How to Add a Second Disk Drive to a Tatung Einstein TC-01
The Tatung Einstein TC-01 was designed to support two floppy disk drives — the main drive (Drive 0 or “A”) and an optional second one (Drive 1 or “B”). Adding a second drive allows you to copy disks or run programs that use two drives at once.
What you’ll need:
- A second compatible floppy disk drive (original 3-inch or a 3.5-inch replacement if modified)
- The correct ribbon data cable that supports two drives
- A power connector for the second drive
- A screwdriver
- Basic knowledge of handling computer hardware safely
Steps:
- Unplug the computer completely. Make sure there’s no power connected.
- Remove the top cover of the TC-01 by undoing the screws on the back or underside.
- Locate the empty drive bay. The TC-01 has room for an optional second drive beside the original one.
- Mount the new drive securely into this space. Make sure it’s properly aligned and firmly attached.
- Connect the ribbon cable.
- The cable from the mainboard should have two connectors for two drives.
- Attach one to the existing drive and the other to the new one.
- Ensure the red stripe on the cable (pin 1) lines up correctly with the connector on both drives.
- Connect the power lead from the internal power supply to the new drive.
- Set the drive jumpers.
- The original drive should be set as Drive 0 (or “A”).
- The new one should be set as Drive 1 (or “B”).
- The TC-01 usually uses a straight-through cable (no twist), so jumper settings are important.
- Close the case, reconnect power, and switch on the machine.
- Test both drives. Boot up, and check that you can access Drive 0 and Drive 1 separately.
