Strange Commodore 1581 floppy drive issue
Good Morning All. I am seeking some help from some Commodore experts with a Commodore 1581 floppy Disk drive. Some background: I've been an IT specialist specializing in IBM and compatible PCs since the early 90's. However, I started my computing journey with the TRS-80 model III and Commodore 64. I fell in love with the C64, and it began my start in a very successful career in IT. (see attach photo of my c64 setup in 1986 LOL) Recently I was lucky enough to find a C64C, a C128, and a 1581 3.5 floppy drive online for a reasonable price. Well, I did pay a premium for the 1581, but I never had one back in the day and well, I treated myself.. This past weekend I tested all 3 items and for the most part all worked OK. I was concerned the most about the 1581 working. After a delay in remembering the correct syntax for the C64 format disk command (open 15,8,15,"N0:testdisk,01": close15) - My memory isn't what it was in my younger days! LOL :-D), I was able to format a disk and then save a simple basic prg to it. However, when I try to load this basic prg (on the C64), it locks up the c64 and there seems to be no activity led lights and the 1581. I need to reboot the C64. Now, I tried the same task using the c128 and the same 1581 and floppy disk, I can now format, save, and load a basic prg without any issues. Everything seemed to work fine. My question is, are there any known compatibility issues between the C64C and the 1581 that the c128 fixed? I always thought the 1581 was compatible with the C64 and c64C? Very Strange. Any thoughts and advice are welcome.Thank you in advance. Take Care, Russell LeChard
On 5/16/2022 10:02 AM, Russell LeChard via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Good Morning All. I am seeking some help from some Commodore experts with a Commodore 1581 floppy Disk drive.
Some background:
I've been an IT specialist specializing in IBM and compatible PCs since the early 90's. However, I started my computing journey with the TRS-80 model III and Commodore 64. I fell in love with the C64, and it began my start in a very successful career in IT. (see attach photo of my c64 setup in 1986 LOL)
Recently I was lucky enough to find a C64C, a C128, and a 1581 3.5 floppy drive online for a reasonable price. Well, I did pay a premium for the 1581, but I never had one back in the day and well, I treated myself..
This past weekend I tested all 3 items and for the most part all worked OK. I was concerned the most about the 1581 working. After a delay in remembering the correct syntax for the C64 format disk command (open 15,8,15,"N0:testdisk,01": close15) - My memory isn't what it was in my younger days! LOL :-D), I was able to format a disk and then save a simple basic prg to it. However, when I try to load this basic prg (on the C64), it locks up the c64 and there seems to be no activity led lights and the 1581. I need to reboot the C64.
Now, I tried the same task using the c128 and the same 1581 and floppy disk, I can now format, save, and load a basic prg without any issues. Everything seemed to work fine. My question is, are there any known compatibility issues between the C64C and the 1581 that the c128 fixed? I always thought the 1581 was compatible with the C64 and c64C? Very Strange. Any thoughts and advice are welcome.Thank you in advance.
Take Care, Russell LeChard
Set up the 128 with the 1581 and boot the 128 in 64 mode. Try the commands to load the file from 64 mode and see if the same issue exists. If all goes well, that points to the 64C being marginal. If it fails, then I'd suspect the IEC buffers on the drive. Yes, the 1581 is backwards compatible with the 64. -- RETRO Innovations, Contemporary Gear for Classic Systems www.go4retro.com store.go4retro.com
Thank you Retro Innovations . I'll try that. If it fails, what are my options to fix the IEC buffers on the drive? BTW, I just bought the Zoomfloppy and 3 port Cartridge Xpander from you guys(just waiting on the shipping notice ). I can't wait to try them both. Thanks in advance. Take Care, Russell LeChard Email - Russell.LeChard@gmail.com On Mon, May 16, 2022 at 11:24 AM RETRO Innovations via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
On 5/16/2022 10:02 AM, Russell LeChard via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Good Morning All. I am seeking some help from some Commodore experts with a Commodore 1581 floppy Disk drive.
