SHP Forums

Collector wrote: ↑Tue Sep 11, 2018 8:40 pm There is a list of compatible drives on their forums. The link is above. If you get the controller and you already have a drive you might as well try it. See if you can get some decent images.

I need to get a 5.25" drive (unless one of my ancient computers in storage has it - but I don't think the two I have in there have a 5.25" drive). I have another computer in my garage, but I don't think that one has a 5.25" drive.

I'd also need a way to power the 5.25" drive right? Just connecting it to the Kyroflux isn't enough?

Look at the data preservation thread. The ITX case I used had a power supply in it. It provides the power to both 5.25" and 3.5" drives. It could power the KyroFlux, too since it has a Molex connector, but mine just runs off of the USB bus from my workstation. Take another look at that thread if you are contemplating putting a KyroFlux together.

Also, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... acat=58058

Collector wrote: ↑Tue Sep 11, 2018 10:20 pm Also, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... acat=58058

Yeah. That's where I looked - and... most of them are 50 bucks and upward for a 5.25" drive... which is insane.

The one I have in the garage has a DVD and a CD player... and... 3.5" drive. -sigh-

There's two in the storage unit in the backyard - one I know does not have a 5.25" drive (or any form of floppy drive). I have a second system in there, but for the life of me can't remember which one. But I am not hopeful that it has a 5.25" drive. The last machine that had a 5.25" that I remember owning was my 486DX that I used for a BBS - and I got rid of it when I lost the house in Mission Valley about 10 years ago.

Perhaps a thrift store might have an old 486 dino cheap. It could be cannibalized for the drive.

As I suspected, the two computers in the shed (which have been in there for like 10 years now), did not have 5.25" drives...

But I figured I'd share the photos... so you can see what happens when spiders move in...

Yep. Spiders and PCs are not friends. But to look on the bright side, Tawm, you're not alone.

***WARNING: the following is not something that should be viewed or read while drunk***

Here are some other PCs that clapped out due to the invasion of the critters (all links courtesy of The Register, a British online tech mag):

Is this the world's dirtiest PC? (6 Nov 2009)
Dirty, dirty PCs: The X-rated picture guide (13 Nov 2009)
Dirty PCs: How much filth can you take? (8 Nov 2010)
Bring out your dead! Reg readers reveal filthy, filthy PCs... (1 Feb 2013)
Computers shouldn't smoke: cigarettes aren't healthy for anyone (23 March 2016)

*shudder* The horror, the horror!

Seriously, though, some compressed air should be a good start to get those computer up and running again (presuming that they can still run, that is). That stuff does wonders for all the crumbs, threads, little hairs and whatnot that falls into the cracks in keyboards.

I'll never forget one of the first hardware fixes I did. First permanent job I had (rather than contracts or temping). Boss called me into her office one morning because the keys on her keyboard kept sticking. (I couldn't turn the keyboard upside down and shake it - another solution - because this was a laptop, and she wouldn't let me touch her laptop). So I took a close look and said: "A can of compressed air should do the trick."

She gave me a very, very dubious look but also five bucks to go to the local computer shop and get a can. I got one, pulled out the nozzle, sprayed the keyboard and hey presto - crumbs and hairs from probably years flew out on her nice, clean desk. I got a dust brush and mop and cleaned it all up, then asked her to try. Worked like a charm! She "You're a miracle worker! I could kiss you!"

I said "You're welcome" and retreated back to my desk as quickly and decently as I could...