Atari hard drives? The actual Atari Answer :)

From: Lawrence Walker <lwalker_at_mail.interlog.com>
Date: Thu Jun 4 15:01:22 1998

On 4 Jun 98 at 11:19, Ethan Dicks wrote:

>
> > OK, but what to do with the system that takes an ST-506 interface drive? I just
> > need to know if I can substitute, say, an ST-251, and how to do the low-level
> > format (if necessary).
>
> If it's a later (post-1985) ST-506 controller, you probably can use an ST-251
> or larger drive. I've got some stuff that's from c. 1981 that assumes a
> real ST-506 or TM603 or equivalent, down to the write precomp and reduced
> write current. You can't use a newer drive (newer meaning ST-225 and up).
> As a result, I've got a box of ST506 and ST412 drives (DEC RD-50 and RD-51),
> and a couple of 5Mb Tandon mechanisms for the Commodore D9060 and D9090
> IEEE-488 hard disks. I'd love to get a disassembly of the ROMs of thos
> rives... They have a "DOS Board" (IEEE-488 to SASI) and a "Controller Board"
> (SASI to ST-506 interface). The drive parameters are in the ROMs of the
> DOS board. There is a jumper to select 4 heads vs. 6 heads (5Mb and 7.5Mb).
> Fun drive.
>
> -ethan
>
 I imagine he's talking about the SH205 atari hd. The Seagate 225 can be used
with this. There is also an adaptec board available. I can't remember the model
but it was something like 4001 and I believe is still available. There was a
thread recently on this in comp.sys.atari.st. A check in dejanews should
turn it up.
 Here's an old msg relating to this. I know some m-l recips. have trouble with
attachments so my apologies . Flame me if the list prefers reg text and I won't
do it again. : ^ ))

ciao larry
lwalker_at_interlog.com

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? Area: ATARI_ST ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
  Msg#: 983 Date: 02-25-96 01:13
  From: Mark Duckworth Read: Yes Replied: No
    To: Lawrence Walker Mark:
  Subj: Re: Mega STE HD problems
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
.FROM Mark Duckworth _at_FIDO 1:270/421
:From Mark Duckworth
On Mon 19-Feb-1996 4:57p, Lawrence Walker said to Dennis Farkas:
LW>
LW> Dennis, I keep seeing vague references to mfm/rll drives being used
on
LW> on Ataris. I have an old XT with a Seagate 225 mfm and a STf 2.5m
LW> without
LW> a HD. I also have a Linc2 and Icd disk but haven't had the dosh yet
to
LW> buy a scuzzy. Is it possible to install the mfm in my ST ? Any info
LW> would
LW> be appreciated.
LW>
LW> Thanks Larry
LW> ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12
LW>

Sure there is... Just get yourself one of those old SH205 or any other
Adaptec adapter boards.. Call 1800 directory and ask for the number to
Adaptec.. They will sell you one but you might be able to find one on here.
 Once you get it, the drive will have to be formatted.. If you have ICD,
you are on your own.. You can use ICD to format the MFM but I would just
buy an SCSI drive.. They are better and a LOT faster.. Besides you don't
REALLY need a case for one making them cheeper.. Do what someone else I
know does, just lay the internal drives on your desk and use
external/internal cable interface.. It works (so I hear)...

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Received on Thu Jun 04 1998 - 15:01:22 BST