In this video, I present an overview of making a Commodore 1581 disk drive in 2022. I review the options available for controller PCBs, document costs, describe case modifications and nuances, and finally some improvements that may be made to future 1581 kits.

Please use the following time-code index to jump to relevant sections in the video.

0:00 - Intro
2:58 - Project Cost Overview
6:04 - PCB Options
6:53 - PCB - DIYChris
7:31 - PCB - toms01
8:27 - PCB - pazuzu72
8:52 - PCB - CoreI64
9:53 - PCB - CoreI64 Detail
12:33 - Case Preparation
13:28 - LED PCB Assembly
14:29 - US/Metric Case Screws
16:36 - Countersinking and Quirks
20:13 - Kit Improvements
21:43 - Jumpers
23:10 - PC Drive Adapter
25:28 - Switch Shenanigans
29:36 - Conclusions


Supplementary materials (costs and component lists):
https://github.com/SteveGuidi/video-c...


The video references and shows designs from the following related projects:

1581 PC Drive Adapter PCB (androSID and toms01)
https://gitlab.com/toms01/1581-pc-dri...

1581 Replica PCB (DIYChris)
https://diychris.com/index.php/produc...

1581 Replica PCB (toms01)
https://www.forum64.de/index.php?thre...
https://restore-store.de/home/385-flo...

1581 Replica PCB (AlphaLabs/Pazuzu72)
https://www.amibay.com/forum/want-to-...
https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharep...

1581 Enhanced PCB (Thomas Christoph)
https://github.com/COREi64/1581-Enhanced
https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharep...
   • A Commodore 1581 Drive Board for the ...  

Dual 1581 Disk Drive (Thomas Christoph)
   • The Commodore 1581D Dual Drive - Fact...  

Commodore 1581 Replica Case
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:520...


Screenshots and photos:

LED schematic
http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cb...

Power schematic
http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cb...

1581 Case (Bottom)
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...