Re: Creating Apple /// boot disks using MacADT

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

jjj <jjj@[n0sp4m]io.com> wrote:

> On 2008-01-18 12:25:59 -0800, magnusfalkirk <dean.phares@gmail.com> said:
> 
> > Actually the "chunk" that is missing from the right hand side of the
> > disk is what allows the computer to write information to  the disk. So
> > to format the back side of the disk, in a standard Apple II drive,
> > you'll need to cut a similar notch in the left hand side of the disk
> > directly across from the notch on the right hand side. After you've
> > done that you need to turn the disk over and put it in the drive to
> > format the back side. Also using MacADT or ADTPro to copy the disk
> > images to the disk you'll need to turn the disk over to write
> > information to the back side.
> > 
> > In fact if you've been trying to write the back side of the disk
> > without first notching the left hand side and then turning it over
> > it's possible that you been writing over the boot side of the disk
> > every time.
> > 
> > Just my two cents worth,
> 
> Well I didn't try formatting the back side until after I had problems
> with booting. So I don't think that's the problem.
> 
> I was just afraid that maybe the Apple /// required that the disks have
> both sides formatted, or something. I wasn't sure if it had a 
> double-sided disk drive or not. I guess not.

The Apple /// and Apple ][ have almost identical 5.25" drives. The only
real difference is the analog board within the drive, which is larger on
the Apple /// and has a different cable connecting it to the computer.
I'm not sure what electronic differences there are between the analog
boards.

The drive mechanism may even be mechanically compatible (e.g. screw
holes in the same places); if so, you might be able to swap the guts of
a working Disk ][ into a Disk /// (or the internal 5.25" drive of an
Apple ///).

I'm not aware of any differences as far as the physical disk format is
concerned, or special requirements like formatting the other side. The
Apple /// has a single sided drive, just like the Apple ][. They can
certainly read and write disks formatted on the other computer.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz