[net.micro.cbm] C64 Disk Drive Question

clq@omsvax.UUCP (carlos qualls) (04/19/84)

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I just found out that the Disk Drive on the C64 is a serial interface.
Since I do not own a C64 I have not been interested in learning anything
about it, but after hearing that the Disk Drive is a serial interface
I am wondering if the drive and be interfaced to a different machine.
Does anyone in netland know anything about the C64 Disk Drive? Is there
any technical information out on the disk drive? Is the serial protocol
a big secret? Can the serial protocol be emulated by another machine?
Thanks in advance for any information.
PS please send replys direct to me and if their is enough interest
I will post the results.
USENET: omsvax!clq
USMAIL
Carlos Qualls
1825 South Ginger
Cornelius, Oregon 97113
PHONE Home 503-359-5785 Office 503-640-7159

joels@tektronix.UUCP (Joel Swank) (04/30/84)

			   VDOS

    A hackers package for the AIM-65 and the 1541 disk drive has been
developed by Don Lewis. This package contains the software to interface
a Rockwell AIM-65 (6502 based) microcomputer to the commodore 1541 disk
drive. The software is provided on a 1541 diskette in both object and
Commodore compatable assembler source. Altho this package is meant to
give the AIM user low cost disk storage, It could easily be adapted to
another 6502 based microcomputer by an assembler language programmer.
It also might be of use to C64 programmers since it could allow disk
communications with the kernal ROM switched out.

    Source files included:   (all assembler source to run on the AIM)
	    VDOS - equivalent to dos wedge + AIM user I/O
	    AIM assembler interface.
	    LOAD/SAVE CBM files.
	    Random sector read/write
	    Offset loader for object files.
	    Move and relocate program.
	    Disassembler
	    Single disk backup.
	    Program to interrogate memory in the 1541
	    (plus several more)

    Hardware required:
	    5 bits of a VIA (CIA or PIA)
	    7406 open collector buffer
	    resistors
	    connectors
	    cable

    Package includes:
	    AIM cassette
	    1541 diskette
	    6 pin din connector
	    manual

    Anyone interested should call or write:

	  Don Lewis
	  POB 521
	  Folsom PA 19033
	  (215) 622 5495

    I have been using VDOS on my AIM for several months. I have modified it
to suit my own needs. I find it very usefull for communication between my
computers.


Joel Swank
Tektronix, Beaverton OR