I ended up with both HP 9122C and 9122D (dual floppy drive) units. Both are recognized by my 8753 network analyzer (up to the point that setting incorrect GPIB address and setting incorrect disc/volume number has the expected error message results), all four drives make familiar sounds during power-up and normal operation, however, only one of the drives (in the 9122C) can read a diskette (list files on the media), and none can write or initialize diskettes. I am uncertain whether the onboard controllers are fully functional, but both appear complete and physically undamaged.
My question is this - can a contemporary (i.e., a 3-1/2" 1.4MB floppy drive) be adapted for use in either of these units? The 9122C uses a single (0.05" pitch) ribbon cable between the drives and the controller board; the 9122D has a somewhat narrower (0.05" pitch) ribbon cable and a 4-pin power connector. None of the connectors are identical to those used in contemporary floppy drives. I haven't looked for/at service documentation (yet). My last exposure to floppy drive equipment (at engineering, hardware and firmware level) was in the mid-late 1970s (!), so I'd not be adverse to a modest engineering project if there's a sign that this sort of thing has been successfully attempted in the past.
My other question - do you happen to have any drives (of either type) you'd be willing to part with?
Thanks,
Dave
