BLUE CHIP 128 MODEL BCD/128 DISK DRIVE aka AMTECH 6-18-2012.
BLUE CHIP 128 MODEL BCD/128 DISK DRIVE
aka AMTECH FCC ID E2550FFD-168
latest updates and/or corrections 6-18-2012
This drive is a clone of the Commodore 1571 and uses the same CBM DOS ROM
V3.0 code in its 27256 socketed EPROM. It therefore has the same "1541 disk read
slow access" bug. The CBM upgrade V3.1 and JiffyDOS for the 1571 will work in
this drive. The mechanism is labeled "Asia Commercial Co. Ltd. FD-108". It
features a direct drive motor (no belt) and a dual head like a 1571 so it can
write to both sides of a disk in 1571 mode.
This drive and the Blue Chip 1541 clones are powered by a transformer-only
external power pack which outputs two voltages: 16VAC at 0.8A and 9VAC at 1.5A.
Rectifiers, filters and regulators are all inside the drive. If I didn't have a
power pack, the transformer out of a 1541 would work to supply those voltages.
The four pin power connector is unique and would be hard to find, so some type
of replacement connector would have to be fabricated. Here is the pinout:
9VAC -----O O----- 9VAC
16VAC -----0 O----- 16VAC
The four dipswitches on the rear of the drive select the device number:
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| 4 3 2 1 |
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8 = ON ON ON ON
9 = ON ON OFF OFF
10 = OFF OFF ON ON
11 = OFF OFF OFF OFF
Use a toothpick or small tool to set the switches. Never use a pencil as the
conductive lead can break off and get inside the drive causing a short.
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