Description
This custom-built power adapter is designed to provide power to most 8-inch floppy drives, which use a 6-pin AMP Mate-N-Lok connector. The adapter ensures compatibility with a wide range of vintage floppy drives by offering multiple voltage outputs.
Connector Details
- Drive Side: Standard 6-pin AMP Mate-N-Lok connector, used by most 8-inch floppy drives.
- Power Input Side: A small PCB featuring three 5.5mm x 2.5mm barrel connectors for flexible power delivery.
Voltage Details
- +5V – Standard logic power
- -5V – Some drives require this for proper operation, such as the Shugart SA-800 series and certain Mitsubishi M2896 variants
- +24V – Used for stepper and spindle motor operation in many 8-inch drives
- Note: This adapter does not provide 120V or 240V AC, which some drives require for spindle motor operation.
This adapter simplifies powering 8″ floppy drives, making it easier to integrate them into modern setups or projects. Not included are the needed power supplies. The power input jacks are 5.5mm outer diameter with a 2.5mm inner diameter pin. Most drives will require at least a 5VDC and a 24VDC power supply. For example, the Shugart SA-800 calls for 24V/1.3 amp, 5V/1 amp & -5V/0.05amp. In this example, I would recommend at least a 2 amp supply for the 24V line, and 1.5 amp supply for the 5V. The -5V volt supply could be very small, 0.1 amp or 100ma would be fine. Each power input is center positive, including the -5V line. You only need a standard positive supply for the -5V input. It is wired in reverse on the board to make connection easier.
Each drive will vary, so be sure to look for the datasheet for your model to verify the proper current.
Floppy Disk Drives 8″ retrocmp / retro computing
