A&J Microdrive

From: Mike Ford <mikeford_at_socal.rr.com>
Date: Mon Dec 4 13:16:21 2000

>>The A&J Microdrive is a TS2068 peripheral, but I understand that a similar
>>drive was developed for the C64.

A&J MicroDrive, a small external box maybe 6x2x4 inches, a single DB 25
connector with just 6 pins (looking in the open end of the connector; 2, 4,
5, 6, 7, and 20), nothing for power. On the front mine says System 100 and
down in the left corner Active/Low Battery, right corner A. On the back;

A&J Micro
    Drive

1050 East Duane Avenue, Suite I
Sunnyvale, California 94086

Voice 408-732-9292
BBS 408-732-6464

Date 12-6-85
Serial NO. 010145

Four screws takes off the back, and reveals fortunately an empty and clean
carrier for 4 AA batteries (only two appear used, and those in a +1.5 and
-1.5v fashion), a simple looking circuit board, and a BSR tape mechanism.
More good news, I saw no rubber parts in the tape drive, so my guess is
find a good tape, and it still works. I didn't see anything like an ID on
the tape drive, but it is a single gap head (two wires and a shield only go
to it). The tape cartridge loads straight in the front, and the opening is
about 2.5" x 3/8" with depth less than 2" (of course it could stick out).
The only moving part is the VERY skinny (like a needle) drive pin on top of
the motor near the left side. On the side of the left front and right rear
there is a small metal "bump" spring to retain the tape, but no release or
other movement in the drive.
Received on Mon Dec 04 2000 - 13:16:21 GMT