The Sinclair QL Forum

Dave wrote:On some mechanisms from that era,

I like the way that sounds as if you're addressing an old steam engine or something

Ok, that's what I was afraid of. It means I have to get two separate psus for the drives. I really don't think a standard atx psu is an elegant option, sorry.

Just try.


It will run - or not.
Drive cannot be destroed by the non-presence of 12 V.
In case it needs the 12 V supply, it will just not run.
Depends on how old the drive is.

It will run - or not.
Drive cannot be destroed by the non-presence of 12 V.
In case it needs the 12 V supply, it will just not run.
Depends on how old the drive is.

Good point!

Ok, thanks guys for the encouragement I'll get me a 5v psu and do a somple test with the drive(s). I'll report back here asap!

Also, your one existing supply can comfortably run both drives. You could just get an 8-pin mini-DIN splitter cable. (or whatever mini-DIN it is...)

Haven't really tested anything yet, but stumbled across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... ink:top:en

Seems to be pretty handy for a retro enthusiast like me And is definitely not expensive...

Yes, although you will still need a lead to convert a 5.25" power connector to a floppy disk power connector..

Yes, although you will still need a lead to convert a 5.25" power connector to a floppy disk power connector..

Yes, I was planning on a diy molex-to-DIN8 -adapter

Ok... Here's the deal: I just looked at the manual of the Microperipherals interface/drives. It's actually the 6-pin din that is meant for the psu and the 5-pin din for the second drive (I had the impression that it was the opther way around). More importantly the 6-pin connector for the psu is for AC power... The electronics inside then feed the second drive 5/12 volt DC.

How on earth am I going to know what this beast needs to be operated?