Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
So - I bought the floppy emulator to use with my ensoniq mirage sampler keyboard. I have a bunch of EDM files from Mirage-Net, but when I try to convert any of them to hxc format using the hxc software, it says that the file format is unrecognised. It seems to work fine when I tried it with an Amstrad CPC .dsk file though.
Since I can't convert my EDM files for some reason I can't test out the hxc in the keyboard (it boots up nicely, though!). Any idea what might be going on here? Or has anybody got some confirmed working EDM files they could pass on for me to try out (if maybe there's something wrong with mine?)... or Ensoniq disk files already converted to HxC format so I can finally get my Mirage running?
Since I can't convert my EDM files for some reason I can't test out the hxc in the keyboard (it boots up nicely, though!). Any idea what might be going on here? Or has anybody got some confirmed working EDM files they could pass on for me to try out (if maybe there's something wrong with mine?)... or Ensoniq disk files already converted to HxC format so I can finally get my Mirage running?
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Firmware version ?Anthony Flack wrote:So - I bought the floppy emulator to use with my ensoniq mirage sampler keyboard. I have a bunch of EDM files from Mirage-Net, but when I try to convert any of them to hxc format using the hxc software, it says that the file format is unrecognised. It seems to work fine when I tried it with an Amstrad CPC .dsk file though.
Since I can't convert my EDM files for some reason I can't test out the hxc in the keyboard (it boots up nicely, though!). Any idea what might be going on here? Or has anybody got some confirmed working EDM files they could pass on for me to try out (if maybe there's something wrong with mine?)... or Ensoniq disk files already converted to HxC format so I can finally get my Mirage running?
Software version ?
Jumper setting ?
Floppy cable used ?
Can you post here one EDM file ?
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Sure thing -
Software version 1.6.8.0 - downloaded today.
One EDM file: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MQTVBSAO
Firmware/jumper/floppy cable - haven't got that far yet! I'm still trying to convert some disk images to put on the SD card.
Software version 1.6.8.0 - downloaded today.
One EDM file: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MQTVBSAO
Firmware/jumper/floppy cable - haven't got that far yet! I'm still trying to convert some disk images to put on the SD card.
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Can you send me more EDM files ?Anthony Flack wrote:Sure thing -
Software version 1.6.8.0 - downloaded today.
One EDM file: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MQTVBSAO
Firmware/jumper/floppy cable - haven't got that far yet! I'm still trying to convert some disk images to put on the SD card.
EDIT : New software version with the EDM-EDE file support :
https://hxc2001.com/floppy_drive_emulat ... t_beta.zip
Waiting for feedbacks.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Wow, that is an excellent fast response! You guys are the best.
The files are converting quite happily now.
However, when I try to boot the Mirage, it is now reporting "UD" (unformatted disk) for all the disk images I try to boot with. The RA signal comes on the HxC when the Mirage tries to read the disk, but the track/sector readout doesn't advance. "UD" is what you would expect to see with a bad disk, or certain disks that don't contain the OS for the Mirage's initial startup sequence, but this is also more or less what the Mirage was reporting with its original disk drive, so now I can't be sure whether there is a problem with the files, or an electronic fault with the Mirage's disk controller.
I really need to get in touch with somebody else with a Mirage/HxC combo so I can troubleshoot using a confirmed working MASOS boot image. I hope my keyboard isn't fried!
(firmware version is 1.6.0.0 ; jumper setting is bottom right (Drive A=ID0), ribbon is the original Mirage ribbon, pin1 on the right - these are the same settings as I saw in Youtube videos of the Mirage working with the HxC. I also tried swapping a different ribbon connector, sadly no luck there - also it seems that if things aren't connected properly the Mirage does not attempt to read the disk and does not report "UD").
The files are converting quite happily now.
