5.25" drive identification

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Sun Apr 20 13:32:57 2003

> Until this moment, I've been using silly things like model numbers,
> testing, and something no one has yet mentioned:

The method I use is to hook the drive up to an exerciser and check for
(a) the number of head steps between the limits (40 -> 360K, 80 ->
possible 1.2M, but maybe a standard data rate only drive, giving 720K on
a pC). And (b) the index timing -- can the thing give 6 index pulses per
second (360rpm) or not?

I find this to be the most reliable way of distinguishing between
different drives...

-tony
Received on Sun Apr 20 2003 - 13:32:57 BST