Some background:
I've been an IT specialist specializing in IBM and compatible PCs since the early 90's. However, I started my computing journey with the TRS-80 model III and Commodore 64. I fell in love with the C64, and it began my start in a very successful career in IT. (see attach photo of my c64 setup in 1986 LOL)
Recently I was lucky enough to find a C64C, a C128, and a 1581 3.5 floppy drive online for a reasonable price. Well, I did pay a premium for the 1581, but I never had one back in the day and well, I treated myself..
This past weekend I tested all 3 items and for the most part all worked OK. I was concerned the most about the 1581 working. After a delay in remembering the correct syntax for the C64 format disk command (open 15,8,15,"N0:testdisk,01": close15) - My memory isn't what it was in my younger days! LOL :-D), I was able to format a disk and then save a simple basic prg to it. However, when I try to load this basic prg (on the C64), it locks up the c64 and there seems to be no activity led lights and the 1581. I need to reboot the C64.
Now, I tried the same task using the c128 and the same 1581 and floppy disk, I can now format, save, and load a basic prg without any issues. Everything seemed to work fine. My question is, are there any known compatibility issues between the C64C and the 1581 that the c128 fixed? I always thought the 1581 was compatible with the C64 and c64C? Very Strange. Any thoughts and advice are welcome.Thank you in advance.
Take Care, Russell LeChard
Set up the 128 with the 1581 and boot the 128 in 64 mode. Try the commands to load the file from 64 mode and see if the same issue exists. If all goes well, that points to the 64C being marginal. If it fails, then I'd suspect the IEC buffers on the drive.
Yes, the 1581 is backwards compatible with the 64.
-- RETRO Innovations, Contemporary Gear for Classic Systems www.go4retro.com store.go4retro.com
On 5/16/2022 10:42 AM, Russell LeChard via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Thank you Retro Innovations . I'll try that. If it fails, what are my options to fix the IEC buffers on the drive?
Typically, it's a 74*06 on the drive, but they are really hardy ICs, so more diagnosis is prudent. If it is the IC, it's a small 14 pin device, DIP, so easily replaced. It will, though, not be socketed, so it'll require some desoldering. Anyone nearby with some equipment to test with? As noted on the store, the recent shows has ruined my shipping schedule, but hopefully we'll get back on track in the next week or so. Jim
Good afternoon Russell, Just making sure to cover all the bases - are the 3.5" floppy disks you used in the 1581 DS - *DD*, not HD? Cheers, Bryan On Mon, May 16, 2022 at 11:03 AM Russell LeChard via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Good Morning All. I am seeking some help from some Commodore experts with a Commodore 1581 floppy Disk drive.
Some background:
I've been an IT specialist specializing in IBM and compatible PCs since the early 90's. However, I started my computing journey with the TRS-80 model III and Commodore 64. I fell in love with the C64, and it began my start in a very successful career in IT. (see attach photo of my c64 setup in 1986 LOL)
Recently I was lucky enough to find a C64C, a C128, and a 1581 3.5 floppy drive online for a reasonable price. Well, I did pay a premium for the 1581, but I never had one back in the day and well, I treated myself..
This past weekend I tested all 3 items and for the most part all worked OK. I was concerned the most about the 1581 working. After a delay in remembering the correct syntax for the C64 format disk command (open 15,8,15,"N0:testdisk,01": close15) - My memory isn't what it was in my younger days! LOL :-D), I was able to format a disk and then save a simple basic prg to it. However, when I try to load this basic prg (on the C64), it locks up the c64 and there seems to be no activity led lights and the 1581. I need to reboot the C64.
Now, I tried the same task using the c128 and the same 1581 and floppy disk, I can now format, save, and load a basic prg without any issues. Everything seemed to work fine. My question is, are there any known compatibility issues between the C64C and the 1581 that the c128 fixed? I always thought the 1581 was compatible with the C64 and c64C? Very Strange. Any thoughts and advice are welcome.Thank you in advance.
Take Care, Russell LeChard
Jim, Thank you Sir for your advice with this 1581 IEC buffer Fix. I'll do some more testing with the drive before going down the Desoldering/Soldering of IC's rabbit hole. Unfortunately I have Cerebral Palsy with some mobility issues that affects my arm/hands (I have one good hand to work with) Desoldering/Soldering has always been a challenge. However, I'm only a 30 minute drive to VCF East HQ at InfoAge in Wall, NJ to get some assistance with a Desoldering/Soldering expert at one point, if needed. Also, Thank you for the update on the RETRO Innovations Shipping Delays. I was not aware until now. No worries. I hope COCOfest was good this past weekend. Bryan, Very good observation on your part. My initial testing was done with a HD disk, not a DS/DD( it was all I had on hand over the weekend/ I could not remember what the 1581 drive actually took.) I need to find my box of DS/DD disks from my Zenith Data Systems SuperSport laptop to do more additional testing with the 1581. Thank you for the clarification on the correct disk type for the 1581. Funny thing is both the c64c and the c128 formatted the HD disk in the 1581 drive without any complaining it was wrong. Take Care, Russell LeChard Email - Russell.LeChard@gmail.com On Mon, May 16, 2022 at 12:18 PM Bryan Pope via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Good afternoon Russell,
Just making sure to cover all the bases - are the 3.5" floppy disks you used in the 1581 DS - *DD*, not HD?
Cheers,
Bryan
On Mon, May 16, 2022 at 11:03 AM Russell LeChard via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Good Morning All. I am seeking some help from some Commodore experts with a Commodore 1581 floppy Disk drive.
Some background:
I've been an IT specialist specializing in IBM and compatible PCs since the early 90's. However, I started my computing journey with the TRS-80 model III and Commodore 64. I fell in love with the C64, and it began my start in a very successful career in IT. (see attach photo of my c64 setup in 1986 LOL)
Recently I was lucky enough to find a C64C, a C128, and a 1581 3.5 floppy drive online for a reasonable price. Well, I did pay a premium for the 1581, but I never had one back in the day and well, I treated myself..
This past weekend I tested all 3 items and for the most part all worked OK. I was concerned the most about the 1581 working. After a delay in remembering the correct syntax for the C64 format disk command (open 15,8,15,"N0:testdisk,01": close15) - My memory isn't what it was in my younger days! LOL :-D), I was able to format a disk and then save a simple basic prg to it. However, when I try to load this basic prg (on the C64), it locks up the c64 and there seems to be no activity led lights and the 1581. I need to reboot the C64.
Now, I tried the same task using the c128 and the same 1581 and floppy disk, I can now format, save, and load a basic prg without any issues. Everything seemed to work fine. My question is, are there any known compatibility issues between the C64C and the 1581 that the c128 fixed? I always thought the 1581 was compatible with the C64 and c64C? Very Strange. Any thoughts and advice are welcome.Thank you in advance.
Take Care, Russell LeChard
On Mon, May 16, 2022 at 11:03 AM Russell LeChard via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Good Morning All. I am seeking some help from some Commodore experts with a Commodore 1581 floppy Disk drive.
Some background:
I've been an IT specialist specializing in IBM and compatible PCs since the early 90's. However, I started my computing journey with the TRS-80 model III and Commodore 64. I fell in love with the C64, and it began my start in a very successful career in IT. (see attach photo of my c64 setup in 1986 LOL)
Keep in mind that this mailing list doesn't support attachments. You would need to supply a link. I'm glad that others have been able to offer troubleshooting tips. If you need help with anything with testing other equipment that is known working, then let me know. I'm at the VCF museum every weekend. I hope that you can solve your problem. I have a 1581 that I got when there were closeout sales around 1991 or so. I also was lucky to get an FD-4000 which is the largest capacity floppy drive for the C64 at 4MB unformatted and 2.88MB formatted. Like you the C64 was my first home computer and is dear to my heart. Love this machine. ========================================= Jeff Brace VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/> jeffrey@vcfed.org
participants (4)
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Bryan Pope -
Jeffrey Brace -
RETRO Innovations -
Russell LeChard