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donzi
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: northeast florida
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Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/02/2009 6:37 PM

Good evening

I'm currently shopping for a floppy drive (read / write ) to interface my XP pc via USB.

That doesn't seem to present a problem except all of the drives provided with usb interface have short (12") cables---My pc setup requires at least a 2' or 3' cable.

I also need to know if there is any way to interface this drive to my Yamaha 640 keyboard via "MIDI" jacks which are provided in the rear of the board--There is a 4 pos switch in the rear of the board labeled "mac,pc1,pc2,midi"--the internal drive of the board is old so I'm trying to provide an outboard drive as backup.

Any help would be appreciated!

Donzi
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Pathfinder Tags: floppy drive
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JohnDG
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#1

Re: floppy drive interface

02/02/2009 7:19 PM

IMHO:

USB extender cable should be no problem for the floppy drive.

For keyboard, may need to use midi to the PC, then onto the floppy (or stick/HDD etc.).

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donzi
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#2
In reply to #1

Re: floppy drive interface

02/03/2009 11:20 PM

John--Thanks for the info!

I'm assuming there is such an animal (MIDI to USB) cable?

I'm also assuming , with power present on the USB jack , it won't present a problem to the keyboard via the MIDI port?. Better yet, I already have my data on floppy--should be able to load data to the PC using the new outboard floppy drive and copy it back to a "new" disk to provide me with a backup disk.

My real problem is trying to interface the "new" outboard drive to the keyboard via the "MIDI" port , so the board , in effect, has two floppy drives (one internal-one external) for backup in case of internal drive failure.

Been out of the business for 15+ yrs so I've lost contact with some of todays terms--

but what's HDD you refer to?

Thanks again--donzi
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JohnDG
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#6
In reply to #2

Re: floppy drive interface

02/04/2009 6:00 AM

Use a USB/Midi adapter to connect the keyboard to the PC (here's one from Maplin, but there are lots around if you google). Once the data's in your PC you can save it to floppy, CD, or whatever you want.

HDD = hard disk drive (in the PC).

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donzi
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#10
In reply to #6

Re: floppy drive interface

02/05/2009 1:40 PM

John-- appreciate the help and info.

found the cable locally

thanks again--donzi
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babybear
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#11
In reply to #10

Re: floppy drive interface

02/05/2009 3:36 PM

Hello donzi,

Just to say I am pleased you found what you wanted, and local too!

Take care................................

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babybear
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#13
In reply to #6

Re: floppy drive interface

02/05/2009 4:16 PM

Hello John,

GA to you.

Take care.............

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babybear
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#3

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/03/2009 11:33 PM

Hello donzi,

I have found both an extension cable and drives with at least 19" cables.

Where are you because I will paste this info here but, it may not be relevant? Get back to me if you can tell me what Country you are in OK?

USB 2.0 Active 5m Extension Lead

  • Active USB extension lead, allows a USB connection to be used over the usual 5m limit
  • USB 2.0 specification also works with USB 1.1 and 1.0 devices
  • Suitable for speeds up to 480Mbps
now £14.99- on sale until 17/02/2009
SAVE £5.00 was £19.99
Order Code: L11BT In Stock

more information

This company do all kinds of interfaces and may have the link from your keyboard?

This is the correct page for that stuff, but of course you can search.

Hope you fine this of use.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=usb%20floppy%20long%20cable&source=15

Take care.............................

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babybear
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#4

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/03/2009 11:35 PM

Hello donzi,

I forgot to post the search web page address.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=USB+Floppy+Drive+with+long+cable&btnG=Google+Search

Take care.........................

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babybear
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#12
In reply to #4

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/05/2009 4:14 PM

Hello all,

Just a note to say "thanks" for the GA's. Nice to know someone thought I was doing the right thing? Appreciated!

Take care.................

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Anonymous Poster
#5

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/04/2009 5:39 AM

Ok all of these other guys are right...

But why not open the keybard, take out the old floppy and replase it? You will need screwdriver with right bits, and some time. Take pictures if you want. You should not have a problum finding a replasement floppy. I would buy a extra floppy just in case at the same time.
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livagain1
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#7

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/04/2009 9:48 AM

You can purchase USB cable extension cords and thus extend the distance you can keep the drive from y our computer. check radio shack, staples or best buy or go on line and look. good luck HLG
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larry16
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#8

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/04/2009 10:48 AM

Try Fries electronics

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glowhare
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Location: Roosevelt, UT
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#9

Re: Floppy Drive Interface for XP PC via USB

02/05/2009 8:23 AM

Dell has a USB floppy drive with at least a 2' cord. It works just fine with my XP system. I bought as an accessory with my laptop from Dell.
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