Rubenerd

Do you use an older machine that requires IDE, but the drives for it are on their last legs? Platters? This metaphor fell apart before it really started.

Introducing Polpotronics’s PicoIDE:

From the description:

PicoIDE is an open-source IDE/ATAPI drive emulator that replaces aging hard drives and CD-ROM drives in vintage computers with solid-state microSD card storage. Simply put your disc/disk images on a microSD card and swap between them as needed. Powered by open-source hardware and software, PicoIDE means you no longer have to deal with burning optical discs, worn out lasers, crashed heads, or bad sectors.

If the name rings a bell, this is by the very same Ian Scott behind the PicoGUS, the ultimate modern sound card for old systems that I’ve been dying to get my hands on.

The PicoIDE emulates CD audio, PIO 0-4, and MWDMA 0-2. It also ships with an injection-moulded case that lets you select and browse disk images. I’m intrigued!

Losing hair over storage

For what it’s worth, is a phrase with four words. I’m extremely happy with my ZuluSCSI devices on my Sun, Apple, and older PC hardware, so I’ll still likely be buying Rabbit Hole Computing’s ZuluIDE when I have the money spare, and the time to test it. I know how their kit works, and am happy with its performance. I’ve also largely retired IDE from my fleet, after moving stuff over to SCSI where I can. It’s just nicer to deal with.

But… I’m tempted by the PicoIDE too, especially for that case and external interface. 3D printed cases for the Zulu and SCSI2SD exist, but they only expose the SD card reader and USB header for transferring files and flashing the hardware. A nice external UI for viewing and switching between active images was the biggest thing missing, especially given how easy it is for me to switch between floppies on the GOTEK.

It’s a bit silly, but I kind of like having this dilemma? This embarrassment of riches? We have options now!

For years I’ve worried about how we’d use these machines with their increasingly creaky storage. I’ve tried all the traditional adaptors, and they’re… how do I put it politely? The only device that works consistently is the (expensive!) Transcend 2.5-inch PATA SSD, and even then getting it detected on older devices with a CHS setting that works is a schmidtfight. SD adaptors, IDE to CF cards, so-called “industrial” devices, even those Disk on Modules, they all kinda sorta work, except when they don’t.

The ZuluSCSI and its predecessors were nothing short of revelations. They made using retro PCs, Suns, and Macs fun again! I’m very keen to try a ZuluIDE, and now a PicoIDE.