8" IBM Floppy Drive - Let's do this!

[Paleorama]

Hi guys,
I finally managed to find a f'ing 8" FDD on ebay! It was only $50 - the shipping was $60 LOL!


- Compared to the 3,5" inch FDD this thing is HUGE!

I had to do this but I am still baffled about how to approach this. The voltage supply has a sticker on it that says 400V. I am still not sure if that means it needs 400V from the power line or if it sort of transforms the 230V in the wall to 400... And you guys in the US, aren't your power lines 110V AC?



One thing that'll be easy is the heads - big fat cables with a pin-header connector on the circuit board. Everything is DIP chips and big ol' schoo' components. Me like.



But I would like some help, any help, from you guys in here on how to approach this. If you know anything about these kind of drives or have links to datasheets and service manuals. The power issue is first priority as I am reluctant to plug this into the wall.

Best regards from
Paleorama /Dogenigt

[guest]

that thing is pretty cool.

i would bet that the 400V is made from rectifying the 230V, so just avoid touching those parts.

[Paleorama]

[guest]

thats one possible explanation. 230VAC is just the average voltage of that sinusoid. the peak to peak voltage is actually the square root of 2 times that, or 230VAC x 1.4 = 322Vpp.

check to see where the wires go. if they go to the spindle motor, then its just the start capacitor for the motor, and only AC is across it. still dangerous, though.