TPDD: Difference between revisions

From Tandy Tech
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(184 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
=Overview=
=Tandy Portable Disk Drive=
There were two versions of the Tandy Portable Disk Drive. Both were very similar.
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==
==Tandy Portable Disk Drive==
100K


=Manuals=
:[https://archive.org/details/TandyPortableDiskDriveOperationManual26-3808 Operation 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]
:[http://www.club100.org/library/sup/07.txt TPDD1 bootstrap procedure]
<!-- :[http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Base_Protocol Command Reference] -->
 
:[[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
 
:[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://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=
===Belt===
===Belt===
Search goole or ebay for: "FRW-8.5 belt"
Standard size code: FRW-8.5
 
Search "FRW 8.5 belt" on [https://www.google.com/search?q=FRW+8.5+belt Google] or [https://www.ebay.com/sch/?_nkw=frw+8.5+belt ebay]


===Cable===
===Cable===
The real cable has some active components. (TODO, link to schematic of original 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.
It's thought that today you could just use a cable like below, using schottke diodes specifically, and it's probably equally as good as the original cable which had transistors.


[ftp://salsa.net/pub/M100SIG/Lib-09-PERIFERALS/TPDD.DO Simpler Cable] that is claimed to work.
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
+------------------------------------------------+
|                                                |
|                                                |
|                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)
 
[[File:TPDD2 original cable.jpg|thumb|none]]
 
<!--  save until duplicated somewhere
:Assembly:
:*Solder all components to pcb per the render pics.
:*Pull the two un-soldered pins from the top of the socket and discard.
:*Cut the 9-pin plug off the serial cable. Strip the outer sheath back 1 to 2 inches. Strip each wire 1/8".
:*Put 2 to 3 inches of 1/2" diameter heat shrink on the serial cable. (don't shrink yet)
:*Identify which color wires go to which pins on the DB25 plug.
::Find pin 2 on the db25
::Find which color wire goes to pin 2 using a DMM continuity tester
::Repeat for all the numbered holes on the PCB: 2,3,4,5,6,7,20
::Cut any left-over wires short right at the cable sheath.
:*Solder the wires to their matching numbered holes, with the wires on the top side (without the transistors).
:*Put some hot-glue on the top side of the pcb in the "dog bone", press the end of the cable into the glue, and secure to the pcb with a zip-tie.
:*Add some hot-glue around the soldered wires where they meet the pcb to immobilize them.
:*Slide the heat-shrink up over the pcb and shrink.
<gallery  mode="packed-hover">
TPDD_Cable_1.jpg
TPDD_Cable_2.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_3.png
TPDD_BKW_4_4.png
TPDD_BKW_4_5.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_6.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_7.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_8.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_9.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_10.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_11.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_12.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_13.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_14.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_15.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_16.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_17.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_18.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_19.jpg
TPDD_BKW_4_20.jpg
</gallery>
 
[[TPDD:Other_Cable_Designs]]
-->


=Software=
=Software=
==For PCs==
Software related to these drives can be broken into 2 main categories, [[TPDD_client|clients]] and [[TPDD_server|servers]].
TPDD used a double density 3.5" floppy, aka "720K" disk, but used a format that is incompatible with modern pc drive controllers. Normal MS-DOS formatted disks are written with MFM encoding, while the TPDD used FM encoding. Event using special software to read non-standard formats, you can't make a normal drive & drive controller read or write FM.
 
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|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.<br>
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cui-devices/DS04-254-2L-04BK/11310925


To read or write a TPDD disk from a modern machine, you need a working TPDD drive and the special RS232-to-TTL 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. Most of these are themselves also now no longer modern. For example Lap-Desk and PDD are both 16-bit DOS programs that don't work on Windows.
TPDD uses standard 720k DD 3.5" disks, but uses a format that is incompatible with modern pc drive controllers.<br>
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.


[http://trs80stuff.net/tpdd/tools.html TpddTool] Python TPDD Client
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.


==For M100/102/200==
Don't use 1.44M HD disks in a TPDD. Use 720K DD disks.<br>
The normal way to use a TPDD is to install a "dos" on an M100. Several such dos's have been made. The drive came with a utility disk and a functional dos called "floppy". Others have been made by 3rd parties that provided more features or smaller ram footprint or more fleible installation/usage. There are also various special purpose utility programs aside from dos's.
[[File:720vs144.jpg|left|thumb]]


Floppy/Floppy2<br>
<!--
teeny<br>
https://www.ordersomewherechaos.com/rosso/fetish/m102/web100/docs/pdd2-sector-0.html
ts-dos<br>
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"