Re: Apple 3.5 Drives- M0106 vs M0131

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

Jim Thompson <pdsrome@roman.net> wrote:

> Are there any functional differences between the Apple 3.5 M0131 and the
> Apple 800K Ext Drive M0131 other than the M0131 won't allow daisy chaining?

You've used the same number twice, but I assume your first refererence
is to the standard external 800K 3.5" drive used with the IIgs.  This
drive is called the Apple 3.5 Drive, and its part number is A9M0106.

M0131 is the external 800K Macintosh drive, if I remember right.  (I
don't have one to check.)

These drives have exactly the same mechanism, but the electrical
interface to the computer is slightly different.  I haven't investigated
in detail, but the main difference is likely to be that the Macintosh
800K drive is missing the "3.5DISK" signal that is used to indicate to
an Apple II that an Apple 3.5 Drive is connected.

> Can both be used with a IIgs?  

The Macintosh 800K drive can only be used with the Universal Disk
Controller card (from Central Point/Laser Systems).

It won't work if plugged into the IIgs disk port, or into a "SuperDrive
card" (Apple II 3.5 Disk Controller Card).

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand