Floppy Drive Upgrade to USB Drive - Standard 3.5 inch
A very Easy Floppy to USB Upgrade
Fdd To Usb Converter File
The 'Floppy to USB' device is a device used to eliminate floppy disks and floppy drives. The 'Floppy to USB' device will replace your current floppy drive with a USB reader that emulates a Floppy Disk Drive. The 'Floppy to USB' device is easy to install and does not require any drivers or software. Our 3 ½ floppy disk drive to USB flash drive reader converter will replace your existing floppy drive with an independently operated USB flash drive reader. No additional changes to your system are needed besides removing the existing drive and replacing it with this drive.
Eliminate your need for 3 ½ floppies with this 3 ½ floppy-to-USB disk drive!
Our 3 ½ floppy disk drive to USB flash drive reader converter will replace your existing floppy drive with an independently operated USB flash drive reader. No additional changes to your system are needed besides removing the existing drive and replacing it with this drive.
Plug and Play. Easy installation and no system configuration or debugging required.
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW
If you do not know what type to order from the Upgrade Chart, then please review our 'Floppy To USB Floppy drive code guide' which will give you the USB code # to order.
Product introduction
Undoubtedly, the floppy drive will soon be eliminated due to its small storage space, short
lifetime and fragility along with the fast development and popularization of USB Flash drives For most
industrial computerized devices which are still equipped with floppy drives as the only or main data
imputing device, the most effective method to continue its life span is to convert it to a USB Flash drive
reader or use network data transferring. PLRElectronics brings you a USB Simulating Floppy Drive which
offers a solution to companies with equipment needing the floppy drive upgrade. Just Install a SFDR to
replace the original floppy drive in its existing location using the systems original hardware. You will
then be able to store and transfer data using a USB Flash drive or directly by network.
1.1 About the SFDR
PLRElectronics SFDR is designed for replacing original floppy drives in computers and most all
kinds of all devices which use floppies, while still using the original wires and space. The device is easy
to install and does not require any modifications or changes on your existing device. While using USB
flash drive as the data transfer device and storage media, you can take advantage of mass storage, easy
reading and writing operations, permanent data storage, and avoiding using easily damageable floppy
drives and floppy disks.
There are 3 generations of SFDR: SFDR-I, SFDR-II, and SFDR-III.
The advantage of the SFDR-II is that it is adaptable to a file chooser while will allow more files to
be stored onto the USB flash drive. It will also allow files to be saved into multiple directories
which can be selected with the file chooser device
The SFDR-III is a half dimension height for some special model machine.
1.2 Function & Features
1.) Powerful: It is designed to replace traditional floppy drive equipped on all types of device,
enabling the transfer of data from a USB flash drive or via a network system to ensure a more
convenient and efficient data storage and transferring drive
2.) Application: Suitable for all kinds of devices which are equipped with floppy drives. For
example: computers, digital machinery tools, CNC, embroidery machine, computerized knitting
machines, quilting machines, test equipment, sound equipment and instruments, copiers, etc.
3.) Simple installation: Install the SFDR in the existing location of the original floppy drive. It’s
simple, easy, and fast.
4.) Convenience: Insert the USB flash drive into the SFDR to read data to the device through the
original floppy drive connection cable.
5.) Advanced management: Both USB and network port are available for stand alone or multidevice
network data transferring. The choice of USB or Network provides the best quality price product
for your future upgrades.
6.) Higher efficiency and Reliability: The SFDR works stable with higher efficiency and it’s safer and more
reliable than a floppy drive. It also helps avoid lost data due to damaged floppy disks, reduces
production cost and increase production efficiency
To install your 3 ½ floppy to USB Flash Reader, with the device powered off and unplugged,
simply remove the existing drive from its existing cradle. Disconnect existing ribbon cable and power
cable from existing drive. Reattach existing power cable and ribbon cable to the USB Flash Reader.
Insert USB Flash Reader into existing 3 ½ floppy cradle and reattach all hardware. You device is now
ready to use. If any existing configuration is required on your system, please use all standard settings
for a 3 ½ floppy drive as detailed in your devices user manual.
Usage Instructions
Description
1.) SFDR-I: Uses the USB flash drive storage capacity as per the equipment’s identifiable floppy drive
capacity: 1.44M/1.2M/720KB. Capability of being used as the system startup disk. USB flash drive plugand-play.
Uses the same functions of reading floppy disks from devices standard control system to read
the USB flash drive.
2.) SFDR-II (SFDR-I + File Chooser) Using the file chooser device in conjunction with the SFDR-I will give
the ability to choose any file folder inside the USB flash drive, the maximum size of each file folder is
equal to the original floppy disks storage capacity. The capacity of each file folder cannot exceed the
original storage size of the floppy drive which is identified by the equipment’s computer system (1.44MB
/ 1.2MB / 720KB). Files beyond this size cannot be identified by the SFDR. The function of the chooser is
to be able to choose any file folders inside the USB flash drive without limitation on the total file size.
3.) The letter on SFDR type label represents the different floppy drive model. We request that you
inform us on the original floppy drive type when placing an order to avoid mismatching the drive type.
For example:
SFDR-I-I--------------Universal IBM type
SFDR-I-A-------------YD-6639D, TEAC235FG
SFDR-I-B-------------NEC 1137C
SFDR-I-C-------------YD-6037D
3.1 Reading, Writing, and Formatting functions of the SFDR
Reading Function of SFDR:
1.) FAT (FAT, FAT32, OR FAT16) format is recommended for use with the USB flash drive. If there are
any errors when using the USB flash drive on the SFDR for the first time, it is suggested to format it on a
separate computer system and set file system parameter into FAT (FAT, FAT32, AND FAT16).
2.) Insert the USB flash drive into the SFDR’s USB port. Files inside the USB stick are loaded into the SFDR
automatically when read light of the SFDR is on. Do not remove the USB flash drive during the loading
process.
3.) You may remove the USB flash drive once the read light is off. The SFDR will retain the loaded files
inside its memory even once the drive is removed.
Writing Function of SFDR:
1.) To write any files from the device to the SFDR’s memory, you may use the standard copy, remove,
edit, save, delete, etc functions as supported by your device’s operating system.
2.) After the data is written to the SFDR, the green light of the SFDR will go off. The read light will also
turn off in the case that the USB flash drive is not inserted into SFDR. Otherwise, the read light will
remain on until the writing process is completed.
3.) The SFDR distinguishes files which have been written into its memory as per the defined memory
capacity of the floppy drive setting on the device. When more files are needed be sure the size of each
file combined isn’t bigger than the total memory capacity of floppy drive setting. In the event that the
total size of those files is bigger than the floppy drive’s set size, memory space should be released by
deleting existing files.
Note:
1.) When writing files to the USB flash drive, file with the same name will replace the previous one.
P a g e | 9 3 ½ Floppy to USB Flash Reader Manual – PLRElectronics
2.) The SFDR will start writing files to USB flash drive 5 seconds after the green light is off. During the
writing process errors such as “Floppy drive is not ready” may appear. In this event just wait until the
read light of the SFDR is off and continue operating the device once the error disappears.
3.) Do not remove the USB flash drive during the writing process in order to avoid damaging the USB file
system or the USB flash drive.
Formatting Function:
1.) Formatting the SFDR on the device will set the file system parameter to the FAT format, all other
parameter are set default by the system.
2.) When formatting the SFDR, all files inside the USB flash drive will be deleted.
3.2 Making a DOS startup disk with the SFDR
Application:
DOS startup disk can be made when it is required to startup or boot the computer controlled
equipment, with a disk. The process is as follows:
1.) Format the USB flash drive to the FAT format.
2.) Connect the SFDR to a computer which is able to format a startup floppy disk.
3.) Insert the USB flash drive into the SFDR, and format the SFDR as a startup disk.
4.) After formatting, wait until the files of the SFDR are written onto USB flash drive.
5.) Once the Read light of the SFDR is off, the files have been written into USB disk which is now able to
work as a startup disk.
6.) You may now install the SFDR in to the device
Note:
1.) The startup USB flash disk can only be used for startup with the SFDR.
2.) If here are any other files to be attached with the startup disk, copy them to the USB flash drive
directly. The total size of the file shouldn’t be any bigger than the specified size of a floppy disk.
3.) Insert the startup USB flash drive into SFDR as a startup disk when booting the device.
3.3 Installing programs by a SFDR
1.) Format the USB flash drive and set the file system parameter to FAT (FAT, FAT32, FAT16).
2.) Copy all of the files from the floppy disk onto the root of the USB flash drive. If there is only one disk
of the installation, insert the USB flash drive into SFDR and start the installation process.
3.) The SFDR file chooser is required in the event that there are more than one installation dis. The
process is as follows:
a.) Create folders under the root of USB flash drive as per the number of installation floppy disk.
It is suggested to use the same folder names as per the original installation disks.
b.) Copy all files of the installation disks into the USB flash drive’s folder accordingly; hidden files
should also be copied if applicable.
c.) Insert the USB flash drive into the SFDR and choose the first installation disk folder using the
chooser device. Copy all of files onto the SFDR.
d.) When prompted for the next disk of the installation, use the chooser to select the next
directory corresponding to the next disk.
e.) Repeat the process until installation is done.
Note:
1.) Do not copy any other folders or files onto the USB flash driver if they are not necessary for the
installation process.
2.) Be sure to check if there are any hidden files and copy them onto USB flash drive as well.
Get rid of floppies. Use Pen drives in place of floppies on your machines!
Replace your legacy Floppy disk drive with our Converter!
Use USB Pen Drive instead of vulnerable . diskettes!
You can store data of up to 100 floppies on one Pen drive!
With the rapid growth and advancement of USB technology, especially USB storage devices, traditional and mind bothering floppy drives are gradually being moved out of usage.Several old machines and devices are still dependent on old floppy drives as the only way of inputting the data for processing. To mention few of these are Robots and Machines used for knitting, laser-cutting devices, weaving, embroidery, musical keyboards, milling, CNC and injection molding are still getting their source by the use of so called vulnerable floppies. Adding to the vow of industrial users in addition to the waste of financial resources a lot of precious time is being wasted in inputting data in the machines.
With the rapid change in USB technology the goods news for users is that:
No more waste of time and precious resources as you will never require floppies ever again. With the use of our emulator you will have a secure and guaranteed long term reliable solution to your problem of transferring data to your industrial machines.
Few of the worries with old Floppy Disks:
- Non availability at IT retail stores.
- Gets damaged by
- when placed in the range of apparatus generating Magnetic effects like Phones, Stabilizers etc
- Dusty places and other adverse climatic conditions
- Gets weared out Mechanically
- Out of 10 out of box 7 gets damaged on 1st use
- Capacity is very low.
Features of our Magic Box :
- Against every one floppy disk drive users need one Simulator. The unit has been designed in such a way that all the connections are same ( data and power ), so no customization needs to be performed while swapping the unit.
- The USB Pen Drive USB when inserted in the USB Floppy Emulator replaces 100 floppies at a time.
- This USB converter and Pen drives are almost resistant rather immune to effects created from magnetic field, dusty environment or shocks.
- A simple software provided at free of cost to format a USB Pen drive into 100 blocks of 1.44/1.2/720 kb capacity each or as per user requirements.
This USB Floppy Converter is a boon for all users working on all devices that currently using old floppy. disk drives to transfer data.
| Ports, buttons and display of the Floppy to USB (Original Colour of the product may differ ) |
This USB as floppy gives a new life to your old machines as it takes over the place of substitutes the old legacy floppy disk drive!
