The message 20050411130921.GA1454@debian from "Ashley T. Howes, Ph.D." lists@ashleyhowes.com contains these words:
Off topic again, but it worked so well last time (thanks Mike @ UEA) that I thought I would risk it again :)
I've got two old Amstrad PCWs. They both power on, but don't read any disks that you give them. The disks came from someone else, so they may or may not be blank :)
Par for the course.
In order for me to test these vintage computers, I need a working copy of CP/M for PCW or similar. That way, I can get them to boot into a workable state.
I shouldn't think there's anything wrong with the discs.
Does anyone have one of these? I can supply discs (Amstrad 3 inch) for you to copy onto. Once I have a working disc, I can check if these machines work or whether they are going for a trip into the skip :)
What happens is, the elastic band which spins the drive perishes, and borks.
The motor still spins, so it seems to be OK, but nothing happens on the screen.
You will find replacement belts if you google for them, or someone might know...
I'd be grateful if any such person would post the address, or I might have to move my - er - self and do a bit of googling myself.
Then I will have a working PCW innit.
Oh, you'll need a very long Philips-type turnscrew to get the case apart - there are a couple of screws between the base and the body.