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Vintage Computers Any vintage computer systems, calculators, video games etc., but with an emphasis on 1980s and earlier equipment.

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Old 15th Jun 2019, 3:15 pm   #1
ViperSan
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 81
Default Software backup and preservation options- re floppies

A while ago ..I invested in a kryoflux interface and built a dedicated XP pc with which to use it ..
I also obtained a suitable 5.25 inch floppy drive which I then modded to allow reading of C64 flippy or notched disks ..
This involved making it search and read below track zero.
A very nice bit of kit really and using this it was possible to not only back up my few commercial disks but also my own collection of disks from the good old days when I wrote games.
Sadly I discovered the software didn't include the ability to back up Apple floppies or PET floppies.
..and worse..
although it could read Amiga DOS disks using a sony 1.44mb ..it would not allow me to clone or backup commercial software.
There is no reason for this restriction other than to prevent duplication of Amiga commercial software...as the whole process is done at magnetic flux level.
It is useful also for reading and backing up MFM formatted disks.
So PC is also covered.
After much investigation and digging I found a similar unit produced in the USA
Supercard pro.
Neither of these modern day cards are cheap ..but if like me you want to backup or preserve ancient software...the choice is clear cut.
Supercard pro can be used with any floppy drive including I believe Spectrum/Amstrad 3 inch disks.(cant confirm this as I dont have such hardware)
But my interest was peaked when it made exact flux level duplicates of protected Amiga floppies.
Either to file or direct disk to disk.
An amazing bit of kit really..and thus I built mine into a case needing just mains to 5v psu ..and has mini usb to standard usb ..
Thus is transportable ..and can be used on any laptop or desktop.
If you want to have a similar facility then my choice would be the Supercard pro.
It will cost you around a £100 imported from the USA ...but a serious contender for old software backup.
rgds
VS
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