crc32 = 536375859 for "64hdproj.sfx". ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- C-64/HARD DRIVE PROJECT FILES DESCRIPTION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- C2SEC.SRC C-64 hard disk source file. C64HDBIO.SRC C-64 hard disk bios source. C64SAT.SRC C-64 hard disk source. FORMAT.SRC C-64 sample format hard disk source. RDBOOT.SRC C-64 sample read program source. WTBOOT.SRC C-64 hard disk sample write source. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- README.LOAD&RUN C-64 hard disk project intro. in BASIC - LOAD and RUN. C64HDOC.ASCII C-64 hard disk project documentation in true ASCII. C64HDOC.PETASCII C-64 hard disk project documentation in PETASCII. C64HDOC.WORD-PRO C-64 hard disk project documentation in SPEEDSCRIPT format. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- C64HDOC.ECHOMSGS C-64 hard disk messages from Fido-Net Commodore Echo. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOULREADER V4.0 Sequential file reader/printer to view most above files. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Extracted from beginning of C64HDOC.ASCII) HARD DISK DRIVE ON A C-64 PREFACE This is an explanation of one method of connecting a hard disk drive to the Commodore 64 computer using a Western Digital controller card. Obviously there are many ways in which to approach this task and each will have its merits. Since there may be a lack of compatibility with some existing software this project may be of limited value and each one should give careful consideration to the the pros and cons before investing in the project. With this disclaimer in mind, ever onward. The task of connecting a Western Digital hard disk controller to the C64 is rather simple but does require basic soldering and wiring skills. Remember that it is possible to damage the C64 and/or the controller card with improper wiring. The cost of this project is very possibly more than trivial so proceed with caution. One last time, is it worth the risk and effort? The availability of a good reference manual with the pin out of the expansion port as well as a reference for the PC bus will help to understand the following directions. Before starting with the details an overview of the controller card might be in order. A Western Digital WX1 controller was used in the prototype but the WX2 should work as well. Don't be concerned as to what BIOS ROM is on the card since it will not be used. There are several different versions of the controller cards but all should work. The controller writes 17 sectors each of 512 bytes on each track which contrasts with the 128 byte sectors on the 1541. Dependent upon the version of the controller card the drives supported can have up to 8 or 16 heads and a maximum of 1024 cylinders. The software support described later assumes a limit of 8 heads. A limit of 8 heads will allow for the attachment of a drive with a capacity of greater than 30 megabytes. Additionaly 2 drives can be attached to a controller and more than one controller could be installed offering a great amount of storage relative to a 1541 diskette. A 10 megabyte drive could possibly be a good choice since often a used one can be bought at a very reasonable price. The controller supports 19 commands for reading, writing, formating, diagnostics, and etc. With the exception of the WX1GEN card there is an eight position header which is normally used to select which drive parameters to use out of a table. The 'hard disk kernal' doesn't use these. It reads the configuration off sector zero. The FORMAT program is responsible for writing the information on the first sector. Parts list: A Western Digital WX1 or WX2 controller card. A hard disk drive compatible with the controller card. An enclosure with power supply for the hard disk drive. Cables to connect the controller to the drive. (1 34 conductor and 1 20 conductor) An edge card with .1" contact centers to plug into the expansion port. Radio Shack has one new in 1989 (276-192) which will work. One 31/62 pin pc mount edge connector with .1" centers for the controller card. (A right angle would be nice.) One 14 pin IC socket. One 74LS04 IC. One .01 uf 10 volt bypass capacitor. Some 30 gauge or so wire wrap or similar wire. Possibly a separate power supply for the controller card. It requires +5 and +12 volts. This can be obtained from the supply used for the drive. Radio Shack has a supply with +5vdc, -5vdc, and +12vdc which was originally used on a Coleco which works rather well.