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Types of available Interface for Floppy to usb
1.) 34 Pin Standard FDD Interface - These version of floppy drive to usb are with standard FDD height and are available in 1.44 MB , 720 KB Double Density and 1.2 MB format versions
2.) 26 Pin Ziff Type FDD Interface - These versions of floppy to usb are with Half height or slim version which are available in 1.44 MB and 1.2 MB format versions
3.) USB Port Floppy Emulator - These 1.44 MB versions of usb as floppy are for new generation computers and laptops which do not come with standard 34 pin FDD Interface. These act as a USB Floppy drive for these machines when plugged on the USB port.
Specifications
| Floppy Drive to USB | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface |
| ||
| Compatibility |
| ||
| Diagnostics LEDs | Busy-Green | ||
| Display | Two-digit, 7 segment display to display current virtual . block | ||
| Voltage supply | 5 V DC (ranges 4.5 5.5 V DC) 4pin voltage socket for 3.5' drive | ||
| Casing | Smoke Grey/Black Plastic case | ||
| Frame size | 3.5 inches and Half Height /Slim versions | ||
| Measurements W/H/D | approximately 100 mm - 25 mm -122 mm | ||
| Temperature range | 0 to 65 C | ||
| Relative humidity | 5% to 90% ( non-condensing) | ||
| Scope of supply | Floppy Disk to usb Converter (Connect like a legacy 3.5' . drive) | ||
| Switches on Front Panel | Left- 10-90 , Right- 00-09 | ||
| Price Per Unit | US $55 to $180 ( based on different Model ) |
From last so many years the floppy disk and the slow RS232 serial communication was the unique means to transfer data from a computer to system. These days the floppy discs are phasing out and are very hard to find in computers and are rarely seen on any shops. So in different countries like UK & USA vendors are providing replacements of floppy drives. But, what will happen if a very expensive industrial machines is stalled for just because that there is no floppy drive compatible to your machine in the market to replace the defective floppy disk drive. We definitely hope that users will not be with the mind to store hundreds of them to keep the machine running?
Fdd To Usb Converter Adapter
Now there is no need to worry, as almost everyone has and alternative which will allows to convert floppy to usb on almost any industrial machine or old computer currently working on floppy drive. The best thing is that there is no need to change or upgrade any software or any wiring circuit so as to upgrade the old machines to use USB as floppy. You only need to swap the floppy to usb by replacing the old floppy drive with this usb as floppy. There are no tedious steps involved in it , and no engineering level experience required to use the floppy to usb. Just disconnect the old floppy drive and change with the new floppy disk to usb and that's all! After swapping the floppy drive with floppy disk to usb your machine will now be able to run for another many more years without any worries of floppy drive and you will be able to use usb as floppy.
How floppy drive to usb works?Fdd To Usb Converter
The floppy to usb gets itself installed on the standard 34 pin or 26 pin Ziff type interface of machine and fools the machines as if it was still connected with a floppy drive. When the machine tries to read or write or try to perform any action of floppy disk drive, it sends a signal to floppy drive to usb which is connected on the FDD channel. Here the magic of floppy drive to usb starts. It reads the USB pen drive connected and then emulates the data to be processed as a floppy drive thereby treating usb as floppy, thereby transferring the data to the machine/device/equipment in the same way that is used by standard floppy drives. In simple words, your equipment will never come to know that the information it was trying to get actually came from a USB flash drive.
Embroidery machines like Tajima, Melco, SWF, Lasser , Saurer , Happy , Barudan and Brother can easily be configured to read from USB Flash drives using these easy to install floppy to usb.
Boot Usb Fdd
Just for the compatibility issues there are 2 different dimensions of floppy disk to usb available with us. One is the standard 34 pin full height interface version of floppy to usb which comes with 3 different format versions i.e 1.44mb , 720 kb double density and 1.2 mb formats. The second type of floppy drive to usb is with 26 pin Ziff type interface with half height slim version which comes is 1.44 , 720 kb double density versions.