Which Floppy Disk emulator for Gravograph VXC?

[MacQuid]

The hard disk in my VXC is beginning to fail. I thought I'd switch over to a SD HXC floppy disk emulator instead. Seeing the various 'colors' and 'flavors' of emulator available at the Lotharek's Lair Shop, I wondered which would be the best adapted for use in a Gravograph VXC. Sent them (the shop) my questions but no reply was forthcoming. So could I prevail upon some of the expert users here for a little help?

I just want to be certain to order the right unit for my use:

1) Does the HXC floppy emulator sound like a good solution for me to implement?

2) Is it best to take a slim version and install it inside the computer (then it's not possible to see the LCD screen or have easy access to the buttons, etc.)... or is it better to take the metal cased external version?

3) Are Rev C and Rev F versions of this emulator interchangeable for the Gravograph VXC?

Sorry for asking such newbie questions.

Kind regards,
Alan

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[MacQuid]

No One?

[oldcat]

A better solution is to replace the HDD with a SCSI2SD card. All programmes and Fonts can be transferred
to this from floppies.

[MacQuid]

Thank you very much for tip!

I posted this question a little while ago and, since then, went ahead and bought a floppy emulator, which arrived last week (however, it still awaits installation as I've been 'challenged to produce the necessary image copies of the diskettes). So, instead I'd like to take your advice regarding a SCSI2SD card and perhaps use the emulator in another device

Following the principle of 'if they offer you a finger, then go ahead and ask for a hand' ... Would it be possible for you to tell me which specific SCSI2SD card and what other hardware besides the card you used (e.g., SCSI adapter (?) SD memory card (?), etc.)... Plus describe or point me to where I can find out how to format it or do anything else that's needed along the way...

Again, thank you very much for the great advice.

Friendly regards,
Alan

[oldcat]

Hi Alan,

purchased card from ebay item number 324463929303. Other than fabricating a mounting bracket
it was a straight swap using the existing cables. Can not remember details of SD card. Set up was
just following the section in the VX manual for Hard Disk Initialisation (Init .01 .0? prog disk). Then
follow screen instructions.

When done use management programme to copy floppies to Hard disk.

You do not mention your location, I am UK.

Regards

Phil

[MacQuid]

Hi Phil,

I'm in the Geneva, Switzerland countryside.

From what you said, everything sounds straight forward enough, which reinforces my courage.

I'll start by looking whats available in terms of SCSI2SD cards and then give one of them a try.

Thanks again!

Friendly regards,
Alan

[MacQuid]

That went fast! Unless I missed something, there appears to be hardly more than two different model SCSI2SD cards available (and, not surprisingly, both of them speak Chinese), three if one counts the one from India that, layout- and component-wise, appears identical to one of the aforementioned ones. Albeit the board is red instead of green.

No need for much 'head-scratching'. I just bought one, also on eBay, that's the same as yours... although a few pennies less expensive as I'll need to wait slightly longer until it arrives here from Asia.

One final time Phil, thank you very much for the 'education', greatly appreciated.

Friendly regards,
Alan

[oldcat]

Hi Alan,

I think we are talking on the Facebook site as well.

I went for the more expensive one purely because the seller is in the UK.
My reasoning was that as the main market is in the Amiga retro field, that
they would be selling a reliable product. Cost is on par with the emulator
and the fdd can be used to transfer fonts and job saves. Though with 50+
disks to load I did swap the fdd for the emulator to speed it up, then put
back.

As you have the emulator it may be worth getting it working. As far as I
know omniflop and the driver will work on newer computers as long as the
fdd is connected to the motherboard or an I/O card. Also as the font files
that when converted are small and PC compatible they are easily sent via
email. Could let you have copy files for SD card to try.

I was beginning to think I was the only VXC owner, so nice to see another.
If you need any help please ask. If you are happy to communicate I am to
and share the knowledge.

Do you have a manual for your machine?

Kind Regards

Phil

[MacQuid]

Hello Phil,

Right, I began to guess it was you when I saw your signature, Phil, here too

Thanks, that's another good idea to not only install the SCSI2SD card but to also use the fdd emulator, at least for copying the files onto the hard disk! I'll do the same.

And okay now I understand: What was preventing me from generating the diskette image copies is that I was using a USB fdd, instead of one connected directly to the motherboard or through an I/O board... Of course!

I don't have easy access right now to a PC with builtin fdd (nor ffd plus controler card); at least not to one which isn't pre-networking/pre-internet. Hence, I really appreciate your kind offer to share some of the copy files with me by email. I'll send you a direct message...

Also, absolutely right, there can't be a lot of us VXC owners left I feel VERY LUCKY to have 'found' you

Friendly regards,
Alan