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Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:06 pm
by retro_collector
Hi everyone!
I just got a Spectrum +3 and of course they told me the disk drive was working, but when I do a CAT, or FORMAT "A:" I get DRIVE NOT READY. I have tried 10 different disks!
Any ideas what to do next?
THanks
Bill
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:18 pm
by spider
Welcome!
Does the drive activity LED light up and can you hear the drive motor spinning ? They are not mega quiet so you should be able to hear 'something'
There is a refurb guide here >
https://www.dataserve-retro.co.uk/conte ... k/d92.html , there are others iirc however for the moment we'd need to know if there are signs of life from the drive itself.
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:36 pm
by retro_collector
Andy,
The drive LED is always lit. When I access the drive I hear the motor spin but the RED LED never gets bright RED
THanks
Bill
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 9:40 pm
by retro_collector
Well I guess I should never believe what the seller says. The drive doesn't work cause the drive belt is in pieces. So I will clean the drive and order a new belt.
I will let you know what happens.
Now I can test my Gotek drive and see how that works
Cheers!
Bill
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2019 10:09 am
by spider
Sorry to hear that.
There are "refurb kits" for these at a couple of places if you prefer that method oopsed to buying a belt itself on its own. Just looked at one for £5.85 + p/p so not mega-bucks. The 'kit' appears to contain a bottle of iso or similar fluid, a new belt and a selection of long reach cotton buds + instructions.
Depends on what you have available already I guess.
Sure it will be fine regardless.
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2019 6:30 pm
by retro_collector
Andy,
Yup that's the kit I found only I am still waiting for an invoice cause they don't list shipping to USA.
I have cleaned the capstain and fully. Now I need the alcohol and cotton buds to make the cleaning complete. Then when I get the belt I can test.
I just ordered on eBay an external cable so I can use the disk drive internally and the Gotek externally so I will have a drive A and B
Thanks for the help!
Bill
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2019 6:38 pm
by spider
You're welcome. Sorry I can't really 'help' more.
I would say perhaps put your location into your profile as you're 'across the pond' (from me at least) so to speak. I was not aware of your location!
, then again that kit was the most sensible one I think. Can't see a huge problem in sending it to the US though, postals should not be too much with a bit of care/thought.
Somewhere I do have a spare 3" drive unit although another poster is/was after it.
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 8:16 pm
by retro_collector
Well I cleaned the old belt off the pulley and capstan and in the drive. I lubed the worm drive and cleaned the heads, and installed a brand new belt. Now the drive works as a treat and you cant even hear it read or write!
I was able to format, read and write my floppies!
So I would say mission accomplished!
Thanks everyone!
Bill
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2019 9:05 am
by spider
Great stuff!
Thanks for posting back saying that all was OK too, always nice to know the outcome.
Enjoy!