Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt

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IIeBoy's picture
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Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt

Hi, can anyone suggest some alternative material I could use to replace an Apple Disk ][ Drivebelt? I've tried a rubber band to mixed success, but need something sturdier. I see one for sale online but at $20 I'm sure there's a better household option.

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Re: Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt

Hello IIeBoy,

I´ve mentioned in the other thread previously that the best option for replacement will be
drivebelt replacement from a tape recorder....
here is just a example from ebay ... don´t mention about the price ...
it´s just an example what to look for....
http://www.ebay.de/itm/27-Antriebsriemen-Tonbandgerat-Treibriemen-Gummi-Textil-/361257911601?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item541ca64531
and taken from German ebay offer

so of course its recommended to search for an offer of your
local ebay site or alternate dealing platform like craigs list
or if availiable a local hifi repair shop....

If the offer also issues details about measurement you should have a focus to
same belt width and diameter about 5mm to 6 mm less than the original belt from
the Apple II DISK II drive to ensure good fitting
otherwise such a offer like the one above will be '
rather good choice to find a fitting belt.

other example:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Aiwa-XK-S-7000-Riemen-Drive-Belt-Correa-Courroie-Cinghia-Tape-Deck-Excelia-/390965557877?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item5b075cfa75

other not that well option will be trying to mend the damaged belt
by use of flexibel superglue and small part of cutout from
bicycle inner tube fixed to the outerside of the belt at the mending place
.

sincerely speedyG

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Re: Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt

Thanks for the detailed info. I did see your other post but I was not able to determine what tape machine exactly you meant.

My main issue is that I do not have the original belt. It had already fragmented and decayed, and I believe was half eaten by a worm. (Worms like Apples as I said in another post.)

Therefore I do not know the correct measurement to search for. Do you know the circumference of the Apple belt using this method?

I've compiled a shortlist at my budget. Most are "3 inch" ZX Spectrum belts. Would any of these work? If your measurements are also 3" then we'll be in good shape!

I really want to spend less than $5 on this little bit of plastic.

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Re: Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt


Therefore I do not know the correct measurement to search for. Do you know the circumference of the Apple belt using this method?

by this method IC = 2 x 14,5 cm = 29 cm = 2 x 5,7 inch = 11,4 inch ( without deduction ! )
due to the fact that the belt is rather stiff a deduction of 10% seems fairly too much....
better deduction will be average 4% to 5 %.....

sincerely speedyG

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Re: Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt

Thanks. So it sounds like I need an 11 inch drivebelt?

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Re: Replacing DIsk ][ Drivebelt

Well, I ordered some of these to repair my Amstrad PCW 8256 drive belt which had turned to licorice:
http://goo.gl/W4YkzT

I thought they looked the same size as the Apple. 3" long, probably 6"-7" total circumference, and as they provided 2, on a whim I tried it in the Disk ][. So far it is testing well on MECC. I had to play with the drive speed screw via MECC to get it to around 299. There was some fluctuation once the drive got hotter, but on a standard cold read/write (that you would do in ordinary use) the test always passes.

So I think the answer to this age old question might be, use Amstrad/Spectrum 3" drive belts from eBay for a couple of quid/bucks/euros.

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Hi

Hi

 

Can anyone point to some options for replacing drive belts on the Disk ][ ?  Tried a spectrum +3 belt , but that was not successful.

 

Thanks

 

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Belts

Looks like there are a 2-pack of drive belt here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/APPLE-COMPUTER-DISK-II-5-25-FLOPPY-DRIVE-BANDS-QTY-OF-2/114156606710?hash=item1a944394f6:g:tCcAAOSwkMNea5Ci

 

No relation to me but I daily browse new listings and noticed that listing.  

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thellmer wrote:Looks like
thellmer wrote:

Looks like there are a 2-pack of drive belt here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/APPLE-COMPUTER-DISK-II-5-25-FLOPPY-DRIVE-BANDS-QTY-OF-2/114156606710?hash=item1a944394f6:g:tCcAAOSwkMNea5Ci

 

No relation to me but I daily browse new listings and noticed that listing.  

 

I had the company order them for me, so that I can provide measurements without tearing one off of a drive. 

 

Once I measure them, I'd be willing to sell one of the pair if you need it. 

 

TBH, none of the Disk ][ and UniDisk drives that I own, and have owned, have ever had a belt failure. 

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