Gotek Floppy Emulator on HB-F1XDJ or HB-F1XV
I bought this one (HxC2001) a few years ago for my Sony HB-F700P.
That also works great, and you can take off the display and use external buttons if necessary.
It could also be controlled by software, but I've never figured out how to do that on the MSX...
Note: I don't use it anymore now that I'm using the MFR for the Sony, so if anyone is interested in buying the HxC floppy emulator..., just make me an offer ;-)
>> You will probably have to destroy the casing of your computer to be able to operate the gotek.
Can I simply remove the clam shell of the Gotek and use the PCB only? The only issue is how can I mount it inside the case. I am totally new to this scene, so I am not sure how much room is available within the case.
>> For pure floppy emulation the Rookie Drive NX (especially after the recent FDD release 2.0 by konamiman) is much better than a Gotek.
Thanks a lot for this solution! This is something that I was looking for to get around the cumbersome process of using floppy. And I love it, because the principle is almost the same as SD cartridge used in Atari 800 system.
I noticed RDNX has been developed since 2016, so there should be a fair amount of updates into it.
>> If your diskdrive is broken it could be an easy fix by replacing the belt. I would keep the drive in that case.
Not yet. The original owner fixed the floppy drive so that it became a beltless drive. 
>> You will probably have to destroy the casing of your computer to be able to operate the gotek.
Can I simply remove the clam shell of the Gotek and use the PCB only? The only issue is how can I mount it inside the case. I am totally new to this scene, so I am not sure how much room is available within the case.
Physically there will be enough space to fit the Gotek. The issue is that the case might (probably will) block access to the Gotek's USB port and/or buttons. So you will have to demolish part of the case to be able to use the Gotek. However, the Sony series do have this right top cover which when taken off (not sure if It is glued or clicked in place) might just allow you access to the Gotek. It might even be possible to 3D print a replacement part that fits the machine and the Gotek. Then again a Rookie Drive is probably a better option and just keep that beltless drive for when you want to spin some discs 
Not yet. The original owner fixed the floppy drive so that it became a beltless drive.
Does the drive look anything like this?
If so, I'd like to see how the guy did that as I'm not that fond of belts either.
>> Does the drive look anything like this?
Tbh, I am yet to receive my machine as it is still overseas. Once I have it on hand, I'll post a photo here.
If I understand correctly, the belt issue is similar to that of Sharp Twin Famicom and Famicom Disk System. Every so often, the rubber belt would become loose as it is losing its elasticity and you will have to replace it. I am not sure if replacing the belt for MSX FDD is easy, but it is not the case with the floppy drive in Famicom. Once you take off the belt, you have to put in a new one and recalibrate the other "cogs-and-wheels" within the drive, which can a pain in the neck to do.
This is the reason why I opt to avoid using FDD wherever possible, even if it means I have a beltless drive.
This ⬆️
Upon further digging, I can confirm sdsnatcher73's comment. Most of the beltless drives are basically floppy drives for PC AT use. However, there is a difference in the signal coming into/out from pin 34 (i.e, pin 34 on MSX is Ready Signal, whereas the same pin on PC AT is Disk Change Signal). You have to find a way to swap these two. Some PC floppy drives do have a header hole for you to solder in a switch to swap this function.
If you are interested, have a read at these blogs:
https://setsuhiwa.com/pcfdd-msx-pana/
http://k-ichi.blogspot.com/2011/03/msxpcfdd.html
https://ameblo.jp/gomaosan3/entry-12656142578.html
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