TPDD: Difference between revisions

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=Tandy Portable Disk Drive=
=Tandy Portable Disk Drive=
There were two versions of the Tandy Portable Disk Drive, "26-3808 Tandy Portable Disk Drive" or "TPDD1", and "26-3814 Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2" or "TPDD2". Both were very similar. The original TPDD1 is a re-branded Brother FB-100.
There were two versions of the original Tandy Portable Disk Drive, "26-3808 Tandy Portable Disk Drive" or now called "TPDD1", and "26-3814 Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2" or "TPDD2". Both were very similar.
 
The original TPDD1 is a re-branded Brother FB100. In fact the Brother FB100 was sold under several names. At least:
:Brother FB100
:TANDY Portable Disk Drive
:knitking FDD19
:Purple Computing D103
 
The TPDD2 was also sold under multiple names. At least:
:TANDY Portable Disk Drive 2
:XOB Disc-88


==Common features of both versions==
==Common features of both versions==
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:[https://archive.org/details/TandyPortableDiskDriveOperationManual26-3808 Operation Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/TandyPortableDiskDriveOperationManual26-3808 Operation Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/TandyPortableDiskDriveSoftwareManual26-3808s Software Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/tandy-service-manual-26-3808-s-software-manual-for-portable-disk-drive Software Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/tandy-portable-disk-drive-service-manual-26-3808 Service Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/tandy-portable-disk-drive-service-manual-26-3808 Service Manual]
:[http://www.club100.org/library/sup/07.txt TPDD1 bootstrap procedure]
<!-- :[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Base_Protocol Command Reference] -->


:[http://www.club100.org/library/sup/07.txt TPDD1 bootstrap procedure]
:[[File:TPDD1_ROM.zip]] - dump of the 4k rom built into the HD63A01V1 cpu
:[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Base_Protocol Command Reference]
:ROM is also identical in Brother FB-100, KnitKing FDD19, and Purple Computing D103


==Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2==
==Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2==
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:[https://archive.org/details/Portable_Disk_Drive_2_Operation_Manual_1986_Tandy TPDD2 Operation Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/Portable_Disk_Drive_2_Operation_Manual_1986_Tandy TPDD2 Operation Manual]
:[https://archive.org/details/tpdd-2-service-manual TPDD2 Service Manual]
:[http://www.club100.org/library/sup/08.txt TPDD2 bootstrap procedure]
:[http://www.club100.org/library/sup/08.txt TPDD2 bootstrap procedure]
:[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=TPDD-2_Sector_Access_Protocol TPDD2 Sector Access]
<!-- :[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=TPDD-2_Sector_Access_Protocol TPDD2 Sector Access] -->
 
:[[File:TPDD2_ROM.zip]] - dump of the 4k rom built into the HD63A01V1 cpu


=Parts=
=Parts=
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===Cable===
===Cable===
The "RS-232C" interface to the TPDD is actually 5v TTL (0v to +5v), while RS-232 serial ports use -12v to +12v. So the cable isn't just a cable, it has electronics inside the DB25 plug to convert the signal levels between TTL and RS-232.


The "RS-232C" interface to the TPDD is actually 5v TTL (0v to +5v), while RS-232 serial ports use -12v to +12v. So the cable isn't just a cable, it has electronics inside the DB25 plug to convert the signal levels between TTL and RS-232.
You can't buy the original special cable any more, but you can [https://github.com/bkw777/TPDD_Cable build one], or buy one from [https://www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/?page_id=11#!/Special-serial-cable-for-Tandy-Portable-Disk-Drive-and-Tandy-Portable-Disk-Drive-2/p/144969001/category=28313042 ArcadeShopper] (picture is outdated, the cables are the same as the one on github), or [https://www.soigeneris.com/tpdd2_cable SoiGeneris].


Pinout
Pinout
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:6 TXD
:6 TXD
:7 RXD
:7 RXD
:8 EB+ (External Battery +4.8 to +6v)
:8 EB+ (External Battery +4.8 to +6v) (Only on TPDD2, n/c on TPDD1)


[https://github.com/bkw777/TPDD_Cable KiCAD source for schematic & pcb to build a cable]  
[[File:TPDD2 original cable.jpg|thumb|none]]


<!--  save until duplicated somewhere
:Assembly:
:Assembly:
:*Solder all components to pcb per the render pics.
:*Solder all components to pcb per the render pics.
Line 98: Line 115:


[[TPDD:Other_Cable_Designs]]
[[TPDD:Other_Cable_Designs]]
-->


=Software=
=Software=
Software related to these drives can be broken into 2 main categories, [[TPDD_client|clients]] and [[TPDD_server|servers]].
Software related to these drives can be broken into 2 main categories, [[TPDD_client|clients]] and [[TPDD_server|servers]].


