Atari 520STFM drive can format disk on 1 side only

[Atari 520STFM drive can format disk on 1 side only]

Hi. Well, I have had this Atari 520STFM with monochrome monitor, for 8 years I think, in a box. I never plugged until now, I thought it didn't work or have missing cables, power supply, etc. But finally, I got to assemble it, and then I realized (idiot of me) that this model has everything incorporated, that's why I didn't have any cables or RF or MIDI interfaces or drives or anything else (I have a few Amigas and boy they have the extra stuff). It booted up just fine (I didn't know it had the TOS already in a ROM inside, and that it takes like 40 seconds to show some sign of life, I though it was frozen), and it had a missing mouse, so I got an atari/amiga old mouse for $15 inc. shipping, in ebay, and now when I think finally is running well, I tried to format many DD and few HD floppies, and they work only on 1 Side format, so I get 427K for diskette. In double side format, I always get an error.

 

This model have an internal drive. I guess one of the heads is not working, but before I disassemble the computer, I need some guide about what to do.

When I format 1 side, which side I'm formating, upper or lower side?

This disk drive, is an special one, can I use one from Amiga or a PC?

Or in worst case, can I use an external floppy drive?

Before I open, there is anything I should be careful of?

 

And for the record, I don't have a single working Atari floppy disk, but I know a dude who owns a 1040ST, may be I can get him to copy me some disk, I just don't know what would I need.

 

Thanks

[Looking for FB2 power supply]

Title says it all, just picked up an FB2 at a yard sale for $2.00 with no PS. Sticks work great, need to play the console. If any one's got a spare one by some chance, or can point me to a cheap alternative, please LMK.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Go to radio scraps and get a ac 9v. It's the same thing. Also your PS from any other system kicking around that is 100 to 500 Ma that is between 8 to 10 volts AC should work just fine pending it has the proper end.

Are you sure yours is AC? This is mine:

There should be no reason to buy one. A working substitute should be easy to find.

 

Can somebody confirm that the right power supply is DC 9v with the positive at the center of the plug? I have a FB2 without power supply.