Faster 5.25" drives (was Will Apple Disk ][ wo)

[cschroed@hercii.lasc.lockheed.com (Curt Schroeder)]

In article <D65nEz.AJD@actrix.gen.nz>, dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) writes:
|> In article <25MAR199509501959@vax2.concordia.ca>,
|> Mitchell Spector <spector@vax2.concordia.ca> wrote:
|> > 
|> > 	Doesn't the Apple 5.25 (platinum) have a slightly higher transfer
|> > rate or access time than the original Disk ][?
|> 
|> Transfer rate: all Apple II 5.25" drives are exactly the same.  The
|> controller cards are the same, and the timing is all controlled by the
|> IWM (or logic state sequencer).  The bit time is fixed at 4
|> microseconds (roughly).
|> 
|> Access time: doubtful.  The seek time is controlled by software.  If
|> they changed the settling time, copy protection schemes such as
|> quarter-tracking would fail.

The Rana Elite series of drives spin at a faster speed, which as pointed 
out above, must be handled by the drive hardware such that the controller 
believes it is talking to a Disk II with a faster transfer rate.

I can't honestly say I ever noticed much difference between my Disk II and
my Rana Elite II in terms of transfer time (it is not dramatic like 
comparing the Disk II to a SCSI drive).  Now, the 40-track, double side 
capability of the Elite II makes a BIG difference in convenience of 
storage!

If there are other Elite II (or III) owners out there listening, have any
of you created a Prodos 8 format program that will take full advantage of
the drive without requiring the Rana Smartport controller card?  Rana's
Prodos 8 format program requires the Rana controller card be present.  :-(

Curt
-- 

Curt Schroeder                       | cschroed@hercii.lasc.lockheed.com
=====================================| cschroed@source.asset.com
These opinions are mine, mine, mine! | marylynn@netcom.com (lasc prefered)
      --- Apple II Forever! ---      |====================================