The Intergem Disk Drive Interface by Dynamic Data Technology is an adapter for Shugart-standard external floppy disk drives designed for the PCW. It generates its own /RDY signal, eliminating the need to use drives that feature it natively. The power connector matches the one used in Acorn BBC computers.

This peripheral was developed by Ray Alker. It is an interface designed to fit inside the second floppy drive bay of an Amstrad PCW8256 (the original cover plate sealing the bay must be removed). It includes a connector for a Shugart-standard 80-track 5.25" drive. It features a rather unusual power connector tailored to the 5.25" drives fitted to Acorn BBC computers (it is highly recommended not to use the Amstrad PCW's internal power supply for this purpose, as it lacks sufficient power capacity).

Connecting the interface is quite straightforward (as a reminder, always perform any hardware installation with the computer turned off; in this case, since internal manipulation is required, disconnecting the unit from the mains power supply is strongly advised). Inside, you will find two connectors: one connects to the power supply and the other plugs into the PCW's internal data cable for drive B:.

Its chips and integrated circuits remain a mystery: as observed, connecting a Shugart-compatible drive is simply a matter of pinout routing. From what has been deduced, the reason for implementing this specific Acorn BBC-based connector layout was simply because the company only had technical access to that particular computer system.

• Schematics (ZIP archive format, courtesy of José Leandro Novellón)