Date   : Tue, 18 Jun 2002 11:08:29 +0100
From   : Sprow <news@...>
Subject: Re: Using 1.44Mb PC Floppy Disk Drive with BBC Master

In article <OE20njXXBARdkfwuciG00005e4a@...>,
   Dawn and Austin <dawnandoz@...> wrote:
> Hi all,

> I was wondering if it is possible to use a 'modern' 1.44 Mb floppy drive
> with a BBC Master. I have read the "Disk drive & DFS Guide" by Mark Usher
> which seems to hint that this is possible, stopping short of mentioning
> whether anyone has actually succeeded in doing this. I am aware that older
> 720K 3.5 inch drives have been used for this purpose, also that the more
> modern drive is capable of operating at lower data densities. I understand
> that the BBC won't format to higher capacities using this technique- I'm
> merely trying to find a solution that enables me to use more readily
> available media (namely 3.5" disks). I intend to hack a Cumana 5.25" drive
> with a broken front clasp should anyone report that this is a feasible
> project.

Works alright on my Master here.The 1.44M drive cost me £11,for more detail
look to 
 http://www.sprow.co.uk/bbc/reference.htm
where I describe the procedure,
Sprow.