Re: DuoDisk interface

[Bill Shuff <bill2060@pop3.concentric.net>]

Ward C. Travis wrote:
> 
> All right, I found a DuoDisk and it's in excellent shape. Problem is, I
> sold my original Apple ][ over a decade ago back when the hip-happening
> disk was still the Disk ][. So I've never seen a DuoDisk interface in my
> life. Anyone who can point me at a good FAQ about this, or describe what I
> need to get the DuoDisk up and running on an Apple ][+, will be thanked
> massively. If it turns out that the DuoDisk is meant for the Lisa or only
> for the /// systems, then, well tell me and I'll thank you for that :-) If
> it's a parallel interface or serial interface, I'm in search of a
> 'driver'... I haven't opened it up yet beyond dusting it and seeing the
> 2003s in there, so I haven't really looked at its innards.
> 
> PS: Collectors: If you have an Apple ][ with serial number 11144, tell me
> how it is doing!

You have several choices for using the DuoDisk drive. If you get any Apple Drive card 
with a DB-19 connector the drive will connect and work with that card.  If you need a 
cable for the Duodisk, send me E-mail (bill2060@chris.com) and I can give you the 
pinout or arrange to make a cable for you. The required cable is a custom setup with a 
DB-25 at one end and a DB-19 at the other end.  It is also possible to make a simple 
adaptor that will attach to a Disk II Interface Card and provide a DB-19 port to which 
any Apple 5.25" drive with a DB-19 plug, including the DuoDisk, will attach (and work 
properly).  

By the way, the DuoDisk drive seems to have a problem with the cable assembly.  I have 
seen many bad or intermittant cables on this type of drive.  Replacing the cable often 
fixes many operating problems associated with the DuoDisk.

Bill Shuff