Re: //e Problem

[rubywand@swbell.net]

Gene Halpern writes ...
> 
> Bought a used //e with 2 external drives (a disk// and a Laser).
> Everything worked fine for a week.
> Then some disks failed to load.
> Then all discs failed to load.
> 
> I switched drive one and two on the disk// interface card... tried the
> card in different slots... no luck.
> 
> I replaced the disk// interface card (a friend had one in a drawer-- no
> guarantee that IT was in good shape)...  no luck.
> ....
>


     Here are a few things to try ...

     First, have you tried cleaning the drives? If the heads are gunked 
up, you will get symptoms like the ones you describe. A Radio Shack "Disk 
Drive Cleaning Kit" will include a Cleaner Diskette. You squirt on some 
fluid, stick the Cleaner Diskette into your drive, and do few CATALOGs or 
whatever. (A Disk ][ drive's R/W head is on the bottom; so, punch out 
just the bottom opening on the Cleaner Diskette.)

     It may be a good idea to remove the case and use an alcohol swab to 
sweep out any dust. Also, you can check the head and use a swab to 
remove any remaining gunk.

     While your case is off, it will be easy to get to the speed 
adjustment control (small screw-adjustable pot on a back-mounted mini 
board at the lower right side of the drive).  You can use Copy ][ Plus's 
VERIFY- Speed option to check speed and adjust it.


Rubywand