Re: Focus HD high-level formats?

[pubpc1@library.ucla.edu]

Edhel Iaur, Esq. wrote:
> Is the Focus Hard Card allergic to being formatted (the regular way,
> as in with GS/OS, Copy ][+ 8.4, etc.?  I just got one (61 MB, Conner
> mech., 30.5 MB partitions), and I've had to low-level format the
> stupid thing both times I've tried to do a regular format.  It acts
> like a regular format ruins it.  The low-level formatter even fails
> most of the time.  The error Du Jour (or should I say De L'Heure?) is
> Error #$0, Track 181, Head 3.

Do you have the Focus driver installed?  If you don't, you can
still access two partitions, but you might have problems doing
formats.

Second, are you doing low level formats with the Focus
Formatter?  Don't try to use SCSI utilities or ADU to do the
low level format.  The GS might think the Focus looks like an
SCSI controller, but it is not.

Finally, your Conner mech might be damaged.  If so, you might
think about putting a bigger sized one on the card.  An 800MB
Quantum GO-drive, for example, can be had for pennies these
days (see Computer Shopper) and will give you plenty of room
to grow.  Just replace the mech, do a low level Focus format,
and high level format from the Finder.

> 
> My Focus is in slot 7, which crams it against my GS RAM+ (2MB
> installed)--would heat or something be an issue here?  I remember
> reading something about temperature affecting old hard drives in
> _Upgrading & Repairing PCs_.

The heat is probably not a problem.  The electrical contact might
be, however.  Try a piece of paper between the cards and see if the
problem goes away.

> 
> The 2 cards are literally leaning against each other.  Should I
> rearrange all my cards so I can put my Focus in some slot where it
> wouldn't be touched?  Should I try to arrange things so the HD's right
> under the fan?  Should I put a bigger fan mech in my System Saver
> IIGS?

Rearranging the cards is a good idea.  If you don't use 5.25"
disks much, slot 6 is a good place for the Focus.  If you want
to install a stronger fan in the Focus, see the excellent new
hacker FAQ that Rubywand put together on ground.  See the
section on upgrading the System Saver (I upgraded mine to
double the air flow through the GS).

-Scott G.