Using 3.5" HD drives on CP/M systems

[Randy McLaughlin]

I have tried to get a quorum on comp.os.cpm but there are only a few with 
any opinions.

We all agree that 3.5" drives are a viable way to go.  Many prefer to never 
change from 8" drives.  I am running the SuperIO (www.imsai.net), it is a 
new Imsai card and uses a PC controller.

I have a variety of CP/M systems with a variety of storage mediums.

The point is for those of us that use 3.5" HD drives should try and come to 
a consensus for a "standardized" format.

Questions such as sector size and numbering come to mind.

With more PC's dropping 3.5" drives does that mean there will be a limit to 
new drives all together?

Are USB drives a reasonable option.

I've been using Flash ROM cards (on both my SuperIO system and coming up now 
on my eZ80 Acclaim) and I am hoping to come up with a scheme for sharing 
data with PC's.  I like Flash cards since digital cameras should help 
support continue on PC's.

I'm also looking into IDE based CD/DVD drives but they are a one way road 
since I do not believe CP/M systems will ever write them.



I am trying to build a quorum of technically minded CP/M users to try and 
develop a semi-standard and other ideas.


Randy