How to create floppy disks for use in a 1977 TRS-80 in 2018

Shown here is a 41 year old TRS-80 Model 1 computer. This also works for making disks for the TRS-80 Model 3 and 4/4P.

NOTE: Sorry for bad audio quality -- need to be more careful about how I hold my phone as to not block the microphones.

Requirements:
- Older PC with a 360k 5.25" floppy drive running DOS
- Newer PC running Windows (I tested on Windows 10)
- A way to get files from the new PC onto the old PC
- Blank 5.25" floppy disk

Software used:

IMD (ImageDisk) by Dave Dunfield:

TRSWrite by Matthew Reed:

TRS32 (Emulator) by Matthew Reed:

mTCP (Not Shown) by Michael B. Brutman:
** Lightweight TCPIP Stack for DOS I used to get files over to DOS machine **

Best source of software for the TRS-80:
(For CMD and DSK/DMK files, click a file you want to download, then pick the "Download" link under text file.)

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Some more information on the TRS-80 Model 1:

[PCGamer]

I don't want a TRS-80, but I really love the fact that other people want to have one and show it off on YouTube!

[donaldcongdon]

That brings back some happy memories from 1979!

[cseeley]

With regard to the index hole, we used to use a paper punch to CAREFULLY make new index holes on the other side. Worked like a charm. I think I still have some of the disks I made back in the day :)

[TheMrmartintorres]

Old computers are wild. Thanks for sharing this.

[agranero]

The first computer I used as a programmer. A friend took me to his work on a Saturday to see the computer. In half an hour I learned to edit code in Basic (that in TRS89 looks like a mix of VI but line oriented). During the week I wrote (on paper) two programs. A Pong and a Mousetrap. We went again next week and typed the programs. That work first time (as I remember). He got impressed and in a week or so I was working there.
I had learned Basic from a 15 part course on a magazine that I made my father subscribe on an electronics fair: Microsistemas (in Brazil).
I am specially fond of this model because of that.

[Richardddoobies]

I've written boot disks on a 3.5" floppy for my 1987 Tandy from Windows XP. Windows didn't seem to care what was on the disk. That's why I loved Windows XP - it never questioned me. It took my word for it.

[fubaralakbar]

I really like the look of the TSR-80 Model 1

[snarfusmaximus]

I watched this a long time ago but didn't have a TRS-80 at the time. I now have a 4P coming and have been playing with an emulator in anticipation. I'm glad, after rewatching this, that all those DSK files I have are actually DMK as I've been using ImageDisk for a long time and this means I don't have to learn another piece of software or set up another computer just to make physical TRS-80 floppies. Many trhanks.

[alexandermirdzveli]

It's the one of the most fascinating revivals of the old tech I have ever seen!
Great job!

[mattalki]

Wow, fantastic! The Model I was my first foray into computing when I was a wee lad of around 5 years old. My father bought one in 1978-79 time frame. I think he still has it in his basement somewhere. He had the expansion interface, two floppy drives, RS-232, parallel, sound, the works. I would have loved to see the restore on this. So now we need a video series on your restore of the Model I, the rest of the Model IV, the Tandy 1000 TL, etc. I can't wait to see more!

[toddellzey]

I used to use a hole punch on Single Sided TRS-80 disks to make them work as double sided.

[Saphykitten]

Wow the fact that you have a working 320k drive is amazing!

[MattPilz]

After a seven month restoration effort for my own Model I, I found getting decent boot disks and transfers to be the final challenging aspect! There's an alternative approach that some may find more accessible if they can't find another vintage PC with compatible disk drive for writing via IMD. There's a cassette bootstrapper by Jurgen Bussert for Model I and Model III including all major versions of TRS-80 DOS. Basically you play the bootstrapper audio to the TRS-80, then play one of the DOS variants which handles formatting the disk and writing all 35 tracks via cassette. The downside is it takes around 40 minutes per attempt and any failure along the way will result in a redo. In either case I was successful with my setup in creating each individual DOS disk purely from audio transfer!

[DisplacedGamers]

Wow. Really enjoyed the story that came with your TRS-80 floppy disk tutorial. I'd also love to see a more detailed look at the machine - additional details on the work you did.

[JapanPop]

We used to slip a piece of paper on the pack side, under the plastic from the center of the disk, then slide a hole punch over that and make an index hole to allow the disk to be read on the flip side in the TRS-80. Give it a shot!

[alexsinclair]

THANK YOU, Can't even begin to tell you how many hours of frustration you have saved me and others in needing this bit of info... There's literally _no_ step by step guide out there, Nor convenient stuff like ADTpro for the apple series

[douglascrawford]

Awesome rescue and restoration!

There is another way too, perhaps you will like as well: You can use the Reed Model III emulator on your PC, mount the PC floppy drive as a TRS drive, format the floppy from the emulator, and disk copy from the emulator. That floppy is now usable in the Model I.
IMD is not needed.

[loginregional]

back in the early 90s, I had a CoCo3 with OS9. I managed to tweak the device drivers so that I could use the drives from a T2000 (720K 5-1/4) and others like 1.2MB, 1.44MB drives. Hope you get a Hard Disk for the TRS80 so you can increase your storage. GOOD LUCK!

[ulerhond]

I am still catching up on the hundreds of videos you've put out, so even though this one is 3+ years old now, I have to say that the TRS-80 Model I was my first home computer and I am jealous that you have such an awesome one! ;) That brings back a lot of great memories for me. Hopefully you'll have it in one of the #SepTandy videos for 2021/2022? :D

[zodakb]

Hi, Adrian. The 'deleted address mark' was used to specially format the directory track. On TRSDOS (and compatibles) there was one whole track dedicated to the directory, so you could run out of directory entries before you used all the disk space. If you ever find a PDF for "TRS-80 Disk and other mysteries" it'll teach you more than you ever want to know.