Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!sdd.hp.com!spool.mu.edu!uunet!world!unixland!asgardia From: asgardia@unixland.uucp (Craig Rothman) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit Subject: Re: 3.5" Disk Drive for 8-bit Message-ID: Date: 25 Feb 91 06:00:45 GMT References: Sender: bbs@unixland.uucp (Waffle BBS) Organization: The Think_Tank BBS & Public-Access Unix Lines: 36 dddean@bluemoon.uucp (David D. Dean) writes: > I have heard that it could be done, and I would like to do so. Is > there a possible way to set-up a 3.5" disk drive for an Atari 8-bit? I > have an 800xl, and would like to try this. > What all would I need, and could someone quote me a price? > > I am also looking for a Hard Drive for the 8-bit... (I know... > "Why???") I think that it might beneat to do this... kinda max-out mu > 8-bit and make it a novelty! > > 3.5"-- the way to get one of these is to somehow obtain a costly disk drive known as the xf551. This was made by atari and its double sided/double density. No one I know of will part with theirs, so good luck! Once you get one of these, youll need to buy a 3.5 mech and have someone know knows how to mount it, put it in. Im told its not that hard to do. (ive never done it. I dont know!). I dont know if theres a 3.5" made by another company, but ive heard of peripherals that allow IBM PC drives to be connected. Im sure someone here could write more. As for a hard drive, youll be opening pandoras box, but you could get one hooked up. Youd need either a black box, or MIO. Then youd need wires.. (from ICD) Then youd need the drive.. and the appropriate controller board. Then a case and power supply. Ive spent a considerable amount of time obtaining this stuff. Its not easy.. The controller boards are hard to get. I found a supplier though, look at the old messages Ive posted here about it, or send me email and ill give you more info. Ive already posted it and i dont have it handy right now. The best thing to do is to call ICD, They have the stuff youll need as a kit of some sort. IM told its expensive and a rip off, but its very very hassle free. -craig mrneutr@rcn.bitnet (NOTE: I can only recieve EMAIL at this address!)