The Sinclair QL Forum

Glad to hear it, you sound relieved to be done with it.

I would definitely be keen to get more microdrive pads: tried the first batch you sent me, and they work a treat!

Hope you are back up and running soon...

Felt Pads for microdrives? Sounds like I could do with a hundred or so... if that would help resurrect loads of tapes at present inaccessible?
Steve.

At this time I do not have any microdrive pads suitable for long term use.

I will make very small batches by hand in the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, a new thread

Hi,

A few months ago, i replaced the disintegrated original felt pads with self-adhesive pads made by me, but i am not satisfied because 50% of the cartridges fail to format. I want to replace the old ones with Dave's pads. What is the way to remove the old self-adhesive pads?

The best way is to remove the spring clips from the microdrives with tweezers then let them soak in some acetone. Not the nail polish remover acetone, as that also contains mineral oils - pure acetone. They will come right off.

You can then apply new pads, adjust the tension of the spring and re-insert them carefully.

I've done this about 1500 - 2000 times now.

I don't have any acceptable pads right now, but I will work on them next week. With the new laser, cutting isn't very successful. The sides of the pads do not evaporate properly and the residue makes the pads too hard. Very little of the last batch was usable. I will instead have to make them using an X-acto knife in very small quantities.

Thanks Dave!

Hi Dave

Good luck with the 'new' venture!

Meanwhile, I too would love to get my hands on a batch of pads, once you've satisfied yourself of their quality!

Do let us know when/where we can order them (SMR?)

Hi Dave,

Hope your new ventures are going well.

Can I ask about two things?

Firstly, how did the ZX Printer belt creation go? Will these become an available item?

Secondly, microdrive felt pads? Are there any plans to produce more of these?

Kindest regards

Russ

The microdrive belt plan did not go well, but I will be returning to that in September. The part can be 3D printed in rubber.

There will be no more felt pads.

I'm still working through, straightening things up and paying debts, etc and returning bits and bobs where they need to get back to. There's a few months of work just there.

Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the update and I will keep an eye out later in the year.

I can see you are busy and hope things start to get better soon.

regards

Russ.