TamaMan wrote:
As an alternative for the main use case (swapping files), is replacing the 3.5" drive with GOTEK's floppy emulator (or similar product) a working option with my IT-PACK4 controller?
There are many ways to accomplish this, I guess you'll have to choose which one better suits your needs/configuration.
You can for example use an RW cd, but it's not practical if you transfer files too often.
Through the network (FTP) works the best for me, but it's not feasible for everyone (maybe your 486 doesn't have a network card or you can't run a cable to it)
A friend never closes his cases and he just connects the hdd to a dock on his main PC, but for this to work you need to be able to remove the hdd easily.
So yeah, get some ideas from people here and go with what fits your case more.
btw if you go the CF way make sure to get a card within your PC's limits. If you use some DDO software you won't be able to read the card on your modern PC.