MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

Update your old 720k to a 1.44 drive etc.
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exxos
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MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

Post by exxos »

I tested one of these drives today. It supports 11S/83T & 22S/83T (Tested in FCOPY PRO)

DEFAULT IS DS1.

ds1.jpg
ds1.jpg (396.45 KiB) Viewed 5632 times

CHANGE TO DS0 FOR ATARI USE.

ds0.jpg
ds0.jpg (380.73 KiB) Viewed 5632 times

I ALSO SOLDER A 0805 10uF CAP ACROSS THE 5V RAIL ON ALL MY DRIVES.

0805cap.jpg
0805cap.jpg (54.22 KiB) Viewed 5632 times

LOCATION FOR HD WIRE SELECT

hdwire.jpg
hdwire.jpg (358.68 KiB) Viewed 5632 times

WARNING! DO NOT UNDO THESE SCREWS! I PUT SOME THREAD LOCK ON THEM JUST TO BE SAFE!

If you do, it will upset the head alignment and you will spend the next 2 hours trying to get to all aligned again ;)

plate.jpg
plate.jpg (269.26 KiB) Viewed 5632 times
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RADO
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Re: MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

Post by RADO »

Hi, I did this modification, floppy read disk, but no write and no possible to finish formatting. is it necessary to connect HDWIRE somewhere?
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Re: MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

Post by exxos »

RADO wrote: Sun May 21, 2023 9:17 pm Hi, I did this modification, floppy read disk, but no write and no possible to finish formatting. is it necessary to connect HDWIRE somewhere?
HD wire is needed if using 1.44MB floppies and one of my 1.44MB floppy upgrade kits. Otherwise your limited to the basic 720K type formats.
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viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
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keithamiga1200
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Re: MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

Post by keithamiga1200 »

I'm wondering if anyone could help me out and answer the following in regard to an Alps DF354NO64D. (The drive is slightly different in layout, but it basically looks like the same drive as in Exxo's pictures).

1st question:

Exxo's picture and instruction mention putting a 10uF cap across the 5v rail, however, on the model I have; I de-soldered the solder joint between both pins, but they are both still physically connected on the PCB copper. So is there any point in fitting a 10uf Cap? (The copper connection is too thick to cut/break)

2nd question:

The original floppy drive in my ST have both the data and power connectors transverse, compared to the Alps (and standard floppy drives). Is it a simple matter of twisting the data cable? Or should I get a custom cable made.

3rd question:

Is there a 3D print for an Alps to ST case button? (I can't find anything on the usual 3D print sites).

Thanks
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Re: MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

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keithamiga1200 wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:09 pm So is there any point in fitting a 10uf Cap? (The copper connection is too thick to cut/break
Not sure why you mention cutting tracks. The cap is across 0v and 5v. It's there for stability of failing caps and helps reduce poor reaction times of PSUs. Really the value should be a lot higher.
. Is it a simple matter of twisting the data cable? Or should I get a custom cable made.
That's up to you which method you use.
Is there a 3D print for an Alps to ST case button? (I can't find anything on the usual 3D print sites).
Not that I'm aware of. I'm skeptical a 3D printed part would even be strong enough.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
keithamiga1200
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Re: MODIFY ALPS DF354H DRIVE FOR ATARI USE

Post by keithamiga1200 »

Thanks for the speedy reply.
Update:

The drive didn't work.I noticed the model's main IC has an additional 4 pins.

1) Frozen at boot up (White screen).
2) Drive was clicking (Like an Amiga).
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