More about 8" floppies: recovering data from odd diskette formats I didn't even know existed!
CuriousMarc・2 minutes read
Antoine developed an adapter for an early 8” floppy diskette drive and discovered 11 major differences between 5-1/4” and 8” floppies, allowing PC reading. Eric successfully recovered all data from a Minnow disk, showcasing the process of reading and decoding the ancient format and overcoming challenges with HP computers and their 8-inch floppy drives.
Insights
- Developing an adapter for an early 8” floppy diskette drive allowed Antoine to connect it to a PC, showcasing innovation in retrofitting older technologies for modern use.
- Recovery of crucial data from an IBM 360 Minnow disk, despite its unconventional format, highlights the importance of reverse engineering, manual control, and specialized tools in preserving historical information stored on outdated media.
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Recent questions
What are the major differences between 5-1/4” and 8” floppy disks?
The major differences between 5-1/4” and 8” floppy disks include the physical size, storage capacity, and sector structure. While the 5-1/4” floppy disks are smaller in size and have lower storage capacity, the 8” floppy disks are larger and can hold more data. Additionally, the sector structure of the two types of floppy disks differs, with the 8” floppy disks having a hard sectored format with 32 sector holes.
Why was the IBM Demi Diskette considered a commercial failure?
The IBM Demi Diskette was considered a commercial failure due to its low storage capacity and high cost compared to competitors like Sony. Despite being an ancient format, the IBM Demi Diskette did not gain popularity in the market due to its limited storage capabilities and higher price point, leading to its lack of success among consumers.
How did Eric recover data from a Minnow disk for an IBM 370 model 135?
Eric successfully recovered data from a Minnow disk for an IBM 370 model 135 by reverse engineering an IBM proprietary drive, manually controlling it, loading heads, and retrofitting it for Minnow disk compatibility. By developing a half-step driver for 32 tracks per inch alignment, analyzing data with a logic analyzer, and decoding sector data, Eric was able to recover sector data bit by bit from the Minnow disk, showcasing the process of reading and decoding the ancient format.
What challenges did Eric face with Intel diskettes from an Intel Intellec MDS-80?
Eric faced challenges with Intel diskettes from an Intel Intellec MDS-80 due to their non-standard sector structure and MFM encoding. These 8-inch diskettes were unreadable by a PC, requiring a specialized solution like the Applesauce floppy disk controller to support the unique sector encoding. Despite most diskettes being unreadable, Eric managed to recover data from one diskette, prompting the need for an Applesauce system for successful reading.
How did Eric overcome challenges with HP computers and their 8-inch floppy drives?
Eric overcame challenges with HP computers and their 8-inch floppy drives by utilizing analog debugging skills, resourcefulness, knowledge of magnetic heads, and alignment expertise. Each HP computer failure presented unique obstacles that required Eric to troubleshoot and problem-solve effectively to successfully recover data from the 8-inch floppy drives. Through his expertise and determination, Eric was able to navigate the complexities of HP computers and their floppy drives, showcasing his technical prowess in overcoming challenging situations.