A [[TPDD_client]] (or DOS) is software that uses a TPDD drive. This includes the "Floppy" that came on the utility disk that came with the drive, TS-DOS, and others.
A [[TPDD_client|TPDD client]] (aka dos) is software that uses a TPDD drive. This includes TS-DOS, and the program called "Floppy" which came on the special disk that came with the TANDY versions of the drives.


A [[TPDD_server]] (or emulator) is software that pretends to BE a TPDD drive. This includes LaddieAlpha, dlplus, and others.
A [[TPDD_server|TPDD server]] (aka emulator) is software that pretends to BE a TPDD drive. This includes LaddieAlpha, dl2, and others.
<!--
==For "Model T"s==
The normal way to use a TPDD is to install a [[TPDD_client]] on a "Model T" such as TRS-80 Model 100 or NEC PC-8201a.


Several such clients have been made. The drive came with a utility disk and a functional dos called "floppy" which supports only the TRS-80 Model 100, 102, or 200.<br>
=Misc Related Info=
Others have been made by 3rd parties that provided more features or smaller ram footprint or more flexible installation/usage, and run on all the other Model T's from Kyotronic, NEC and Olivetti besides the Tandy models.<br>
Various special purpose utility programs have been written by users as well.


==For PCs==
Low-profile DIP switch that fits under the cover on the bottom, which can be installed on Brother FB-100, KnitKing FDD19, or Purple Computing D103 to give access to all possible drive operation modes like TPDD1.<br>
TPDD used standard double density 720k 3.5" disks, but used a format that is incompatible with modern pc drive controllers.<br>
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cui-devices/DS04-254-2L-04BK/11310925
Normal MS-DOS formatted disks are written with MFM encoding, while the TPDD used FM encoding.<br>
Even using special software to read non-standard formats, you can't make a normal drive & drive controller read or write FM.


To read or write a TPDD disk from a modern machine, you need a working TPDD drive and the special RS232-to-TTL level-shifting serial cable that came with it, and a "TPDD Client" software to talk to the drive over the serial connection the same way the M100 does.
TS-DOS implements an extension to the TPDD protocol to provide subdirectories.<br>
A real TPDD or TPDD2 doesn't support this, but some TPDD emulators do (NADSBOX, LaddieAlpha, dl2, PDDuino, at least)
:[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Desklink/TS-DOS_Directory_Access TS-DOS Directories]


There are several TPDD clients for more modern machines, although most of these are themselves also no longer modern.<br>
TPDD uses standard 720k DD 3.5" disks, but uses a format that is incompatible with modern pc drive controllers.<br>
For example Lap-Desk and PDD.exe are both 16-bit DOS programs that don't work on Windows. (But DO work in dosbox on linux/freebsd/osx)
Normal MS-DOS formatted disks are written with MFM encoding, while the TPDD uses FM encoding.<br>
Even using special software to read non-standard track/sector formats, you can't make a normal drive & drive controller read or write FM. An old pc with an early floppy controller chip and an old 720k drive may be able to do it.


One thing that is usable today is [http://trs80stuff.net/tpdd/tools.html TpddTool.py], a TPDD Client utility written in Python.
To read or write a TPDD disk from a modern machine, you need a working TPDD drive, the special RS232-to-TTL level-shifting serial cable, a 9F-to-25F straight through (not null-modem) serial adapter or combination of cables & adapters, and TPDD client software to talk to the drive over the serial connection the same way the M100 does. See pdd.sh, PDD.EXE, or TpddTool.py from the TPDD clients link above.


==Others==
Don't use 1.44M HD disks in a TPDD. Use 720K DD disks.<br>
The TANDY WP-2 has support for using a TPDD built in to it's firmware.
[[File:720vs144.jpg|left|thumb]]


There are TPDD Client apps for Cambridge Z88 to use a TPDD.
<!--
 
https://www.ordersomewherechaos.com/rosso/fetish/m102/web100/docs/pdd2-sector-0.html
==Related Info==
https://www.ordersomewherechaos.com/rosso/fetish/m102/web100/docs/pdd-sector-access.html
There are also several [[TPDD_Emulators]], which are programs that don't *use* a TPDD, but they emulate *being* a TPDD, so a Model 100, 102, 200, WP-2, NEC PC-8201, PC-8201a, PC-8300, Kyotronic KC-85, Olivetti M10, Cambridge Z88, can save and retieve files on a modern computer using the TPDD protocol.
 
