Greasweazle
| Greaseweazle | |
|---|---|
| File:Greaseweazle V4.1.jpg | |
| Greaseweazle V4.1 unit | |
| Developer | Keir Fraser |
| Release date | 2018 (initial), latest hardware revisions ongoing |
| Type | Floppy disk flux-level interface |
| CPU | STM32F103 / STM32F730 / AT32F4xx (varies by model) |
| Connectors | USB-C or Micro-USB, 34-pin floppy ribbon connector, power connector |
| Licensing | Open hardware & software (Unlicense for host tools) |
| Website | GitHub repository |
Greaseweazle is an open-source USB hardware device, firmware, and host tool suite for reading and writing magnetic flux-level data from floppy disk drives. Designed to support a wide variety of formats, from PC and Amiga to specialist and industrial systems, it provides archival-quality disk imaging capabilities.[1]
Background
Greaseweazle was developed by Keir Fraser as a low-cost, open alternative to proprietary flux-level readers such as KryoFlux. The project enables the capture of raw magnetic flux transitions from floppy disks, allowing accurate reproduction and analysis without depending on the original system hardware.[2] Companion software tools allow conversion between raw flux formats (e.g., SCP) and standard disk image formats for use in emulators or preservation archives.[3]
Specifications
Hardware Models
- F1 (Blue Pill): Based on STM32F103 MCU; low-cost, minimal PCB requirements.[4]
- F7: Uses STM32F730 MCU; supports 12 V power and faster transfer rates.
- V4 / V4.1: Custom AT32F4xx PCB with USB-C, input protection, jumperless firmware updates, buffered outputs, and multiple drive support.
Software and Firmware
- Host tools: Command-line utilities (`gw`) for imaging and writing disks. Distributed under the Unlicense; installable via `pipx` or available as binaries for Windows.[5]
- Firmware: Separate repository; supports all models with latest version 1.6 released on 2024-09-28.[6]
Setup
For V4.1:
- Connect the floppy drive to Greaseweazle via a standard 34-pin ribbon cable.
- Attach Greaseweazle to the host computer using USB-C.
- Apply drive power after USB connection (order is important to prevent damage).[7]
- On Windows 8.1, install drivers using Zadig; Windows 10/11 installs automatically.[5]
Impact and Legacy
Greaseweazle has become a widely adopted preservation tool within retro-computing communities, valued for its affordability and versatility. Documented cases include successful imaging of thousands of disks, such as over 1,900 Amiga 880 KB floppies without read errors under optimal conditions.[8] Its open-source nature has led to adaptations for unusual formats, including Japanese 3-inch disks and 8-inch archival media.[9]
References
- ↑ Fraser, Keir. "Greaseweazle main repository". GitHub. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "Greaseweazle discussion thread". AtariAge Forums. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "Greaseweazle Overview". Decromancer.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "Greaseweazle Models". GitHub Wiki. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Software Installation". GitHub Wiki. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "Greaseweazle Firmware". GitHub. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "V4.1 Setup". GitHub Wiki. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "Greaseweazle discussion". Hacker News. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
- ↑ "Greaseweazle for rare disk formats". NFG Games Forum. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
| Greaseweazle Host Tools | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Keir Fraser |
| Latest release |
1.6(28 September 2024) |
| Operating system | |