HxC for KORG X3?

HxC Floppy emulator support for all others Keyboards/Samplers...
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jh95
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Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:50 pm

HxC for KORG X3?

Post by jh95 »

So the original FDD of my Korg X3 keyboard stopped working and I'm looking to replace it with a HxC emulator.
It uses a 24 pin FPC connector without a separate power connector. I have the pinout in the service manual so making an adapter is no problem. The floppy interface is not specified anywhere (pretty sure it's shugart). Are there any considerations about compatibility (don't want to make a blind buy)?

Jeff
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by Jeff »

This should be ok, if you make the adapter of course :)

jh95
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by jh95 »

Ok, i went ahead and bought a Rev F.
Made a schematic for the adapter. Does it look OK?
Attachments
24 to 34 pin adapter
24 to 34 pin adapter
adapter schem.jpg (137.54 KiB) Viewed 22495 times

Jeff
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by Jeff »

jh95 wrote:Ok, i went ahead and bought a Rev F.
Made a schematic for the adapter. Does it look OK?
Yes it does.

jh95
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Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:50 pm

Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by jh95 »

Well, I've been busy with other things but now I managed to make a working adapter.
I made a quick test today with a 32GB SDcard with an empty .hfe image (FAT12 720kb 2DD).

If I try to save or format a disk on the synth I get a "Data Error" or "Disk Type Error" message respectively and the track counter on the HxC jumps from 00/80 to 01/80. If I now try again I get a "Drive Not Ready" message.

At least something is happening - not that I expected this to be that easy. There's a couple more things I'm gonna try but I'll probably need some help soon.

Jeff
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by Jeff »

Use this firmware :

https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_driv ... rmware.zip

And try to play with the cfg file to set the pin 2 & 34 behaviour with the hxc software.

jh95
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by jh95 »

Well, that was simple.

I installed the beta firmware and set both the HFE file interface mode and floppy emulator interface setting to "Generic Shugart".
It's working perfectly now.

Jeff
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by Jeff »

jh95 wrote:Well, that was simple.

I installed the beta firmware and set both the HFE file interface mode and floppy emulator interface setting to "Generic Shugart".
It's working perfectly now.
Can you do some pictures please ? :D

jh95
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Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:50 pm

Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by jh95 »

Here are some pics.
Attachments
Doing a test load with factory presets disk.
Doing a test load with factory presets disk.
loadtest.jpg (224.82 KiB) Viewed 22199 times
It's a DIY adapter with a 2-sided board and solder mask. I'm waiting for a batch of better boards from OSHpark.
It's a DIY adapter with a 2-sided board and solder mask. I'm waiting for a batch of better boards from OSHpark.
adapter.jpg (215.85 KiB) Viewed 22199 times
internals.jpg
internals.jpg (223.91 KiB) Viewed 22199 times

Jeff
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Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by Jeff »

jh95 wrote:Here are some pics.
Thanks ! :D

And btw this is nice and clean adapter !

SteveSTechMan
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Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:12 pm

Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by SteveSTechMan »

I know it has been awhile since this post but I do have a question..

In following the schematic, I noticed that there are variations out there that have a resistor in play in the design (2200ohm?), although I don't believe it is needed, did anyone come across this?

Appreciated

SteveSTechMan
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Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:12 pm

Re: HxC for KORG X3?

Post by SteveSTechMan »

In case anyone is looking for one of these adapters, I found one on ebay and NOT for $70

https://www.ebay.com/itm/384880861823

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