There are also a few hardware devices that emulate a TPDD.<br>
One was called a [http://www.club100.org NADSBOX], which is no longer available.<br>
Another is a combination of 3 diy projects:
:http://github.com/bkw777/PDDuino
:http://github.com/bkw777/MounT
:http://github.com/bkw777/BCR_Breakout
 
TS-DOS implements an extension to the original TPDD protocol to provide subdirectories.<br>
This only works with a TPDD emulator that also supports the extension. NADSBOX, PDDuino, and LaddieAlpha at least support the feature, dlplus does not, and I don't know about mComm.
:[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Desklink/TS-DOS_Directory_Access TS-DOS Directories]
 
More references:<br>
(I think these are also in the M100SIG)<br>
:https://www.ordersomewherechaos.com/rosso/fetish/m102/web100/docs/pdd2-sector-0.html
:https://www.ordersomewherechaos.com/rosso/fetish/m102/web100/docs/pdd-sector-access.html
-->
-->

Latest revision as of 16:52, 6 August 2024

Tandy Portable Disk Drive

There were two versions of the original Tandy Portable Disk Drive, "26-3808 Tandy Portable Disk Drive" or now called "TPDD1", and "26-3814 Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2" or "TPDD2". Both were very similar.

The original TPDD1 is a re-branded Brother FB100. In fact the Brother FB100 was sold under several names. At least:

Brother FB100
TANDY Portable Disk Drive
knitking FDD19
Purple Computing D103

The TPDD2 was also sold under multiple names. At least:

TANDY Portable Disk Drive 2
XOB Disc-88

Common features of both versions

Size, shape, weight
Batteris: 4 x AA
Wall power: 5.5mm x 2.1mm, 6vdc, center negative, 400ma (Tandy 26-3804)
Media: 3.5" DD, aka "720K" diskettes (not HD 1.44M)
Drive is single-sided. The disks may be single or double-sided, but the drive only uses one side.

Documentation

Tandy Portable Disk Drive

100K

Operation Manual
Software Manual
Service Manual
TPDD1 bootstrap procedure
File:TPDD1 ROM.zip - dump of the 4k rom built into the HD63A01V1 cpu
ROM is also identical in Brother FB-100, KnitKing FDD19, and Purple Computing D103

Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2

200K, in the form of 2 100K banks

TPDD2 Operation Manual
TPDD2 Service Manual
TPDD2 bootstrap procedure
File:TPDD2 ROM.zip - dump of the 4k rom built into the HD63A01V1 cpu

Parts

Belt

Standard size code: FRW-8.5

Search "FRW 8.5 belt" on Google or ebay

Cable

The "RS-232C" interface to the TPDD is actually 5v TTL (0v to +5v), while RS-232 serial ports use -12v to +12v. So the cable isn't just a cable, it has electronics inside the DB25 plug to convert the signal levels between TTL and RS-232.

You can't buy the original special cable any more, but you can build one, or buy one from ArcadeShopper (picture is outdated, the cables are the same as the one on github), or SoiGeneris.

Pinout 

+------------------------------------------------+
|                                                |
|                                                |
|                 RS-232C                        |
|                   ___                          |
|               +--+   +--+              +-----+ |     
|               | 7 5 3 1 |              | (o) | |
|               | 8 6 4 2 |              |     | |
|               +---------+              +-----+ |
+------------------------------------------------+
1 GND
2 CTS
3 DTR
4 RTS
5 DSR
6 TXD
7 RXD
8 EB+ (External Battery +4.8 to +6v) (Only on TPDD2, n/c on TPDD1)


Software

Software related to these drives can be broken into 2 main categories, clients and servers.

A TPDD client (aka dos) is software that uses a TPDD drive. This includes TS-DOS, and the program called "Floppy" which came on the special disk that came with the TANDY versions of the drives.

A TPDD server (aka emulator) is software that pretends to BE a TPDD drive. This includes LaddieAlpha, dl2, and others.

Misc Related Info

Low-profile DIP switch that fits under the cover on the bottom, which can be installed on Brother FB-100, KnitKing FDD19, or Purple Computing D103 to give access to all possible drive operation modes like TPDD1.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cui-devices/DS04-254-2L-04BK/11310925

TS-DOS implements an extension to the TPDD protocol to provide subdirectories.
A real TPDD or TPDD2 doesn't support this, but some TPDD emulators do (NADSBOX, LaddieAlpha, dl2, PDDuino, at least)

TS-DOS Directories

TPDD uses standard 720k DD 3.5" disks, but uses a format that is incompatible with modern pc drive controllers.
Normal MS-DOS formatted disks are written with MFM encoding, while the TPDD uses FM encoding.
Even using special software to read non-standard track/sector formats, you can't make a normal drive & drive controller read or write FM. An old pc with an early floppy controller chip and an old 720k drive may be able to do it.

To read or write a TPDD disk from a modern machine, you need a working TPDD drive, the special RS232-to-TTL level-shifting serial cable, a 9F-to-25F straight through (not null-modem) serial adapter or combination of cables & adapters, and TPDD client software to talk to the drive over the serial connection the same way the M100 does. See pdd.sh, PDD.EXE, or TpddTool.py from the TPDD clients link above.

Don't use 1.44M HD disks in a TPDD. Use 720K DD disks.


Retrieved from "http://tandy.wiki/index.php?title=TPDD&oldid=2916"