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Repair guide

Fit a Gotek to an Atari ST or a PC with a floppy port

A Gotek floppy emulator reads disk images from a USB stick and mimics the machine's floppy drive. The main differences from an Amiga install are the image format and the drive-select jumper.

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Drive · Medium · about 60 minutes. Try it, but check first. This will not fix every machine, so read the sources first.

You are in the right place if: The drive is worn or unreliable, or you want a quick way to load disk images on an Atari ST or AT-class PC.

Before you start

  • Unplug the machine before opening it.
  • Do not fit it to a PSU you suspect is failing; fix the PSU first.

Board revisions and models

Atari ST models differ in floppy interface; some PC floppy cables have a twist that changes the drive-select setting.

Parts you may need

  • Gotek USB floppy emulator. Emulator Amazon · eBay
  • Mounting bracket. Fit it in the drive bay Amazon · eBay
  • USB flash drive. Holds disk images Amazon · eBay

Tools

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Step by step

  1. Get a Gotek and flash firmware Flash the free FlashFloppy firmware following its project instructions.
  2. Choose the drive-select setting Set the Gotek to match the machine (jumper or config). Check your machine's manual for drive number.
  3. Prepare disk images Convert or copy disk images into the format your machine uses (for example ST or MSA on Atari, IMG on PC).
  4. Open the machine Unplug and open the case, photograph the drive wiring.
  5. Swap the drive Remove the old drive and fit the Gotek with brackets or a case.
  6. Check the cable and twist Check whether your cable has a twist and whether the Gotek jumper must match it.
  7. Boot and test Mount an image and boot from it.
  8. Adjust FlashFloppy settings Use the config file to match the format, speed and drive type.
  9. Test several images Try different images before trusting it for long sessions.

Tips, tales and maybes

Found in write-ups and forum threads. These are other people's reports, not tested by us.

  • Maybe (Low confidence). A Gotek only plays images; use a Greaseweazle to read or write real disks. General technique, no source.

Sources

We wrote this one from general technique and have no source to credit for it yet. Treat it as a starting point, and read or watch a guide for your exact model before you begin.

Boards and models vary, so check what is in front of you. A repair can involve hot tools, chemicals and, on some machines, dangerous voltages. You do it at your own risk.

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