Re: ProFile HD system for the IIe?

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

In article <2FEB199502323051@vax2.concordia.ca>,
Mitchell Spector <spector@vax2.concordia.ca> wrote:
>
> David Empson wrote:
> >You would also need the special ROM that has to be installed in the
> >ProFILE to do a low-level format (the ROM is piggy-backed onto the
> >68P02 processor in the drive controller).
> 
> 	Finding an Apple III ProFile controller or the piggyback ROM
> would probably be a near impossible task. I'm still surprised I was able
> to find even the Apple III computer itself, seeing how few were in 
> circulation. 

I now have more information on what is required to perform a low-level
format on a ProFile.  Note again that this is only required if the disk
has lost some of its sectoring information, or has bad sectors.

The processor in the ProFile is a Z8, not a 68P01 or 2.  Early
ProFiles use a Z8 with a piggyback socket for an EPROM.  Later ones
have a mask-programmed or one-time-programmable version of the Z8 with
the controller software burned in.

To reformat the ProFile, you need a Z8 processor with piggyback EPROM
socket (I'm not sure what the part number is - I don't have any
relevant Zilog manuals handy), and a 2716 EPROM containing the
reburning software.  With an older ProFile (with piggyback ROM), you
can just replace the ROM.  With a newer ProFile (with burn-in ROM) you
have to replace the processor.

You also need an Apple III with Apple III ProFile controller card.
The card must be installed in slot 1 of the Apple III (the card is
normally installed in slot 3).

Special formatting software is also required.  I have a friend with a
copy of this.  He tells me that he has only reformatted 5MB ProFiles,
and doesn't know if this software supports the 10MB version - there
may be a newer version, for example.

The ProFile formatting kit (including the software and replacement
processor/EPROM for the ProFile) was only available to "level A" Apple
service agents.  It was never available to general dealers or to the
public.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand