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Cheapo IDE interface for Model 4p running MM CP/M

In a nut shell, what are we talking about here - is it some hardware floppy emulator for the TRS80?
 
Hi Larry.

>>> Thanks for the larger Image via email
Your welcome

>>> What different behaviour is possible via pushbuttons on the Rev C Floppy Emulator?
You have to take out the SD-card and press the middle button for 3 sec.
You can change the setup, like you change the config file.
The options are:

Bitrate
Track step
Write protect
Drive B
Step sound
Sound volume
Standby
Reset
Display time
Use setiings file

I have two remarks about the emulator.

1) The display is only support by one row of pins, this will get damaged one day.
I have removed the display and attach a strip of double sided tape with a foam layer
on the top of the large chip.
If you mount the display again it is very sturdy now.

2)The display always shows the full name of the disk in use, like LS-DOS6_dsk.hfe
This not pretty to read. I'll ask Jeff if it is possible to show only the real filename LS-DOS.dmk.
Or make the way it is displayed as an option.

>>> If you used CP/M in the past, what was the largest Floppy Image size you created on a Floppy & the HxC Emulator?

I have a few data disks SSSD 5.25 inch.
I have not used CP/M for a very long time. I think every size is possible, but i'am not sure.

Hans.
 
Hello Pearce.

Yes that's true.

It is a small pcb, the size of the ide interface.
It has a SDcard to store images of all kind of disk, not only TR80.
There is supporting software to analyze and convert real disk to image files.
You replace the real FDD with the emulator (there is a version with a 3.25 pc housing)
and you can use a hundred or more floppies like you have the real floppies.
It works even with protected disc and you can boot from the emulator.
With one emulator you can replace two floppy drives.

For me it was a great help to get started with my model 4P without any disc.

Hans.
 
Hans01,
OK, thanks for that extra information.

For anyone interested, here is the URL for the IDE Floppy Emulator:
http://lotharek.pl/category.php?kid=26

In the Linux version, and I'm sure in the Windows version that information is also available, but it's in the hxcfloppyemulator software.
That is nice if you happen to be using the "Slim Version".

I've attached two screenshots.
hxc1.jpghxc2.jpg


Thanks.

Larry
 
Last edited:
Update.

I just received the SD-card To IDE adapter.
A very small card with a sd slot on it. It acts like a real harddisk.

I have tested it with IDE interface for the TRS80.
I just replace my harddisk with this card, install the drivers and format the partitions.

On a 8 Mb SD card I set a 6 mb and a 2 mb partition.
Runs like it should do. Nearly as fast as the real harddisk.:D

Now I'll try to build the IDE controller and the sd interface in an empty space in my TRS80.
I'll keep you informed.

Hans.
 
A picture tells more than 1000 words.

On the picture the IDE interface, SD/IDE adapter, Floppy emulator.

IDE.jpg
 
Conclusion
For about 50 euro's a exelent harddisk system

Consisting of:
1 HD/IDE controller
1 SD/IDE controller
1 8 Gb. SD-card
2 Cables

Result:
A very fast harddisk with 4 partitions of 6.4 mb each.

PICT0063.jpg
 
That's equivalent to FreHD if you build everything yourself, you will need less parts (just one cable for example), but you need to be able to program a GAL and a PIC. At the end, you get more flexibility and compatibility.

Note that this simple interface is nice too...
 
Yay!, I've just received the lo-tech's IDE interfaces (both built and barebone PCB)!. Now I need the proper cable and I'll be ready to test the assembled unit with my Model 4. The empty board will be mounted in my 4P; but first I want to test it with some OS to get a first impression :)
 
I hope you like it as much as I like it.
I have tested with TRSDOS 6; LDos 5 and LSDOS 6. Absolute no problems.
For an idea to mount the new hardware in the model 4P, take a look at my thread:
How to build a cheap HARDDISK in a model 4P
 
@Update
I was talking to Ian Mavric and he led me down this path.

I have setup the TRS-80 IDE Project to :-

404 Cylinders, 8 Heads, 4 Partitons 2 Heads per Partition, 404 Cylinders.
This is the MAXIMUM that the driver allows.

For LSDOS 2 Partitions, and 2 Partitions for LDos
25 Meg in Total. 12.5 Meg for LDOS and LSDOS.

I have Made up 2 Boot Disks 1 LSDos and 1 LDos
This allows me to Boot From Floppy into either Dos on the Same Hard drive.

LSDOS Partitions On HD

Drive :0 LSDOSHDA Partition 0 (LSDOS System)
Drive :1 LSDOSHDB Partition 1 (Data)
Drive :2 Floppy :)0) Boot Drive at Startup
Drive :3 Floppy :)1)

LDOS

Drive :0 LDOS-HDA Partition 2 (LDOS System)
Drive :1 LDOS-HDB Partition 3 (Data)
Drive :2 Floppy :)0) Boot Drive at Startup
Drive :3 Floppy :)1)

So thats the Best we can do with the Current setup.
CPM is not one of my areas of interest.

Ray
 
@Firebox
Hi Matt
LO-Tech Trs-80 IDE Project.
HDform5 for LDos Model 3 has a concern.
If you format a Partition as 404 Cylinders and 2 Heads you should get 6.4 meg and 6.4 Meg
What is indicated Using FREE is 6.4 Meg and 3.2 Meg ???
Is there any way you can have a look at Either hddvr5.xxx and hdform5/cmd Please.

The Model 4 equivalent works OK.

Ray
 
@Hans01

If you can REFORMAT Drive 7 on your Sd card and then do a FREE and tell me what you Get that will be helpful.

EG:-
This is for LDOS 5.3.1 ONLY

If I configure the Model 4 for 4 Partitions, 2 Heads,404 Cylinders.
And then I format all 4 Partitions (Under LDos 5.3.1)
Then all the Partitions will read :-
Free Space = 6132.00K/ 6464.00K

If I save the configuration System (sysgen=on)
and then REBOOT.

Then I Reformat 1 Partition

and then do a FREE that Partition will read :-

Free Space = 3212.00K/ 6464.00K

The Photo is the same drive looked at using LSDos 6.3.1


IDE After ReBoot (small).jpg
 
@Ray

Just as you asked, I did all the steps.
You are right, the partition size is reduced to the half.:(
I try to reconstruct the partition, but the max size of tracks is than limited to 200.

The sysgen structure doesn't work anymore and the system crashes.

I have tried to rebuild the partition with LS-Dos 6, but no succes. Sysgen doesn't work anymore.
Rebuilding all the partitions without formatting could repair the disk.
After a sysgen everything was normal again.

It is clear, there is an error in HDFORM5. I hope someone takes the time to look after it and maybe a good
chance to increase the number of tracks per surface to 998 or even four digits.:cool:

Hans01
 
@Hans01

Thanks for testing, and confirming that there is a concern.
@ Firebox
If you can have a look at the cause and while you are there expand past 404 Cylinders that would be appreciated.

Ray
 
There was a partition issue with the first 5.3.1 driver I sent James. I sent him an update a while back and I am not sure it was posted.

If someone wants to test the update shoot me some email.

Matt
 
@Chromedome45

Hi, so cheap is a Cheapo IDE not, take a look.

Component set at Io-tech GBP 16
Assembly by James GBP 16
Flatcable 40p with connectors GBP 6
Flatcable 50p with connectors GBP 12 (the 50 p edge connector is rather expensive)
Shipping to the USA GBP 8
--------------
Total GBP 58 = $ 97.--

I think it is a reasonable price he ask for a new cheapo set with cables. ;)
 
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