Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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In this episode, I build a custom cable to connect a third (and fourth) floppy drive to the original IBM PC Model 5150. Plus, a little history about why computers of this era didn’t usually come with a hard drive when you bought them.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - My 5150 progress so far
02:02 - Byte magazine
02:52 - Why no hard disks?
08:35 - More background (link)
09:07 - Gotek as a third floppy
12:46 - Research sites
17:00 - Making the cable (part 1)
17:46 - TECH TIP
18:15 - Making the cable (part 2)
25:33 - Gotek USB power
27:32 - First test
31:57 - Fixing the cable
33:57 - Second test
38:19 - Wrap up

Disclaimer: Some links to buy products are affiliate links so I can raise support for the channel.

Help with IBM PC 5150 restorations
minuszerodegrees.net/index.htm
vcfed.org/forum/forum.php

37pin DSUB connectors
amzn.to/2DkzyPc

Universal Floppy Cable
amzn.to/3guyF5g

FlashFloppy firmware for Gotek drives
github.com/keirf/FlashFloppy

USB breakout modules
aliexpress.com/item/32846838883.html

Tech Tangent Video About Connecting 4 Floppy Drives
youtube.com/watch?v=ewmHZ-MC0ck

Music used by permission:
Vision by Emil Rottmayer
soundcloud.com/emil-rottmayer
open.spotify.com/artist/2Uuva..

Support me on Patreon - patreon.com/retrohackshack
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Website - retrohackshack.com
Tools I Use - retrohackshack.com/tools