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

This peripheral was developed by Ray Alker. It is an interface designed to fit inside the second disk drive bay of a PCW8256 (the original blanking plate covering the bay must be removed). It includes a connector for a Shugart-standard 80-track 5.25" disk drive. It features a rather unusual power connection suitable for the 5.25" drives mounted on Acorn BBC computers (it is highly recommended not to use the Amstrad PCW's internal power supply for this purpose, as it is not powerful enough).

Connecting the interface is quite simple (remember to turn off the computer before making any connections, and since internal handling is required in this case, we recommend unplugging it from the mains). Inside, you will find two connectors: one connection that goes to the power supply and another that attaches to the PCW's own Drive B: data cable.

Its chips and integrated circuits remain a mystery: as seen, connecting a Shugart-compatible unit is simply a matter of getting the connector right. From what has been gathered, the choice of these Acorn BBC-based connectors was due to the company only having access to that specific system at the time.

• Schematics (Compressed archives in ZIP format, courtesy of José Leandro Novellón)