CMD FD-2000

• Amazing 1.6 MB High Density Mode plus two 800K Double Density Modes (Native and 1581-compatible) 
• 20% faster than a 1581 on a stock computer and up to 1500% faster on JiffyDOS equipped systems 
• Emulate multiple 1541/71/81 disks for compatibility or use Native Mode partitions for greater flexibility 
• True Subdirectory support in Native partitions 
• DIP-Switch configurable as device number 8 through 15 
• Front panel SWAP button for instant device 8 or 9 selection 
• Optional Real-Time Clock (RTC) stamps time and date on files and automatically sets GEOS clock 
• Innovative compact design (7-5/8"L x 4-3/4"W x 2-3/8"H) 

CMD's FD-2000 3.5" Floppy Drives

Commodore 64 and 128 users soar to new heights with CMD's FD Series disk drives. CMD offers an amazing 1.6 MB alternative at an attractive price. FD Series drives offer users far better compatibility than even Commodore's own 1581 drive, an easy-to-use operating system, and all of the utilities anyone could possibly dream of to run and maintain this powerful new device. Fast, compact and reliable, the FD-2000 is great for virtually any application! 

Capacity and Formatting

The FD-2000 is compatible with Double-Density disks (800K) in both CMD and 1581 formats, and High Density disks (1.6 MB) commonly used at 1.44 MB on other computer platforms. Note that due to a more efficient formatting method, the FD-2000 provides a higher capacity than the same disk formatted on an IBM compatible or Macintosh computer. 

 

FD Series drives are capable of reading and writing three basic formats: 1581 (800K), CMD (800K, 1.6 MB) and MS-DOS (720K, 1.44 MB). The first format, 1581, is rather obvious -- FD's can read and write standard 1581 disks, making it an ideal replacement for 1581 drives. 

 

FD -2000 drives can also format disks in 720K, 1.44 MB, and 2.88 MB for use on MS-DOS machines through the use of SOGWAP's Big Blue Reader. With the ability to read and write MS-DOS disks, the FD is ideal for sharing files between Commodore and MS-DOS computers. (The Big Blue Reader is available from CMD as a separate product.) 

CMD FD Partitioning 

 

The FD utilizes the same powerful operating system found in CMD's HD Series hard drives and RAMLink. This unique and powerful DOS allows you to create multiple 1541, 1571 and 1581 emulation mode partitions which insure the highest levels of compatibility with existing commercial 64 and 128 software. Each of these partitions identically maps the track and sector layout and BAM placement of the disk drive being emulated. This means that most software which was written to run, for example, on a 1541, can run in a 1541 emulation mode partition on the FD-2000. 

 

In addition, there are also Native Mode partitions. Although not quite as compatible as emulation mode partitions, Native Mode partitions work well with most software, and can be as large as the capacity of the disk (800K, or 1.6 MB). You may also use MS-DOS style subdirectories to organize your data within these often large partitions. Native Mode partitions are ideal for storing large amounts of data or graphics. 

 

But don't let all of this talk about partitions scare you; partitions are easily created, deleted, and manipulated through FD-TOOLS; an easy-to-use utility developed specifically for the FD and the novice computer user. Partitions are merely a way to organize larger amounts of data. Simply think of a partition as being a piece of pie -- a smaller more manageable portion of a larger object. 

Compatibility & Reliability

The FD is the most compatible 3.5" disk drive ever developed for Commodore computers. Why? Because of CMD's operating system. As you can see in the previous paragraphs, the FD has the flexibility of emulating Commodore's own 5.25" disks, and as a result, some software written to run only on these disk formats can run on the FD - but not on Commodore's own 1581. FD's are also great for use with GEOS, and with geoMakeBoot (see the GEOS products section) you can even boot GEOS directly from the FD. 

 

FD's have also proven far more reliable than the old 1581 drives, due to the use of a modern disk controller chip and CMD's time-tested advanced operating system. Additionally, FD's also use new high-quality, low-power drive mechanisms. The result is a drive that runs cooler and quieter than the 1581, and without reliability problems which could cause the loss of important and valuable data. 

Special Features

FD-2000 drives are equipped with several special features. Probably the most noticeable of these features is CMD's proprietary SWAP button. This feature allows you to "swap" instantly from the current device number to device 8 or 9. FD's also come complete with an easy access dip switch which allows for configuration as any device from 8 through 15. 

 

Tired of setting the GEOS clock, or trying to figure out which file is the most current? Well, the Real-Time-Clock (RTC) option puts an end to that. FD's are available with an optional RTC pre-installed on the controller board. This option is also available as an add-on that you can install yourself later on for a slightly higher cost. 

 

OK, you're sold but you think to yourself, "Where can I put another drive?" Well, don't start tearing your system apart yet. FD drives are designed to be amazingly compact and use a simple wall mount power supply which helps to minimize cable clutter. Housed in a sturdy metal case that measures only 7 5/8"L x 4 3/4"W x 2 3/8"H, these drives can fit into almost any system regardless of any space constraints that you may have. 

Copying & Partitioning Software

All FD drives come complete with a comprehensive collection of copy utilities. Included on the FD utilities disk are: MCOPY, a whole disk copier; FCOPY, a two drive file copier; and BCOPY, a powerful backup utility that allows HD and RAMLink owners to back up large partitions or entire drives to multiple disks. BCOPY can also be used to make backups of FD disks to a 1541 or 1571 disk drive. These copiers handle virtually all of the copying needs of the average user. 

 

For formatting and partitioning, the FD-TOOLS program provides a simple easy-to-use menu-driven environment. You'll format and partition your disks quickly without having to wade through pages of documentation. 

Get Yours Today!

So now that you know just what the FD-2000 is all about, the decision is up to you. Do you want to struggle with low capacity, technologically outdated disk drives? Or do you want to become one of the thousands of Commodore users who have made the decision to keep their system current and productive? It's your choice!