Lotharek HXC vs. Gotek w/ HXC firmware for floppy emulation

[spacecadet]

I think I'm trying to make myself feel a little better about this. I just ordered a floppy emulator from Lotharek, because I need one for my IBM 5150 and I figure I can use it with other computers as well. But I had read a while ago and completely forgotten that you can supposedly buy a cheap Gotek, flash the firmware and end up with something at least similar for a lot less money. I saw a video on it just after placing my order and I literally slapped my forehead remembering the research I'd done months ago.

 

I don't think there's really a way to cancel my order, but I guess I'm probably looking for some reassurance that I wouldn't want to anyway. Are there any limitations to one of those cheap emulators with a flashed firmware vs. an actual HXC from Lotharek? Conversely, any advantages to having an actual HXC vs. a flashed Gotek?

 

I got the rev. C if that matters, the one in the small external case so I can move it between computers. (I don't know how easy that actually is anyway; I don't really know how the HXC works.)

 

[Opry99er]

There is little difference between the functionality of the Rev C and the Gotek.

 

The Rev F is another matter.

 

 

The Lotharek is absolutely an excellent piece of equipment, and if I had to choose between the two, i would pick the Lotharek.

 

One thing though... if you're looking to use one emulator on multiple machines, you may have a firmware issue. You can't swap the drive between an IBM and a Tandy Model III or Apple II or TI-99/4A, etc. without swapping the firmware, IIRC.

[spacecadet]

One thing though... if you're looking to use one emulator on multiple machines, you may have a firmware issue. You can't swap the drive between an IBM and a Tandy Model III or Apple II or TI-99/4A, etc. without swapping the firmware, IIRC.

 

I thought I might have to... how big a deal is that really? I probably wouldn't be doing it every day, but the way I use my computers is usually spending a couple weeks with one until I get bored with it, then moving over to another one. Is flashing the firmware on this thing all that difficult? I'm hoping if I only have to do it every once in a while, it'll still be better than buying multiple devices.

 

Also what firmware does it actually come with? The web site just says it's compatible with all these computers including the PC, but doesn't really make clear what it'll do out of the box.