models.Right now I'm completing the testing before releasing the product.
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: Jollyroger on August 24, 2023, 08:55:37 AM
Following closely, I would be definitely interested in purchasing a couple of boards...
Title: Re: FDD emulator FDX68 - Floppy Disk Drive Integration Tools per X68000
Post by: bleepbloop on October 11, 2023, 10:31:49 AM
Just checking to see if there's any time frame on when these will be available. Definitely interested!