USB Floppy Drive Emulator Installation Ensoniq Mirage

Ensoniq Mirage digital sampler with real analog filters and VCAs.
This video documents how I replaced the floppy disk drive with a "Gotek" USB floppy drive emulator with OLED screen.
If you decide to replace your floppy drive on the Mirage, or another synthe, I hope this saves you time and confusion.
Please forgive the out of focus OLED screen.
For how to select the disk image that the MIrage reads, see 11:00. Here's a short explanation:
There's a 2 button interface to navigate the directory on the USB thumb drive. The selected file ( single mirage disk image ) or folder ( containing more mirage disk images ) is shown in the small OLED display.
The left button moves up (back) in the directory, the right button moved down (forward) in the directory.
The file (disk image) shown on the OLED display is the one that will be read/written by the Mirage OS.
Comments welcome.

[@NachoMartyMeyer]

Thank you very much for making this video, it helped me clear up my doubts and do it correctly, I have the same emulator and a Mirage DMS-1, I am very happy, super wonderful, thank you very much! ❤

[@ozhalljr]

Glad I could help. I love the Mellotron-like string samples of the Mirage.

[@NachoMartyMeyer]

@@ozhalljr If it wasn't for this video I would have ruined everything! thank God I found it I'm very happy, now it's another world, I love the sound of the Mirage ❤️

[@dirkeusterbrock2665]

Very timely! Just ordered my drive! Thank you!

[@ozhalljr]

I hope I save you some time/confusion :)

[@dirkeusterbrock2665]

@@ozhalljr Yes, you did! Thank you! :)

[@lastchance3552]

Great video!

[@ozhalljr]

Thanks

[@amonster8mymother]

I know for a fact darth vader installed a usb floppy emulator and that was pretty much the end of the death star. ❤

[@ozhalljr]

Hilarious! Merry Christmas!

[@kentkacs3140]

This is interesting. At 10:26, you mentioned adding a few discs... how is that done? Did you simply copy the files from the Mirage disks into a folder? Or is there some special formatting that needs to be done? Thank you!

[@ozhalljr]

The "disk"s ( files ) I added were already available on another computer. I believe I found the files online (probably the original factory disks). As I recall they were easy to find onlline. I just copied the files from hard drive to thumb drive. Honestly, it has been a while since I did this and I don't remember the details, but it was a straight copy operation. I do remember that while I have the floppy drive from the Mirage, I don't have a computer in which to install it ( no computer with a floppy controller ). This has prevented me from reading the disk library that I purchased with the Mirage. I hope this helps a little bit.

[@kentkacs3140]

Thank you! @@ozhalljr

[@frequensea_experience]

Thank you for this. Could you add the link to where you purchased including the usb? Thank you!

[@ozhalljr]

I bought it on ebay. search "gotek floppy emulator" for a number of options ranging from c. $30 to $130. This is not a paid endorsement, but user "nesynth" with description "HxC Floppy Emulator With OLED Screen (Ensoniq Mirage) + Pre-Loaded 4GB USB" is the one I got. My only disappointment is that there's no documentation (e.g. how to use the two button interface). So far I have gotten no response after a couple of days to my email questions. Another feature that's available on some drives which is a rotary encoder for navigation. That would be handy.

[@sudneo8680]

@@ozhalljr that’s great thank you!

[@ozhalljr]

thanks!

[@frequensea_experience]

@@ozhalljr Happen to know how to save CONFIGURE Preferences like MIDI channel? I have mine working great but I can't seem to save the preferences?

[@ozhalljr]

@@frequensea_experience yes: There is a parameter reference sheet available online for the Ensoniq Mirage. The Configuration parameters are in the range of 81-89. 82 is the MIDI channel select parameter. The value is 1-16. That's how you change it (you already knew that). You can save all parameter changes to DISK with Parameter 14 (in the "Command" group of parms ). SP shows on the display. Executing the command requires that you hit "Enter". If you save it on the "Autoboot" disk, it will load every time you boot.

[@natalietonra]

Hi, i'm struggling trying to get my Gotek drive working. I can't find the files even though they're supposedly free and public domain. Is there any chance you could send me a copy of your USB contents so i could copy them to my USB drive? The Gotek drive is installed and has the correct flashfloppy firmware and jumpers are set correctly. I'm just stuck for this last USB files part. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Subscribed!

[@ozhalljr]

Natalie Tonra See if you have access to this link : drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nRs1PnaFhoe0kNoL2zqfh-EGSot9BR5i?usp=sharing Note: the SND*.hfe files may not work

[@natalietonra]

@@ozhalljr I just tried again but it just tries to load the trash

[@ozhalljr]

Natalie it's hard to debug via text. If you like, contact me via ZebraSynth.net (which forwards to a facebook business page ). I'll be happy to try to work through this tech issue with you. You can message from there.

[@natalietonra]

@@ozhalljr I'm from the United Kingdom unfortunately - i've taken enough of your time, i'll figure it out but thanks for your efforts

[@ozhalljr]

You're welcome! Cheers. ( p.s. I loved the "time vampire" description :)