How do you test a drive...

[the-topdog]

I have a Commodore 64 floppy drive but no floppies to test it with, how would one go about testing a drive without floppies or is it impossible?  I just need to know if it works before I sell it in the Marketplace threads.

[+OLD CS1]

Other than basic test, like does the head move and the motor spin, you cannot test it without a disk.  You have no way to confirm that it is in alignment, or can successfully read or write a disk, otherwise.

[the-topdog]

Bummer, thanks.

I've got a box of Commodore games I still have to go through but I'm pretty sure they are all cartridges.  Crossing my fingers I have at least one disk game.  I'll probably just wind up listing it as an "as-is" drive then for parts if I don't.

[+OLD CS1]

Given the likely age and length of dormancy, I would clean the drive head, first.  This will help prevent any existing build-up on the head from damaging a disk.

 

As well, before sticking some old disk in the drive, give it a quick visual inspection to make sure there is nothing obvious on the surface which can slough off and foul the head.  As an example, if a disk has an obvious layer of dust or growth on it, that can (and likely will) collect on the head and begin to damage the disk and subsequent disks placed in the drive.