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
Just got Spectrum +3
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- Drutt
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2019 7:58 pm
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
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.
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.
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- Drutt
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2019 7:58 pm
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
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
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
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- Drutt
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2019 7:58 pm
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
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
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
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.
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.
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- Drutt
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2019 7:58 pm
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
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
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
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.
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.
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- Drutt
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2019 7:58 pm
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
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
I was able to format, read and write my floppies!
So I would say mission accomplished!
Thanks everyone!
Bill
Re: Just got Spectrum +3
Great stuff!
Thanks for posting back saying that all was OK too, always nice to know the outcome.
Enjoy!
Thanks for posting back saying that all was OK too, always nice to know the outcome.
Enjoy!