# Rotronics Wafadrive

> magnetic tape data storage format

**Wikidata**: [Q3320745](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3320745)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotronics_Wafadrive)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rotronics-wafadrive

## Summary
Rotronics Wafadrive is a magnetic tape data storage format compatible with ZX Spectrum computers. It was designed as a low-cost alternative to conventional tape drives for home computer data storage.

## Key Facts
- Rotronics Wafadrive is a subclass of magnetic tape data storage and tape drive devices
- It functions as a machine-readable medium for ZX Spectrum computers
- The device includes an image at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Wafadrive.jpg
- Its freebase ID is /m/08lkdf (referenced from Q15241312 in October 2013)
- Sitelink count is 7 across Wikipedia language editions (Catalan, Commons, Czech, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese)
- It belongs to the tape drive class of data storage devices (with 31 sitelinks for that class)
- Its Wikidata description explicitly defines it as a "magnetic tape data storage format"

## FAQs
### Q: What is Rotronics Wafadrive compatible with?
A: Rotronics Wafadrive is specifically designed for use with ZX Spectrum home computers as a magnetic tape storage solution.

### Q: How does Rotronics Wafadrive compare to standard tape drives?
A: It served as a low-cost alternative to conventional tape drives, targeting home computer users with an affordable magnetic storage format.

### Q: What documentation exists for Rotronics Wafadrive?
A: Information is available in 7 language Wikipedia editions (English, Spanish, Italian, etc.) and has dedicated Commons and Wikidata entries.

### Q: When was Rotronics Wafadrive first documented?
A: Its freebase ID (/m/08lkdf) was referenced in Wikidata by Q15241312 on October 28, 2013.

## Why It Matters
Rotronics Wafadrive represents a significant chapter in personal computing history by addressing the critical need for affordable data storage during the 1980s home computer era. As a magnetic tape format specifically engineered for ZX Spectrum systems, it democratized digital preservation for home users who couldn't access expensive floppy disk drives. Its existence underscores the ingenuity of early computer manufacturers in developing cost-effective storage solutions, enabling broader participation in personal computing. The device's inclusion in 7 language Wikipedia editions demonstrates its lasting relevance in documenting computing technology evolution.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated magnetic tape storage format for ZX Spectrum computers
- Functioning as a low-cost alternative to mainstream tape drives in the 1980s
- Having Freebase integration with ID /m/08lkdf
- Classified under three technical categories: magnetic tape data storage, tape drive, and machine-readable medium
- Achieving cross-lingual documentation with 7 Wikipedia language editions

## Body
### Classification and Identity
Rotronics Wafadrive is categorized as a magnetic tape data storage format and falls under the tape drive class of data storage devices. It is officially recognized as a machine-readable medium for computer data storage. The entity has a consistent Wikipedia title across multiple language editions, including English, Spanish, Italian, Catalan, Czech, Portuguese, and Commons.

### Technical Specifications
- Storage Type: Magnetic tape data storage
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for ZX Spectrum computers
- Classification: Subclass of tape drive systems
- Image Reference: Available at Wikimedia Commons via [direct link](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Wafadrive.jpg)
- Identifier: Freebase ID `/m/08lkdf` (with Wikidata reference Q152413 dated 2013-10-28)

### Documentation Reach
The device has been documented in 7 different language editions of Wikipedia, reflecting its international relevance in computing history. Its Wikidata entry maintains a sitelink count of 7, while its parent class (tape drive) has 31 sitelinks. The device's Commons category is consistently titled "Rotronics Wafadrive" across Wikimedia platforms.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013