Apple Floppy Drives (was: More Apple Pimpers)

From: Eric J. Korpela <korpela_at_ssl.berkeley.edu>
Date: Wed Nov 7 12:07:40 2001

>> the Apple floppy disk subsystem wasn't as solid as one might have
>> hoped.
>
> ??? whaddya mean not solid? The ONLY problem I've seen is issues related to
> when one drive is out of alignment and as a result, may or may not be able to
> read disks from another drive. The disk ][ was simple, clever and RELIABLE.
> Please quantify your statement!

I have to agree with Dick. Simple and clever, yes, but Disk ][ was not all
that bullet proof. The mechanism was reliable. I rarely recall failure of
the mechanism. But I certainly recall disks being rendered unreadable by
leaving a disk in the drive when powering down. Lifetimes of frequently used
disks were on order of months, even if the disks were write protected.

Later Disk ][ drives didn't seem to have as many problems. I assume there
was some modification to the circuitry to prevent stray currents in the heads
and to clamp surges on power down. The problems resurfaced in some //c internal
drives. I don't recall having any problems with the Apple 5.25 (plastic case,
D connector) drives.

I don't recall having as many problems with drives on other systems with the
exception of a Kaypro that would wipe most any disk over the course of a
couple hours. I only had access to the one Kaypro, so I don't know if the
problem was widespread.

Eric
Received on Wed Nov 07 2001 - 12:07:40 GMT