>Ethan Dicks wrote:
> What I would like to do is, with commodity hardware, not DEC hardware,
> digest a large stack of (distribution) floppies. I don't care if
> the solution is under Windoze or Linux. Either will work. I have
> a Teac 5.25" floppy working in my former main PeeCee that dual-boots to
> Slackware or Win98.
> I have TELEDISK, I have PUTR, I can probably have anything else if
> required. I did notice a 10-sector floppy format special-device
> under Linux. Wasn't sure if dd-ing from that device would work
> or not, especially with the single/dual-sided issue.
> Yes, I could probably do this on DEC hardware, but that would entail
> spending way too much time in the basement where the 8200 is and its
> console RX50s. If I do this on a PeeCee, I can be doing other things
> while the disks gronk (but BACKUP/PHYSICAL would make it easy).
> Primary goal is backup - TELEDISK should do that. Secondary goal is
> to produce image files suitable for use with simh and E-11.
> Thanks for any tips.
> -ethan
Jerome Fine replies:
I realize that this answer is biased in favour of using RT-11, but that is
because I tend to use RT-11 as the solution whenever it is possible.
In my solution, you gain the advantage of using all of the tools that
RT-11 provides.
First, set up a small image of RT-11 files in a Windows 98 file which
be MOUNTed by E11. Normally, a 988 block file which E11 uses
as RX02 emulation or DY is sufficient for a job like you are doing.
Then use PUTR to FORMAT (actually Create and zero out) a
number of large empty container files which you will use to hold
the RX50 images. Since the hobby version of E11 allows a
maximum of 32 MBytes for both the DY and the DU container
files, probably a 60,068 block file which will hold exactly 75
RX50 images is about correct (and allows for the 68 blocks of
directory when you do the INIT). If E11 allows it, an extra
4000 blocks in the container file would accept 80 RX50 images.
The set up a file that inits E11 and boots from the DY as well as
MOUNTs the 5 1/4" floppy as DU1:
For each different set of 75 RX50 images, you will need to tell
E11 (use SHIFT/ENTER to get the E11 prompt):
MOUNT DU0: <Windows 98 container file>
Under RT-11, the command:
COPY/DEVICE/FILES DU1: DU0:imagnn.DSK
will then copy the RX50 to the next image file in DU0:
You might also want to (I ALWAYS DO THIS):
DIFF/BIN DU1: DU0:imagnn.DSK
You can probably use SIMH instead of E11 in which case I
don't think there is a restriction of the size of the files.
After the image files are set up in DU0:, you can do anything
you want under RT-11. Later, you can use PUTR to copy
the individual image files to Windows 98 and then to a CD.
REMEMBER that BEFORE you use PUTR to copy the
RX50 images out of the container file, SET COPY BINARY.
The key advantage is that under RT-11, the images files can
be compared and modified if need be. The disadvantage is
that each file name is only 6 characters in UPPER case.
If you have any more questions, please ask.
Sincerely yours,
Jerome Fine
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Received on Fri Jun 21 2002 - 18:04:30 BST