Is it possible to built an Panasonic CF-VFDU03 external floppydrive

I am looking for an external Panasonic CF-VFDU03 USB floppy drive. It seems that these things are very hard to get in The Netherlands/Germany.

Did anybody try to make some like this by themselves , like using a random 3.5 inch drive, an USB connector or so ?

OR do you know a re-seller in Europe who sells these drives ? I need one for my CF-M34 project. I have 1 CF-M34 mk1 (300Mhz) + the docking station , 2x mk2 (400Mhz) and 1x mk3 (700Mhz)

 

Why not use this one ..sony
sorry picture will not load...NBR must be having problems, will not load any pictures

 

Can you post the type-number of that Sony diskdrive ? Does it work with a CF-M34 mk2 ?

 

I need it to install a new OS, so the USB diskdrive has to be bootable. MAny USB drives are good for file-transfer but do NOT boot on a CF-M34 mk2, so it seems that the CF-M34 is a bit picky concerning USB diskdrives.....

 

I used it a while ago on a toughbook...not sure which one but used it to update the bios. when I get home I will check the model number....will be on my cel for the next 5 hours

 

The TEAC FD-05PUB floppy drive, and the TEAC CD-210PU CDROM drive.

Cut and past from a old article. These if I remember right are the base model that Panasonic used and just re-branded for there use. I have both and home and have only used the floppy so far. Still got a few things to get out of the way before I head back to work on the CF-17/M34.

 

I use the PORT NW24XCD it is PCMCIA external CD-Rom and it has saved my -ss many times... never had a laptop not recognize it.

Found one on eBay

Port NW24XCD External CD ROM Drive 24X | eBay

Peace

 

Just a quick thought, MasterBlaster.

(it seems like you are attempting to install Windows 98 on those M-34s. I may be wrong though so feel free to correct me. )

If possible, remove each CF-M34`s HD and connect each unit to your desktop via some sort of USB to 2.5" IDE adapter, format each of them to FAT32 or FAT16 partitions. Then Google ( or whatever favorite search engine you prefer ) "preload Windows 98 hard drive install" or " Windows 98 no cd hard drive install" or some similar key word search. Basically, you will be using your desktop to format, prepare, transfer each of those M34 hard drives for a Cd-less/Floppy-less installation. In addition to a desktop/Laptop with working CD/DVD rom drive and the aforementioned USB-2.5" adapter, you will need valid copy of Windows 98 with valid license key, obviously.

The main goal is prepping each M34 harddrive with FAT/FAT32 partition, then copying the Win98 Install files and folders from the valid Windows 98 Installation CD on said harddrives, as well as the necessary boot files for the process ( it has been sooo long since I have done this, just search online as I suggested, or wait for another forum member who might give you the proper steps ). Once all drives have been prepared with the necessary boot and instal files/folders, then re-insert them back into the M34s and Boot from the hard drive, after typing a "DOS"-like command or two. Windows 98 should begin to self install from the "source" folder you installed on each M34 hard drive.

Again, I apologize if I cannot give you the step by step guide, as it has been yeaaarrssss since I last played with Windows 98. Obviously, having the right compatible floppy/CD drive would make this a snap, but at least this is another option if you cannot get a hold of said drives in your neck of the woods. Hope this helps you in some way.

 

master..ter, based on your sig. You do have CF-28. You can install Win98 on one of the CF-28 and then install it on M34. Simple as that and during the installation it will look for some drivers for cf-28. Just ignore those until the installation is complete.

Then when it is on the M34 install all the necessary driver for M34 of which mark you do have.

ohlip