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Want to install a Gotek into an Amstrad PCW 8256

DistantStar001

Experienced Member
Joined
May 8, 2019
Messages
221
Just as the title says, but I'm having trouble figuring out the pinout for the adapter ribbon cable. Does anyone have a schematic or instructions?
 
There's a lot on previous posts and one key thing to remember is that the 12v and 5v lines are reversed for the Amstrad drive compared to a normal 3.5" FDD or Gotek, so get an adapter that adapts the power as well.

You can buy adapters or make your own cable if you're comfortable with IDC crimping.

Here's a thread for a 9512. Same process.


Keep in mind you can only run a gotek by itself, or you need some extra decode circuitry to stop the Gotek selecting at the same time as the B: drive.

The adapters are easy to find - google Gotek Amstrad Adapter - They are on Ebay too. Or you can make your own. Or rewire a cable - though as I mentioned the drive select problem needs to be solved if you want both a Gotek and a 3" drive at the same time.
 
There's a lot on previous posts and one key thing to remember is that the 12v and 5v lines are reversed for the Amstrad drive compared to a normal 3.5" FDD or Gotek, so get an adapter that adapts the power as well.

You can buy adapters or make your own cable if you're comfortable with IDC crimping.

Here's a thread for a 9512. Same process.


Keep in mind you can only run a gotek by itself, or you need some extra decode circuitry to stop the Gotek selecting at the same time as the B: drive.

The adapters are easy to find - google Gotek Amstrad Adapter - They are on Ebay too. Or you can make your own. Or rewire a cable - though as I mentioned the drive select problem needs to be solved if you want both a Gotek and a 3" drive at the same time.
Thank you! Now, my PCW works almost perfectly. Can't wait until my keyboards arrive.

By the way, is it normal for the computer to register keyboard input when no keyboard is attached?
 
Thank you! Now, my PCW works almost perfectly. Can't wait until my keyboards arrive.

By the way, is it normal for the computer to register keyboard input when no keyboard is attached?

I wouldn't think so - Generally the keyboard for the Amstrad 9512 is rather complex and delivers a stream of data that shows the key raster, so accidentally causing this through a short is unlikely.

But how it responds with no keyboard isn't something I'm sure about.
 
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