Installing a second floppy drive in an Amiga 2000, 3000 or 4000

Two floppy drives in an Amiga

This may seem straightforward, but can be tricky. The Amiga 2000, 3000 and 4000 have room for two floppy drives, and the power supply has two connectors.

The problem

Each floppy drive needs a different ID to avoid a conflict, as both share the same ribbon cable. This is why sellers used to ask whether a replacement was for DF0 or DF1.

The solution

Either set a different ID on each drive, or modify the ribbon cable to route the signals correctly. Modern drives may lack configuration jumpers and require dismantling and soldering.

1) Changing the drive IDs

If the drives have configuration jumpers, set one to D0 or DS0 and the other to D1 or DS1.

If the ID cannot be set this way, the drive must be dismantled. The procedure varies considerably between models, so this guide only describes the principle.

2) Modifying the ribbon cable

If the cable is damaged or has only two connectors, replace it with a standard PC floppy cable. Check that all connector holes are open and that none is blocked.

The first connector goes to the motherboard and is left unchanged. The second is for DF0 and is wired straight through. The third is for DF1; wires 4–6 and 10–12 need to be twisted.

Twisting wires 4–6 allows both drives to be set to unit 0. This twist is optional if the second drive is set to unit 1, but the drives can then no longer be swapped between the cable connectors.

3) Motherboard settings

Amiga 2000

If the second drive (DF1) is a DD drive (720/880 KB), fit a jumper at J301 or it will not be recognised.

Amiga 3000 / 3000T

The guide specifies a jumper at J351 (pins 1–2) for drive detection. Use the position shown for your drive configuration below.

Amiga 4000

Set the jumper at J351 for the drive configuration shown below.

4) Finishing

Fold the ribbon cable so it follows the least obstructive route.

The result: no loose cables.

And a fully equipped front panel.

Written by Sébastien LIGEZ - 18 February 2007