My recently acquired MSX2 unit - a nice VG 8235 - hasn't got the original drive working . I'll tell you the symptoms and maybe you guys can help me out:
The FDD busy LED comes on while computers's booting (ok - fine).
-Disk Basic is loaded (suprise, suprise).
-FDD busy is now off (fine).
-I try a "files" command without any disk in the drive - it gives: Disk ofline. (fine.)
-I insert a 360kb ss disk from my MSX1 machine and type "files" again - the FDD busy turns on a little and the screen shows: Disk offline. (Humm strange I think - let's try formatting a disk)
Without any disk in the drive I type "call format" - It asks the drive, I say A - it gives "write protected". (I smell something...)
I insert a standard PC disk with a piece of tape on the HD hole and again "call format", A, - the FDD busy light comes on and *never* goes off - there is a low noise coming from the drive indicating some activity but nothing like a format noise (whatever that is actually). - I have to reset the computer...
I smell a dead drive here - what do you say?
Time to attach a standard PC drive in. I believe this is possible? Will I be able to use 720kb disks? How is this done exactly? I just switch in the drive and it get's working? I believe I'll have to fiddle with some connections right? I am unfortunately no electro expert so any "verbose" help would be very welcome.
Thanks for your time and patience.