KryoFlux boards are back in stock... for a limited time - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 18, 2018, 10:19:59 am
content: https://webstore.kryoflux.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=30I e-mailed the creator who tipped me off about a new batch that was released to the store this week but already there are only 5 left of the "Premium" versions (which comes with all the cables and power supply). I've finally managed to order myself one.Great for reading and writing all kinds of weird and wonderful disk formats, including:KryoFlux stream filesCT RawGeneric FMGeneric MFM (IMA, IMG)Atari 8-bit (XFD, both FM and MFM)AmigaDOS (ADF)Amiga DiskSpareApple DOS 3.2Apple DOS 3.3+ (including DSK with interleave)Apple DOS 400K/800K (CLV)EmuEmu IIDEC RX01DEC RX02CBM DOS (D64, with optional error map)CBM GCR image (G64)Various custom formats for CBM:MicroProseRapidLokDatasoftVorpalV-MAX!TequeTDPBig FiveOziSoftThis little board also has the ability to perform low-level reads and works with drives from 3" to 8". Personally, I think it's a must-have tool for any serious vintage computer aficionado or those involved in data recovery (although heed the warning about Commercial use, he's pretty serious about this).There will probably be more after this batch sells out, but who knows when or how many. I'm not affiliated, I just think it's a great product and similar hardware doesn't come close.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 07:42:06 am
content: KryoFlux is an excellent bit of hardware and highly recommended for anyone dealing with floppies

author: OE2WHP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 02:12:45 pm
content: Do you know how I could verify if a specific drive will work with kryoflux?I'm interested in buying a kryoflux board but have currently only one vintage 5,25" drive.It's a Panasonic JU-4753C08It has a 2x17 pin edge connector (slot between pin 2 and 3). Can I connect this directly to th kryoflux or do I need some sort of adapter?ThanksHolger

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 07:29:00 pm
content: any drive with a shugart interface will work... which is just about any floppy disk since the late 1970scables can be easily bought off ebay, it's a standard cable as used in old PCs so readily available

author: OE2WHP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2018, 12:43:35 pm
content: Are you shure about the Shugart bus? There was also an IBM PC bus which was slightly different. I don't want to brick the drive by connecting it to the wrong interface or by using the wrong cable.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2018, 01:14:01 pm
content: According to the documentation:Please note that KryoFlux was mainly developed for HD 3.5” (“1.44MB”) and HD 5.25” (“1.2MB”) drives. It also works well with selected 3” (e.g. Amstrad FDI-1) and 8” (e.g. Shugart 851; might require additional adapter) drives. There is a broad range of variants, with some “dinosaurs” not being very keen on standards. It is therefore possible that certain brands or models, especially old drives, may not work with the board. Solutions range from modifying software to modifying hardware.I don't think you'll have any problems at all with the Panasonic JU-475, they were fairly standard and widespread drives in the day. I think I might even have one, once I get my KryoFlux board, I can test it for you if you like? Most older floppy cables came with both IEC and Card Edge connectors but they all connected in parallel to the same bus.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2018, 11:29:40 pm
content: E-mail from the creator:Basically any drive, as long as it is Shugart compatible, should work well with the KryoFlux. We had to put a disclaimer because drives are highly varying  spec, sometimes it’s hard to create something that is compatible with just "everything“. Up to this day, we really haven’t found any drive that should work but does not. I can confirm the [Panasonic's] work very well with the KryoFlux.