The latest video from Chicken 64 focuses on Floppy Drive Repairs, showing two classic Commodore 1541 drives restored with quick but careful work. The host moves briskly through each fault, explains the process clearly, and demonstrates repairs that many retro fans find useful. Since both issues appear often in aging drives, this episode offers practical insight while keeping the pace lively.
First Repair: 1541 II With a Dead Motor
The first drive, a 1541 II, refuses to spin when powered on. The host opens the case and discovers a rusted switch blocking power to the motor. A quick resistance check confirms the problem.
He removes the switch, takes it apart, cleans the internal contacts, adds a touch of lubricant, and reassembles it. After reinstalling it on the board, the switch works again with solid continuity.
Next, he prepares the drive for testing. He cleans the read head, lubricates the rails, and removes long-set stains inside the case. After reassembly, he adjusts the speed, aligns the head, and loads a disk to confirm success. The repair holds, and the drive spins like new.
This section revisits Floppy Drive Repairs in a way that highlights how common faults can be reversed with simple parts and steady work.
Second Repair: 1541 C With a Loose Belt
The second drive, a 1541 C, suffers from a slipping spindle belt that has hardened with age. The host demonstrates how easily the spindle turns when the belt no longer grips. After removing the old belt, he compares it to a new one that still stretches properly.
He fits the replacement belt, checks tension, and reassembles the drive. Because a new belt often shifts timing, he performs a full speed calibration. The head alignment is far off, so he adjusts the stepper position until the drive reads cleanly again.
With alignment fixed, the unit loads software without hesitation. It completes the episode as a clear example of how Floppy Drive Repairs often require small parts but careful calibration.
