Re: Local equivalent of ADT?

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

Tristan Mumford wrote:
> Michael J. Mahon wrote:
>
>
> > Tristan Mumford wrote:
> >
> > > Sorry about all the new threads, but my horizons are expanding and I am
> > > thirsty for information!
> > >
> > > Essentially I would like something like ADT(Pro) that can image Dos3.3
> > > disks and retain the volume names. Shrinkit cannot do this unfortunately.
> >
> > The volume *number* is only in the data of the image in the VTOC.  To be
> > useful when the image is transferred back to a disk, you must use DOS to
> > format a disk with the correct (VTOC) volume number, then you can use
> > ShrinkIt to unshrink the disk image to that disk.
>
>
> I wonder how I got so horribly confused.
> Anyway my purpose is to do a bulk backup of my disks, so opening / closing
> programs etc for the phase of finding out the volume number of each disk
> and recording it (I am worried about copy protection) seems a little
> irksome.

If there is copy protection, then the volume number will be the least
of your problems.  ;-)

All you have to do is a CATALOG to get the volume number of a disk.

If all you are doing is making images (.DSKs not .NIBs), then there
is no volume number associated with the image except that contained
in the VTOC.  Some emulators allow you to specify the volume number
that they will *pretend* to have read from an image file.

> > Disk volume numbers were an interesting idea that achieved almost no
> > usage--except by a some game designers and a few applications--so they
> > are essentially vestigial in ProDOS, and even in DOS, for that matter.
>
>
> How many programs won't works with a different volume number? I'm guessing
> it's less than I thought.

It's tiny.  I'm guessing that 99.9% of all DOS disks are default volume
numbers (254, $FE, IIRC).

> > > I'm only asking about a local imaging utility because of the problems
> > > with the physical topology of my house. Apples one end and PCs the
> > > other... more or less. And I have some disks that should be preserved for
> > > all to share. I don't want to relocate my Platinum or IIgs because of the
> > > rather fragile nature of their 'additions'. So they have laid down roots
> > > in the spare room.
> > > Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
>
> > What wire distance is involved?  ;-)  Serial data can often be moved
> > on random wiring--like telephone wiring--if it isn't too far or too
> > random.  ;-)  Of course, there would still be a lot of walking unless
> > you can manage it from the Apple end...
>
>
> That's a tricky question. the Apples and the PCs are at opposite ends of the
> house. Because I am renting drilling holes etc. is out of the question. And
> because of the layout of the house the cable would need to navigate a lot
> of hurdles like doors, doorframes etc. As it is I have one cable running
> most of the length of the house for the router. I tried my best to reduce
> the tripping hazard but it still exists.
>
> I don't mind a little walking. It's the tripping on cables that really
> bothers me.

I hear you!  Well, if your disk transfer sessions are mutually
exclusive with your networking, you could use the network cable
as a serial cable.  It's lower capacitance than "standard" serial
cables, so you may be able to get 150 feet out of it...especially
at lower data rates, like 9600bps.

> > > By the way, on the subject of backing up disks. I remember the
> > > magnificent thread on it a while back. But does anyone have any
> > > suggestions about what to do when a centre ring becomes detached?
> >
> > If you mean the small "washer" ring that is stuck surrounding the center
> > hole, don't bother.  Just remove it.  Disks work fine without them
> > unless the drive clamping has become marginal.
>
>
> I think the problem was the exact opposite. It looks like the disk was
> locked in when it wasn't fully inserted, dislodging the ring and distorting
> a part of the disk hole outward. Normally I'd just leave it be. But I have
> never seen the program anywhere else. It's a title which has a crossindexed
> list of the first settlers / convicts in Australia. On top of that I think
> it's an Apple specific CP/M title too which makes it a little bit more
> weird.

A misclamped disk can be a problem, depending on how serious the crimp
is.  I'd first try inserting it carefully with the disk rotated in the
sleeve so that the "aligning" face of the hole is "clean", then clamp
it and give it a try--it might even partially straighten the crimp.
(Some drives usually align against the front edge of the hole, but
some align against the back edge--and it may depend on how far the
sleeve is pushed into the drive.)

If that doesn't work, try putting a finger through the hole and
carefully grasping the "crimped" part and then carefully bend it
back to straighten it.  If you can use a fingernail under the bend
to force it backward, that can be pretty effective.  Then return to
plan A, above, and see if you can get a good copy of it.

It only has to be clamped correctly *once* for you to get a good
copy.  ;-)

-michael

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

"The wastebasket is our most important design
tool--and it's seriously underused."