However, when I try to boot the Mirage, it is now reporting "UD" (unformatted disk) for all the disk images I try to boot with. The RA signal comes on the HxC when the Mirage tries to read the disk, but the track/sector readout doesn't advance. "UD" is what you would expect to see with a bad disk, or certain disks that don't contain the OS for the Mirage's initial startup sequence, but this is also more or less what the Mirage was reporting with its original disk drive, so now I can't be sure whether there is a problem with the files, or an electronic fault with the Mirage's disk controller.
I really need to get in touch with somebody else with a Mirage/HxC combo so I can troubleshoot using a confirmed working MASOS boot image. I hope my keyboard isn't fried!
(firmware version is 1.6.0.0 ; jumper setting is bottom right (Drive A=ID0), ribbon is the original Mirage ribbon, pin1 on the right - these are the same settings as I saw in Youtube videos of the Mirage working with the HxC. I also tried swapping a different ribbon connector, sadly no luck there - also it seems that if things aren't connected properly the Mirage does not attempt to read the disk and does not report "UD").
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Try with these HFE files.
- Attachments
-
- Ensoniq_Mirage.zip
- (363.41 KiB) Downloaded 630 times
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Same result: UD
I'm beginning to fear that my Mirage has a problem with its disk controller. SOB
I'm beginning to fear that my Mirage has a problem with its disk controller. SOB
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Why did you think this ? Is your old floppy disk drive working on the Mirage ?Anthony Flack wrote:Same result: UD
I'm beginning to fear that my Mirage has a problem with its disk controller. SOB
Try to reblace the floppy cable.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Well, I figure the HxC is working correctly - it seems to be - and the files you sent ought to work. The old drive hasn't worked for years, but it did the same thing - it accepts the disk, tries to boot it but doesn't really do anything, and comes back with "UD". I figured that the drive was dead, but now I have doubts, like maybe the WD1772 floppy controller IC in the Mirage has failed :/
I will try swapping the cable again though, and anything else I can.
I will try swapping the cable again though, and anything else I can.
-
- Posts: 132
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:55 pm
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
The WD1772 needs some calibration with a capacitor for data separation. Maybe this got off over time and it's not able to read floppies because of that.
I think there is some info on the calibration in the datasheet. Not an easy thing to do...
I think there is some info on the calibration in the datasheet. Not an easy thing to do...
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Oh really? I'll look into it.
Does it use a variable capacitor? I recall seeing a couple of electrolytic caps in the vicinity of the WD1772; I know these can lose their capacitance over time, I might try replacing these as well.
Does it use a variable capacitor? I recall seeing a couple of electrolytic caps in the vicinity of the WD1772; I know these can lose their capacitance over time, I might try replacing these as well.
-
- Posts: 132
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:55 pm
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
sorry... Looking at it again the WD1772 has a digital data separator, so no PLL involved. Unlike the WD1771 which is the one I use.
You'll have to find something else...
You'll have to find something else...
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Make a picture of your jumper setting.Anthony Flack wrote:Well, I figure the HxC is working correctly - it seems to be - and the files you sent ought to work. The old drive hasn't worked for years, but it did the same thing - it accepts the disk, tries to boot it but doesn't really do anything, and comes back with "UD". I figured that the drive was dead, but now I have doubts, like maybe the WD1772 floppy controller IC in the Mirage has failed :/
I will try swapping the cable again though, and anything else I can.
Is the Floppy access led on when the mirage try to read the disk ?
What did you see on the LCD : "RA" or "RB".
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:47 am
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Jumper position:
0000
000X
000X
The LCD reports RA. The light would come on, yeah.
I tried the jumper in other positions, in which case the Mirage does not try to access the disk.
0000
000X
000X
The LCD reports RA. The light would come on, yeah.
I tried the jumper in other positions, in which case the Mirage does not try to access the disk.
Re: Trouble converting EDM files to HxC
Have you tried to replace the floppy cable ? If not try a new one...Anthony Flack wrote:Jumper position:
0000
000X
000X
The LCD reports RA. The light would come on, yeah.
I tried the jumper in other positions, in which case the Mirage does not try to access the disk.