3.5" Disk Drive

Captain

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So...my plane updates the FMS database with these new high tech 3.5" floppy disks. I don't know why they call them floppy disks as they're hard plastic with a piece of metal that slides when inserted to expose the real floppy disk inside.

Here's my problem...

The plane has a disk reader installed in it. But to get the data ONTO the disks in the first place you need an external 3.5" drive the connects to your computer via USB. I've been to and called around and BestBuy and Staples actually laugh at me when I ask if they carry it. RadioShack didn't know what I was talking about.

I guess the technology is just too new.

Anybody have an idea where I can drive and pick one up today? Ordering one isn't an option. Thanks.
 
I remember those. We used them in the old apple computers when I was a kid. They came after the green screen computers. Have you tried an antique store?
 
Do you have a Fry's Electronics or MicroCenter where you live? Both probably stock external floppy drives.
 
Captain said:
So...my plane updates the FMS database with these new high tech 3.5" floppy disks. I don't know why they call them floppy disks as they're hard plastic with a piece of metal that slides when inserted to expose the real floppy disk inside.

Here's my problem...

The plane has a disk reader installed in it. But to get the data ONTO the disks in the first place you need an external 3.5" drive the connects to your computer via USB. I've been to and called around and BestBuy and Staples actually laugh at me when I ask if they carry it. RadioShack didn't know what I was talking about.

I guess the technology is just too new.

Anybody have an idea where I can drive and pick one up today? Ordering one isn't an option. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Put one of these in that time machine! (If that isn't the right one we can find it.)

http://www.rockwellcollins.com/~/me...etins Rev1/BRS/MBDBU5000-5010E BRS110091.aspx
 
cassette-adapter-small.jpg
 
DJTorrente said:
I gotta ask... precisely what is a TSO'd USB port selling for these days? And does the certified (certifiable?) avionics technician require an STC or 337 for its installation? :rolleyes2:
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The data loader is more than just a USB port.

To answer your question, depends on what its supposed to do, what its connected to, what class of aircraft its going in etc. Too many variables.
 
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Captain said:
Anybody have an idea where I can drive and pick one up today? Ordering one isn't an option. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have one i haven't used in several years, if you really need it, you can borrow, or buy it. Don't care which.
 
If you need a supply of disks, I found a box of them at work the other day. They were buried in a supply drawer. I guess IT didn't want anyone to find them until they had those new-fangled drives installed on all the computers.
 
I don't have an operational computer at home that uses 3.5 inch floppies anymore. Now, I do have an old XT clone in the closet that worked the last time I powered it up (years ago) that has a pair of 5.25 inch drives. :D And to think, a factor that drove the selection of my first digital camera was that it used 3.5 inch discs as its mass storage. :D:D
 
DJTorrente said:
I gotta ask... precisely what is a TSO'd USB port selling for these days? And does the certified (certifiable?) avionics technician require an STC or 337 for its installation? :rolleyes2:
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I hear its $9K to upgrade. Its an STC.
 
Geez......
it is 2014...

You would figure all updates would be loaded on 30 dollar SD cards...:dunno::confused:
 
All my updates for my GPS are done using laser disk
 
That's a tough one. Radio shack doesn't list anything close.
 
If it's a desktop computer, give me your address and I'll send you one out of my parts pile gratis.

For a laptop, I got nuthin.
 
teejayevans said:
Speaking of old tech, why don't VORs just use synthetic voice instead of morse code?
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My closest VOR does actually use a synthetic voice.
It is rude though

Here is a recording of it attached.
 

Attachments

BTW, the guy who owns the plane owns 5 of them so at $9K each I sorta see why he'd rather I keep trying to keep the 3.5" disk thing working. $50K buys a lot of floppy disks...
 
Captain said:
BTW, the guy who owns the plane owns 5 of them so at $9K each I sorta see why he'd rather I keep trying to keep the 3.5" disk thing working. $50K buys a lot of floppy disks...
Click to expand...

<Now available at Fleet Pricing!!>
 
teejayevans said:
Speaking of old tech, why don't VORs just use synthetic voice instead of morse code?
Click to expand...

TIC: Because its cheaper for the government to let airmen and operators buy technology (state of the art, patented in 1982) that decode the morse code for them if they haven't committed it to memory.

Realpolitik: That might be useful, but the FAA isn't about to do anything to VOR stations except bury them where they die.
 
Captain said:
BTW, the guy who owns the plane owns 5 of them so at $9K each I sorta see why he'd rather I keep trying to keep the 3.5" disk thing working. $50K buys a lot of floppy disks...
Click to expand...

What happens when the data file won't fit on one disk (1.44 MB)? Can the OS handle multiples?
 
I have one of those. In 2001 I bought a Sony digital camera that used 3 1/2" disks as the recording medium. I have a bunch of photos I'm going to transfer someday ( :rolleyes: ), and when it became apparent the floppy was destined for the dustbin of history I bought the external drive.

SonyMVC-FD91-Front-M.jpg
 
Captain said:
So...my plane updates the FMS database with these new high tech 3.5" floppy disks. I don't know why they call them floppy disks as they're hard plastic with a piece of metal that slides when inserted to expose the real floppy disk inside.

Here's my problem...

The plane has a disk reader installed in it. But to get the data ONTO the disks in the first place you need an external 3.5" drive the connects to your computer via USB. I've been to and called around and BestBuy and Staples actually laugh at me when I ask if they carry it. RadioShack didn't know what I was talking about.

I guess the technology is just too new.

Anybody have an idea where I can drive and pick one up today? Ordering one isn't an option. Thanks.
Click to expand...


I had a long sit in a largish city and hoping someone knew where I could get one.
 
PFFT... Mine's bigger than yours ...

If you run out of options- drop me a PM - you pay shipping and we can dig up an old 3.5" drive..

7953730.jpg
 
I sold an old 8" floppy drive on ebay not that long ago.

brian];1631197 said:
PFFT... Mine's bigger than yours ...

If you run out of options- drop me a PM - you pay shipping and we can dig up an old 3.5" drive..

7953730.jpg
Click to expand...
 
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