I need a copy or original floppies for Amstrad PC3086

[s2325]

try COM1

[Retrofan]

I first selected Microsoft connected to PS2, but it didn't work, the pointer wasn't moving, so I selected the first option and it works.

I've seen Amstrad running Windows 3. I've got some images of Windows 3.1. I don't know if it will work, but I will try.

Edit: No, it doesn't work. I will try with Windows 3.0

[Retrofan]

Now I realice that this is wrong:

http://hostthenpost.org/uploads/7fc8...100ac997d9.jpg

The real message for a PC3086 should be telling " AMSTRAD PC3086 640K (V1.2)"

So?

Trying to install MSDos 6.22, after rebooting with the Disk 1 inserted it complains: "Error: Faulty memory (parity error)"

Edit: Well, I can get more ram with this: https://www.lo-tech.co.uk/product/1mb-ram-board-pcb/

Edit: But I can solder new ram chips. They are KM41464AP-12 chips. I'll buy some next month.

I don't know if I can use chips with more ram.

Another thing:There are twelve KM41464AP-12 64Kb chips, 4bits and two more KM4164B-12, 64 Kb, 1 bit. So in total 896Kb (¿?)

Edit: Some more input (great) from John Elliot:

I think the maximum memory you can get on a 3086 motherboard is 640k. You could reduce it to 512k by changing LK4 to be on pins 1 and 2, rather than pins 2 and 3; if that gets rid of the parity error, it would indicate that the fault was in the top 128k of memory.

Hmmm... If the fault is in the upper part of the mem, and I'm missing 128Kb, two 64Kb chips, then there are only two different chips, the KM4164B-12, 1bit ones . Maybe they used different chips for that part of the memory -just thinking-.

Another thing: I've got a problem with the ram. The video uses ram. Maybe fixing the ram then the onboard video chip works. Edit: Well, no I'm wrong. It could run as a PC1512 with 512k and the video should of course work.

Edit: Changing LK4 to use pins 1&2 and inserting the MSDos 6.22 disk 1 now it shows the same amount of mem, 512, but it doesn't show the "parity error" complain.

Now I've got to see which are the upper part of mem chips.

Edit: I've just bought two 16 pin sockets and two KM4164B-12, 1bit, 64K chips. They are the only different ones, the last ones and I think they can be the ones of the upper part of the memory.

Thinking about if it can affect the video I see that nope. The LK4 link was thought to use only 512Kb as an Amstrad 1512, and of course the video should work with that.

Update (9/dec): I've changed both chips but it keeps complaining the same about the ram. It must be other, so I'll have to change the 12 of them.

[Retrofan]

Originally Posted by Retrofan

Now I realice that this is wrong:

http://hostthenpost.org/uploads/7fc8...100ac997d9.jpg

The real message for a PC3086 should be telling " AMSTRAD PC3086 640K (V1.2)"

So?

Well, I take my time, but today I've changed the ram chips as I commented. I've put them in sockets:



...

And now the message is this

[prowler]

Originally Posted by Retrofan

And now the message is this

[Retrofan]

Now I've installed a Gotek and I've upgraded it with HxC firmware :

[Retrofan]

I've got a problem . Help needed.

I've installed the Gotek, but the Amstrad will only see two drives. The original Amstrad PC ribbon cable has two 3.5" floppy drives connectors (plus the 5 1/4 one), but the ribbon cable for a second 3.5" drive hasn't twisted cables.

Do you think the Amstrad will be able to detect three floppy drives using a twisted ribbon cable connector for the Gotek for example?

http://www.pcguide.com/ref/fdd/confCable-c.html

Edit: I've upgraded to MSDos 6.22. Now it's all easier with the Gotek



I was thinking if I could make something with it: "Support in DOS

As long as the BIOS supports extra drives, DOS is able to override its drive count and drive type settings. The commands go in CONFIG.SYS:"

From here: http://www.seasip.info/VintagePC/floppies.html

Edit: NO, it seems it can't:
John Elliot: "The Amstrad BIOS only supports two drives, and I don't know if the other two drive select lines are even connected to the floppy controller. If you want to use more than two drives, you'll need to wire some kind of manual switch into the cable."

http://www.seasip.info/VintagePC/floppies.html

So I will use two drives only, actually the Gotek and the 5 1/4 ones:



Edit: LOL... This video is really funny. This is how it is to load a game like Prince of Persia with a 5 1/4 floppy with an Amstrad 1512:

[ Show youtube player ]