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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Retro PC
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OA47 Guru  Joined: 11/04/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 899 |
I picked up a 286 powered computer from the local recycle centre and thought I might have a go at restoring the unit. The system is a very compact Amstrad PC5286 running at 16Mhz with a 40 Mb Conner (Type 17) HDD, 1.44 Floppy drive and on board VGA with a Yamaha sound card with DOS 3.3. My first problem is that the FDD has a proprietary interface supplying both power and signal across the ribbon cable and this is not functioning. I suspect that the belt drive in this unit is past its used by. As the floppy is not working it is difficult to modify any software that is on the hard drive (the HDD does not have any sort of text or file editor functioning) I don't trust the power supply for any length of time as the 5V output is a little low and may need some caps replaced. I have spent hours on the web trying to find some technical information but there does not seem to be much out there. I was hoping a member might be able to help out. OA47 |
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| Frank N. Furter Guru Joined: 28/05/2012 Location: GermanyPosts: 813 |
Hi OA47, I found this for you on archive.org . At the end of the thread is a link to a drive that might be compatible with yours... Frank |
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| OA47 Guru Joined: 11/04/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 899 |
Thankyou Frank. The FDD is indeed a Citizen Model and the pinout is probably the same as the 1/4 height one shown in the link but sourcing the replacement drive belt seems to be the problem. OA47 |
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| Frank N. Furter Guru Joined: 28/05/2012 Location: GermanyPosts: 813 |
Hmmm, I think it's gonna be very difficult to get a replacement... There are some replacement belts for TEAC drives on Ebay. You could build an adapter with the pin assignment and use a standard drive? Or search for a compatible drive with the TEAC number... Maybe you will find an answer here ? Frank |
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SimpleSafeName Senior Member  Joined: 28/07/2019 Location: United StatesPosts: 286 |
For finding parts for this kind of thing I would try asking on Amibay. They are a trading site that focuses on Amigas in general, but if you ask you might find someone with some hardware to sell for your Amstrad. |
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| austfox Newbie  Joined: 05/03/2016 Location: AustraliaPosts: 18 |
For belts, try WES Components in Sydney. They have 100’s of different sizes, you just need to know the width and length (circumference). Best thing is they only cost a few dollars each. I’ve bought them before for my cassette and minidisc decks. You can view their latest 2020 catalouge online, page 11-16. |
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