Re: downloading a2 programs using iMac: external drive?

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

Obsbedia2 <obsbedia2@aol.com> wrote:

> So far, I've tried Winstation's USB SuperDisk Drive (the iMac
> refuses to recognize Apple II preformatted disk--both in HFS and ProDOS
> formats) and Microtech's SmartFDD (no DoubleDensity capabilities and it took
> 20-25 minutes just to transfer ten  8-bit files from the hard drive to disk).
> Does anyone use this set up?

No, but I can explain why it doesn't work.

None of the 3.5" drives available for use with an iMac (or Blue & White
G3) are able to support Apple's proprietary GCR format, which is used on
400K and 800K disks.

This is the only format supported by the Apple 3.5 Drive (as used on the
IIgs), so you have two mutually incompatible systems.  The iMac is no
better at dealing with 800K Apple II disks than a PC would be.

To be able to exchange files between a Mac and IIgs on floppy, you need
either:

(a) An older Mac (beige G3 or any earlier machine), or

(b) A high density 3.5" drive and compatible controller for the IIgs.

There is one possible exception to this: I remember hearing rumours that
at least the original (rev A) iMac had a floppy drive connector on its
motherboard.  If so, this connector would work with the drive mechanism
that has been used in all Macs up until last year (the cheaper version
of Apple's SuperDrive mechanism, missing the automatic inject feature,
i.e. you have to insert disks manually).  This drive supports 400K/800K
as well as 720K/1440K formats, though its 400K/800K support may be
somewhat unreliable.

The original SuperDrive (as used in the Mac IIx through to early Quadra
models, if I remember right; it has the automatic inject feature) is
fully compatible with 400K/800K disks.

Note that the "SuperDrive" should not be confused with the "SuperDisk",
which is also known as the LS-120.  They are completely different
beasts.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand