Might be a good idea to put a location in your profile. This helps people get a sense of the shipping cost to get the drives to and from you. Does not have to be your exact address, just the state would suffice.
Michael Louie (Microcomputer Solutions) was based in Rialto, CA
GeoffB17 said:
I have the disk drive unit (only) from an old IBM DisplayWriter system. This contains two 8" drives. I believe one is a lower density drive, and the other is the higher type.
This does NOT use the standard connectors mind you, it's a plug/socket like the standard serial connector, but longer.
What might be my chances of ever getting such drives working, say with a CP/M machine? Might a PC be a better bet?
Geoff -
Very familiar with the IBM DisplayWriter and the IBM 6360 Dual 8 Floppy Drive Cabinet (often called The Toaster).
About ten years ago, I looked at the DIY work required to interface the 6360 to S-100 systems or 1983 IBM-PC/XT.
I elected not to pursue, after reading Michaels earlier postings and potential scarcity ($$) of future repair parts.
Some Quick Facts:
* IBM Displaywriter System, released in June 1980, used an Intel 8086 processor.
Supposedly, in early 1980s, a version of CP/M was ported ... but unlikely officially released.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Displaywriter_System
* The 6360 System used three different types of 8 floppy drives, defined by IBM Type
Type 1 (SSSD), Type 2 (DSDD), and Type 2D (DSDD)
During this time period, IBM used 8 floppy drives on their System 34/36/38 computer system
as well as older IBM SNA mainframe terminal controllers (3274)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_floppy_disk_formats#IBM_8-inch_formats
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Michael provided good advice about IBMs early drives, due to their proprietary parts.
There are some small shops and former IBM Techs that work on these drives (IBM dropped support in late 1990s),
for support of older IBM System 34/36 owners.
One DISADVANTAGE is that the Type 1 and Type 2 floppy drives are BELT DRIVEN (Not Direct Drive),
hence speed accuracy (slipping, worn belts) is less precise.
While the IBM 6360 could be adapted for S-100 computer usage ... it REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE and GOOD DIY Skills.
For example, DC Voltage sources (24 Volts) and Custom cable building from the 8 Drive (inside 6360) to your S-100 controller card. The original IBM Displaywriter had proprietary floppy controller in its base (below monitor) with proprietary cabling.
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