Own an Ensoniq SD-1 - floppy works fine, can load/save, etc..
I’d like to replace it with USB drive. What model do i need? The AI query tells me the following. Can someone from Syntaur help me validate if this response is correct?
Based on the image from Syntaur:
Buy the “GoTek Drive, for EPS” (Part #GTEPS) or “EPS-16” version.
Here is why and what you need to know:
Hardware Match: The Ensoniq SD-1 uses the same floppy drive interface/shugart protocol as the Ensoniq EPS and EPS-16 Plus. Physically, this unit is compatible.
The “Gotcha” (Software): Syntaur pre-loads the USB stick with the Operating System for the specific synth listed (e.g., the EPS version comes with EPS OS files).
The Fix: When you get it, simply plug the USB stick into your computer, delete the EPS files, and copy your SD-1 FF.CFG and disk images (.hfe) onto it.
Assuming the suggested part is correct and compatible with the SD-1. Is there a jumper on the back of the drive that needs to be configured for S0 vs S1? What would be the position for the jumper?
I can get the HxC tool ( as discussed on the internet ) but would Syntaur or anyone know about steps to format the USB for SD-1 and also the method to
convert all the data on floppy
and load it on to the usb?
From searching google I understood
save all data using SysEx Librarian (standard software) - to computer
doing (1) would be a backup
Is storing on the USB just the reverse? meaning use SysEx Librarian to load the SyEx from computer to SD-1 and then Save it to the USB?
I’m assuming I can use something like 16GB or smaller USB drive which would hold PLENTY of MIDI data.
We are soon going to be selling kits specifically for the SD-1, if you wouldn’t mind waiting a couple weeks that will be available soon. We are also soon going to be selling Goteks that aren’t specifically set up for any model for people who like to DIY.
But our EPS kit would function fine in the SD-1. When we sell that kit the jumper is already on S0 which is where the SD-1 requires it also.
The easiest way to get your data off floppies is using the Hxc software and a USB floppy reader. The tricky thing about floppy emulation is that the files you put on the Gotek’s USB drive must be “images” of floppy disks. So you can’t put MIDI data or anything like that directly on USB drive because the synth is expecting to read something that looks exactly like a floppy disk. So imaging your floppies with Hxc and a USB floppy reader is the way to go.
An 8 GB or 16 GB flash drive is usually more than enough. Make sure it’s formatted to FAT32. By the way, there’s tons of info about getting these setup just how you like on the FlashFloppy Github. Flashfloppy is the software the Syntaur Goteks are programmed with. If you buy one of our kits it comes with a PDF manual that I put together that explains most of what the end-user needs to know for working with Goteks.
wow.. thank you!! if you have a turn-key plug-n-play for SD1 i’ll wait..
The OS for SD-1 is still closed-source - but it seems the floppy format is well understood. From what I understand the hardware USB reads are different and needs to be translated to what SD-1 will need to read (via some jumpers) - I’m probably not explaining correctly or over-simplying it.
will gladly wait for simple SD1 configured key. I believe there is only 1 model 32 voices (the one I have) regardless the polyphony would not affect the low-level data reads/writes
Hello, I am new here, just got the Gotek Floppy emulator installed as per the instructions/video, when I powered up it says “Sequencer must be loaded”, “Disc drive not ready” What do I need to do next as there are no other directions. Also I want to save what I have on my old Floppy’s how do I do that?