Ql Microdrives.

[Saltor66]

Hello all.
I take the opportunity of visiting this fantastic forum, to direct a question concerning my ql microdrives.
Both microdrives work. Each of the two correctly reads cartridges previously recorded on the same microdrive.
But each of two microdrives can not read cartridges recorded on the other.
In addition, the microdrive 2 correctly reads all original cartridges (those recorded by the manufacturer). The microdrive 1 does not.
What could be the problem?
Thanks in advance of the response.

[Mr_Navigator]

Hi Saltor66, firstly search this forum with micro drives or microdrives as the search criteria, you may find some further information already posted.

I seem to remember someone else talking about improving the readability of the micro-drives by cleaning the read/write heads with the appropriate fluid (although you have probably done this already). Additionally the rubber wheels after prolonged use can become coated in the magnetic material and cracked. This requires cleaning or replacing, RWAP services may have replacements, and also you may wish to consider using a very fine wet/dry emery paper on the rubber wheel to renew the surface, although proceed with caution here if you do. i haven't done this myself but Ii have read somewhere someone else doing it.

The electronics for microdrives are the identical therefore there shouldn't be any difference, the only other possible cause I can think off is that the head alignment is slightly off and unless one of the two screws holding it down have come loose then this is how it was at manufacture. Adjustment here would be trial and error, you could make it worse so please proceed with caution or do not attempt at all. You would normally need specialise equipment for that sort of thing. I used to do this with cassette players when loading ZX Spectrum programs in from tape as it was notoriously fluffy.

Hope this helps

[vanpeebles]

As a new user I never had much luck with the microdrives, I think getting them working and tuned up properly is a fine art. I have seen tips about turning worn rollers upside down and also drive 2 tends to work better because it's the least used. I'm sure Alfa Romeo had a hand in making the microdrives

[belg4rion67]

Oh yes, because is the same group of FIAT automotive...
Salvatore, I've made the manutenction on microdrive same as describe from "Der Kommisar"
and I've used isopropilic (I hope that in english is the right word..) alchool on read/write head and on little drive roller: after that mdv1 works properly! But the best thing is to change media to floppy drive interface asap !

Ciao !

[belg4rion67]

Opsss... my mistake ...sorry Mr_Navigator: you are the good teacher of right procedure

[dilwyn]

Hello all.
I take the opportunity of visiting this fantastic forum, to direct a question concerning my ql microdrives.
Both microdrives work. Each of the two correctly reads cartridges previously recorded on the same microdrive.
But each of two microdrives can not read cartridges recorded on the other.
In addition, the microdrive 2 correctly reads all original cartridges (those recorded by the manufacturer). The microdrive 1 does not.
What could be the problem?
Thanks in advance of the response.

Exactly the same problem as my backup QL - the cartridges work best on the same microdrive that recorded them, but they will usually both read third party cartridges OK.
I tried all the usual suggestions without success, but as I only ever use cartridges when a protected MDV key cartridge is needed, it has never been a major issue for me.
I did notice (this might be just coincidence) that one microdrive formats cartridges always and consistently to a higher capacity than the other one (a few extra sectors), perhaps suggesting there is a bit of a speed difference perhaps? I don't know, I am just guessing, but certainly if anyone does have advice to solve this problem I would love to be able to fix this QL, which I have owned since 1984.
(How many other home computers would we still have in use over 25 years later?)

Dilwyn

[vanpeebles]

Oh yes, because is the same group of FIAT automotive...
Salvatore, I've made the manutenction on microdrive same as describe from "Der Kommisar"

Well sometimes I think the microdrives have a mind of their own, a bit like the Alfa I drive

[Saltor66]

Oh yes, because is the same group of FIAT automotive...
Salvatore, I've made the manutenction on microdrive same as describe from "Der Kommisar"
and I've used isopropilic (I hope that in english is the right word..) alchool on read/write head and on little drive roller: after that mdv1 works properly! But the best thing is to change media to floppy drive interface asap !

Ciao !

Many thanks to everybody for your replies.
I've already used isopropilic alchool on ready/write head, without any improvement. I've read on some websites that the little drive roller should not be cleaned with isopropilic alchool.

[belg4rion67]

I've read me too of problem with isopropilic alchool but on my microdrive it has worked fine!
Now I've a microdrive unit that I've pull out from my QL when I buyed fdd interface then if you live in Italy and you are interested I can send to you....obviously free of charge!