ST-225 simulator 😂

Jo22 wrote on 2023-03-23, 21:35:

Solid work. 😀 👍

Solenoid work.

Anyone try this with an Aura Interactor yet?

I just got mine last week. Like other folks, I was concerned that the piezo buzzer wouldn't be realistic enough, but it's way more convincing than I expected.

Up close, it's a sterile popping sound, but inside a case running a couple fans and a real floppy drive, I have to listen closely to notice that it's fake. I think the fact that it makes sounds at the correct times really makes up for any issues with the sound quality. I got the version with the sticker, and It's still plenty loud. Honestly, I think it's louder than the real thing. I didn't get the 3D printed case. I might experiment with mounting and sound damping options.

The only thing missing is the motor spinning sound. I had an idea for a simple way of doing this, but I won't have time to breadboard the circuit in the near future, so I thought I would share here in case someone finds it compelling. Maybe the motor sounds could be reproduced well enough by using a couple of oscillators generating the right waveforms. If the oscillator frequency is voltage controlled, the spin-up could be reproduced easily enough by charging a capacitor. Adding some trim pots for adjusting the waveforms and low pass could enable mimicking different drive models.

Anyway, that's my hare-brained idea. Meanwhile, my rig suddenly feels more complete with the HDD clicker.

johnnycontrario wrote on 2023-06-25, 18:49:

I just got mine last week. Like other folks, I was concerned that the piezo buzzer wouldn't be realistic enough, but it's way more convincing than I expected.

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you like it.
Looking forward to hear the results of your further experiments !

I've been tinkering with different ways of dampening the sound of the HDD Clicker.

I encased it in a plastic project box padded out with foam. With the lid sealed it muffles the sound and reduces the higher frequencies. I think it sounds more like a real hard drive this way.

I like the result and will probably do this with the HDD Clickers I have in other systems as well.

i working on a new version, based on RISCV MCU. keep tuned 😀

Cool, can't wait!

Which RISC-V MCU are you using?

A small Preview, DDS based Synthesis on CH32 RiscV MCU, Supercap is on the Backside for SpinDown Sound.

No Expensive ICs needed, all cheap off shelf components

I should get first Hardware in ~2-4 weeks.

Seems like a great update. Especially the spindown sound.
Am looking forward for the final product.

Cool! Is it still similar to the original Clicker, just running on RISC-V, or does it sound different etc? Is the "Speaker" a buzzer?

It uses Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) to "almost" faithfully reproduce the complete sound of a mechanical hard drive, including spin-up, spin-down, platter wobble and other characteristic HDD sounds while keeping it in a hobby friendly price range.

Not sure yet how it will sound on the small Speakers i purchased, i used my desk speakers for testing.

Can you make this a white noise machine to fall asleep to?

matze79 wrote on 2026-07-20, 18:43:

It uses Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) to "almost" faithfully reproduce the complete sound of a mechanical hard drive, including spin-up, spin-down, platter wobble and other characteristic HDD sounds while keeping it in a hobby friendly price range.

Sounds promising! How configurable will it be? Can the sounds be changed? Can the firmware be updated by the user?

Would it be possible to only enable activity sounds (kinda like in earlier revisions of HDD Clicker) and disable everything else (spin-up, spin-down, wobble, idle noises, etc)?

Well it can be changed by flashing firmware only in current version.
maybe it would be possible to make it configurable by rx/tx pins or oled+buttons.

its finally on order, and prototypes should arrive within a few days.

matze79 wrote on 2026-08-20, 15:45:

Well it can be changed by flashing firmware only in current version. maybe it would be possible to make it configurable by rx/tx […]
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Well it can be changed by flashing firmware only in current version.
maybe it would be possible to make it configurable by rx/tx pins or oled+buttons.

The attachment photo_2026-08-18_15-13-56.jpg is no longer available

its finally on order, and prototypes should arrive within a few days.

Thanks for the update. Looks very cool!

Progress:

Errata: Molex Connecter mirrored, soldered to underside.

Stay tuned! 😀 now its going forward.

Very good work!
Can't wait to hold this in my hand 😀

Revision Update:
Fixed some minor errors
- Amp now controlled by mcu, and will start and stop with mcu
- Super Cap fits on PCB
- DIP Switches
1 - Disable Spindle Sound
2 - Select MFM / Quantum-Style Sound
3 - Reserved

and major error, pinout for Berg Connector wrong also fixed.

Demonstration Video comes soon 😀

Very nice! Can't wait to hear a real-life demo of the difference between spindle noise enabled vs. disabled, and between MFM and Quantum.

Also, I'm guessing it can operate without the super cap (if the user wants to save some money)?

@matze79:

Would it be able to add another switch to enable/disable HDD clicker in case you want to (temporarily) disable the sounds?