Disk drives

The Disk Drive is a common Mass Data storage from the 80's.

Alongside other technologies :

• ROM used in Cartridges or Hardwired... Faster but so expensive.
• Cassettes. Awfully slowler and not that reliable.

In modern day, the Cassette port can easily be replaced by any modern audio device : MP3 or CD readers.

Amstrad 464 (Plus or OLD) lack the extra ROM needed to use a Disk Drive. That's why external Disk Drive for CPC include such ROM.

Despite this, Disk are one of the easiest way to read softwares on Amstrad 8 bits, especially 6128 or 664 models.

The most common trick is to use a 3"1/2 disk drive, as this is the easier to find nowadays. You can even replace the 3" dick drive from a 6128+ with a proper 3"1/2 disk drive, by filing some plastic.

Abbreviations in French :

• K7 = cassettes ("Ka Sept")
• D7 = Diskettes ("Dé Sept")

Existing models

• 3½" & 5¼" Disk Drives

• Amstrad DDI-1 / FD-1 Disk Drive
• Cumana 3" Disk Drive
• Data Media Disc System
• Jasmin AM5D 5 "1/4 floppy drive
• KDS 5¼" Disc Drive (KDS Electronics)
• Vortex Disc Drives (Vortex)

Alternative technologies

• Virtual disk Drive : cards emulating Disk Drives, using modern Flash memories or USB connection to a PC

Usefull Pages

Disc format