Re: 8050 which will write but not format

From: Rob Clarke <crock_at_clarke-family.org.uk>
Date: Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:12:00 +0100
Message-ID: <50BA8EC0.8010601@clarke-family.org.uk>
>> Well, I cranked the speed down to around -6ms to slow (I assume that's
>> milliseconds per revolution) and it appears to format more - it got to
>> around track 20 before barfing.
> Hmm - so drive speed affects the problem.
Possibly. The jury is still out on that one as it will occasionaly 
format a few tracks even at the correct speed.

> It couldn't be anything as silly as the test program not working
> correctly on 50Hz mains?? (I can't see that the drive would have any
> internal reference to mains frequency - the only CBM machine I know
> that can do that is the C64)
> Does the drive have a strobe disk on the spindle?
Nope. The drive electronics are DC only - no 50hz source. There is a 
strobe disk. Making a cheap strobe light is stilll on the tp-do list. 
Unfortunately I don't have a working scope at the moment.
> Very weird.  I've a full dance card right now (don't we all) - but I'd
> love to have a look at the ROM, and determine the formatting code on
> the drive.. I'm sure there roms exist on the 'net.
Right. I can see this becoming a 'mission' for me and an annoyance for 
my wife in the next week as I should be doing other things to prep for 
xmas. :-)

Rob


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Received on 2012-12-02 00:00:05

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