Re: Converting .DSK, .SDK, .DO images to 5.25" floppy; disk compatibility?

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

Jason L. asked:

>I recently had an Apple //e -- the holy grail of classic computing --
>fall into my lap, but it's not of much use right now, since the only
>real applications I have are disk images.  I have a
>somewhat-more-than-basic knowledge of the system, but I am having
>trouble figuring out how to convert disk images to 5.25" floppies. 
>I've read many Usenet posts about the concept, but the methods (such
>as ones involving null modems) are all very confusing.  Is there any
>conceivable way I could connect a DuoDisk to my PC and use some sort
>of conversion program?  If not, what should I do?

No, you'll have to go the null-modem route to make 5.25" floppies.
Check the CSA2 FAQ for complete instructions.  There was also
an excellent step-by-step article in the online Call-A.P.P.L.E.
magazine last September or so.  Google it.

The alternatives are either rare or have even more steps (like getting
a 3.5" 800KB disk controller and drive for your //e and a Mac with
a 3.5" drive).

>(Sadly, not one school in my area uses Apple //e's anymore, so I can't
>get tech support from there.)

Such as it ever was.  Usually the best tech support was from one
of the students.  ;-)

>I also need some information as to how I can reformat IBM-formatted
>5.25" disks for DOS 3.3 (or ProDOS, whichever has the highest
>compatibility.)   And which size is compatible -- 1.2 MB, or 360 KB?

360KB is required for Apple II 5.25" disk drives.  They usually have
"hub rings" and have a brownish coating instead of black.

-michael

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