On Mon, 21 Jul 2003, Nico de Jong wrote:
> From: "Fred Cisin" <cisin_at_xenosoft.com>
> To: <cctalk_at_classiccmp.org>
> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 6:39 PM
> Subject: [Spam][95.7%] Re: 8-inch disk drives
I RESPONDED.
Please be careful with attribution.
> That depends on if you want to tinker yourself or want someone to do it.
It didnb't sound like the original poster had the requisite understanding
to be able to write a file system handler.
> I have used a MicroSolutions floppy controller for a project, where I had to be able to read each and every sector (128 bytes up to 1024 bytes) from an 8" disk (SSSD to DSDD).
> It was suggested, that you could use PC controllers for 1.2 meg disks for the job, but this is not the case, as they will only recognize 512 byte sectors and only DOS file systems.
The MicrosSolutions Floppy controller (Compaticard) IS an 8bit ISA PC 1.2M
controller.
THE ONLY difference is SOFTWARE!
The Microsolutions floppy controller (Compaticard) is my favorite, but it
is nothing magical. It ALSO will "only recognize 512 byte sectors and
only DOS file systems". What is needed is SOFTWARE! And "Uniform" (the
software package from MicroSolutions) does NOT do Minc.
(Nor does Xenocopy - but he already has a working serial connection up and
running!)
> You can do a Google search on "media conversion", which gives many hits.
I've been there, done that, supported more formats than anybody else.
> You could also take a look at www.farumdata.dk/enindex.htm if you want to explore the possibilities i can offer in our servicebureau.
> Who many disks are we talking about ?
A service bureau, such as yours, would certainly be the best option if he
can't figure out how to do it with his existing serial connection.
--
Fred Cisin cisin_at_xenosoft.com
XenoSoft http://www.xenosoft.com
PO Box 1236 (510) 558-9366
Berkeley, CA 94701-1236
Received on Mon Jul 21 2003 - 14:54:00 BST