classiccmp-digest V1 #747

From: Glen Goodwin <acme_ent_at_bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun Oct 14 22:41:49 2001

> > Philip Pemberton wrote:
> >
> > > A while ago I got a Phonemark "Quick Data Drive", aparrently made
by
> > > Entrepo. It uses small endless-loop tape cartridges called "Wafers"
(any
> > > relation to the Rotronics Wafadrive? hmm...).

> > Try comp.sys.sinclair. Be advised that Entrepo made two types -- A and
B.
> > Same tape, different housing. I have A&J drives (one each A and B
type)
> > hung off my TS2068.
> Hmm... Live and learn.
> By TS2068 I assume you mean the Timex/Sinclair 2068.

Correct.
 
> > The drives are slow, and the tapes are extremely fragile, to the point
> that
> > I rarely use the drives any more, in order not to destroy my few
remaining
> > tapes.
> Urk! Time to get a few tapes in while they're still available :-)
> If the tape is that fragile, I might pull one apart and replace the tape
> with better quality tape.

I hope your eyes are better than mine -- these friggin things are *tiny.*

> Or I might design my own "stringy floppy" drive - even more fun!

The stringy floppy is flawed the same way an 8-track audio tape is -- it
only moves in one direction. As a result, A&J didn't write any OS for
their drives, just a couple of simple commands. You search for the file
you want, and you either find it (after several minutes) or you don't
(after several minutes).

> Anyone got a spare QOS wafer?

Nope.

Glen
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Received on Sun Oct 14 2001 - 22:41:49 BST