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Keir Fraser’s Greaseweazle is an Open Source USB device capable of reading and writing raw data on nearly any type of floppy disk.

The host tools for your PC support reading and writing with automatic verification from many types of diskette, with even more types supported by third-party programs such as FluxEngine.

The images you capture can then be used in hardware floppy emulators, like the Gotek with FlashFloppy, or as disk images in your favourite hardware emulators.

Greaseweazle v4.1

  • Reads and writes 8", 5¼", and 3½" floppy disks

  • Jumperless firmware updates via USB-C

  • Supports multiple drives, simultaneously connected

  • Write-protect jumper for safety

  • 40mA buffered output

  • Supports flippy-modded Panasonic drives for reading 5.25" flippy disks in a single pass.

  • Supports the Disk Change Detect line

  • 3 additional user outputs

Full software & documentation is available online from the creator's GitHub repository, including specific v4.1 setup info, but here's a quick start:

  1. If you want to be sure not to write to any floppy disk, remove the Write Inhibit Jumper.

  2. Connect the floppy drive to the Greaseweazle using the 34-pin header and a ribbon cable. Note the position of Pin 1 at the top left.

  3. Connect the 4-pin header at the top right to the drive's power input, if using. (Cable not included.) The connector only supports drives that only use 5V, which is most 3½" drives and a minority of 5¼" drives. If your drive needs 12V as well, use another power supply and cable.

  4. The silver connector at the bottom-right is a USB-C connector. Connect your own USB C-to-A (USB 2.0) or C-to-C cable between the Greaseweazle and your computer. (Cable not included.)

  5. (Optional) If you need to debug the Greaseweazle, or wish to connect a reset button, use the Debug Header.

Video

This video demonstrates using the older F7 v1 board, but the principles are the same.