Re: Disk format

[david@uow.edu.au (David Wilson)]

"me" <dontmail@all.org> writes:
>I ask because i have an external 3 1/2  floppy, but it's meant for an IBM
>compatible.  So i'm thinking of wiring up a new card to stick in one of the
>empty slots of my //e and perhaps (if necessary that is) write a program for
>reading files off the disk.

A PC style floppy cannot read 800KB Mac/Apple // disks unless you build 
a controller that supports variable bit rates. The 800KB disk is divided
into 5 bands and is spun at a different rate for each band.

>If anyone suggests that i just buy an apple // floppy, i want to state that
>requires money and time, both of which i'm trying to conserve.  At least..
>..i'm trying to covserve time hunting. I don't mind spending time tinkering.

Building a card will cost you much time and money for controller chips etc.

If you want to read 800KB 3.5" disks, use an Apple or 3rd Party drive with
an Apple or UDC controller.

If you want to read IBM disks, there is a controller made in Germany (Blue
Disk?) that will drive your IBM 3.5" disk drive.

For complete info on how a 3.5" drive writes data on an Apple //, read the
//gs hardware tech ref manual, Beneath Apple DOS and a few other books.
--
David Wilson  School of IT & CS, Uni of Wollongong, Australia  david@uow.edu.au