Re: Disk copy in Apple IIGS?

["Michael J. Mahon" <mjmahon@aol.com>]

Polymorph wrote:
>   To: limtc
> limtc wrote:
> 
>>Yes, I hope my incident will someone else out there to avoid the
>>issues I encountered.
>>
>>I think if we use SuperDrive without the SuperDrive controller disk,
>>it is best to use DD disk or cover the hole in HD disk to fool it into
>>DD disk.
>>
>>Right now I am back to emulation, and not sure when I will have my GS
>>back and running again. It is nice to actually run the real hardware
>>for a few days though.
> 
> 
> I have always used HD disks without a problem in my Superdrive drive
> *without* a Superdrive controller. I believe that many (including
> Michael) suggest the use of DD disks because of the magnetic properties
> of the disks - it has nothing to do with the HD hole as far as I know.
> As Michael said, it is for drives that are considered marginal - they
> work but maybe not as good as they should.
> 
> It would seem that some experience problems using HD disks and others do
> not. I guess the thing to take from this is - if you can get your hands
> on DD disks, definitely use those in preference to HD disks as you will
> gain nothing by using HD disks without a Superdrive controller.
> 
> If you can not get DD disks, *try* HD disks - you might just be lucky
> like me (and others) who experience no problems using HD disks.
> 
> As for covering the HD holes, I do not think this is necessary for Apple
> drives.

Actually, if it's a Superdrive, it may be important.

The drive senses the HD hole to set its write current, and
it may also limit its options to 1.4MB MFM.

Certainly, try formatting a disk with the HD hole taped before
giving up on the drive.

-michael

NadaPong: Network game demo for Apple II computers!
Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/

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