The Sinclair QL Forum

Does anyone have a pointer to a source for a suitable replacement foam/felt for Microdrive cartridges?

Some time ago I obtained some 8 track self-adhesive felt but it wasn't dense enough so that when it was cut into the required 4mm x 2mm x 4mm block it just fell apart.

This one was found in Hornbach:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fr46xdnjju9us ... 0.JPG?dl=0
My friend tried it with ZX Spectrum and succeded.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w2gzb06uv0bow ... 1.JPG?dl=0

stephen_usher wrote:Does anyone have a pointer to a source for a suitable replacement foam/felt for Microdrive cartridges?

I'm using these https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Track-Tape-R ... 2762966703 - I've refelted over 60 cartridges now and so far they are holding up nicely. My only issue is the shipping cost…

olifink wrote:

stephen_usher wrote:Does anyone have a pointer to a source for a suitable replacement foam/felt for Microdrive cartridges?

I'm using these https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Track-Tape-R ... 2762966703 - I've refelted over 60 cartridges now and so far they are holding up nicely. My only issue is the shipping cost…

I think that's the stuff I go, but it disintegrates when cut small enough.

hmm. mine are holding up fine. I'm using a super sharp hobby cutter and board and do slightly larger pieces 3x4mm. they work fine here and are only slightly fuzzy around the edges

I used to have large supplies of the correct felt, supplied by 3M/Oracal. Unfortunately, I only have very little left now, just enough for personal use. They no longer have any stock of it and doesn't plan to make any more.

8 track felts are suitable, but they are difficult to work with. They should be cut with a new scalpel blade, and when cut they should be warm and humid. If they are too cold or too dry, they will be very flaky/powdery when cut.