[SOLVED] IMI, 5012H 10 MB ST-506 MFM 3.25 inch HDD - USB to Windows 10 PC Interface?

[Smart Neuron]

Hi all -

I have a International Memories Incorporated, 5012H 10 MB ST-506 MFM 3.25 inch HDD in superb visual condition.
The HDD dates back to November, 1984 and was used in the original IBM XT.

Now how can I easily interface it via USB [or PCI] to my Windows 10 PC?
Does a special interface and software even exist in order to do that?

I can use an ATX Power Supply for power, if required.

Just a thought...

TIA

 

[USAFRet]

37 year old 10MB MFM drive.

Is there some life critical data on this?
Or is this just an experiment to get it running?

(and yes, I had a couple of similar ones)

 

[USAFRet]

Unless you already have the cabling and hardware, this is neither cheap nor easy.
It is a fundamentally different interface.

http://nerdlypleasures.blogspot.com/2016/05/working-with-st-506-interface-mfm-hard.html
https://hackaday.com/2018/10/10/recovering-data-from-a-vintage-mfm-drive/
http://philipstorr.id.au/pcbook/book4/hdinter.htm

 

[Smart Neuron]

Haha!

Yes, it is just an experiment to see if it can be done.
I can get it to spin up with the ATX Power Supply. LED works fine.

Thought it would be fun to R/W data from it if the HDD is still good.

Cool relic, though! 10MB! Pristine condition - museum quality.

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

Spin is one thing.
Read/Write is altogether different.

10MB = a single jpg from a current camera or phone.

 

[Smart Neuron]

10MB = a single jpg from a current camera or phone.

If that much, lol!

 

[popatim]

You can't directly access it from any modern PC afaik.
I believe you'll need an old PC , running Dos or 95/98, that has ISA slots and a matching controller card (st-412 might work if you cant find a 506?)
And this is all assuming that the data on it hasn't degraded in the past 30/40 yrs since last being used.

 

[Smart Neuron]

@popatim -

Thanks for the reply. I just thought that with so many old rives out there and quickly declining, there would be a easier way to keep the technology alive.
Even for just historical purposes. At least I know that I grew up with this and have seen al the technological changes. That humbles me.

Cheers!