RK05 alignment pack

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Mon Jun 28 17:36:14 2004

>
>
> I am also in need of one of these for a pdp-8 (16 sector packs). I
> don't want to keep it, just use it. Is there a way that someone could

Actually, you can use the same alignment pack on both '8s and '11s.
Remember the controller never tries to read data from it, it never looks
for a particular sector. All the controller is used for is selecting a
drive, positioning the head, and selecting the head.

The recording on the alignment pack consists of off-centre (and
eccentric) patterns that you look at with a 'scope connected to the read
amplifier. You adjust the head position so that, for example, the 2 lobes
of the radial alignment patter are reproduced with equal amplitude. The
head is then in the right postion.

> create one of these for people who might find these useful? Thanks.

There is no way to copy this pack on a normal drive. You'd need to at
least modify the head positioner, etc.

In moments of madness I've thought about trying to make my own 8" floppy
drive alignment disks, but I've never got round to it. Again it would
involve modifying a drive.

-tony
Received on Mon Jun 28 2004 - 17:36:14 BST

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