Re: Crippled Disk ][ Problem

[cschroed@hercii_19hercii.lasc.lockheed.com (Curt Schroeder)]

In article <2k446i$rnf@charm.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>, valthoff@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Victoria M Althoff) writes:
[bits 'n pieces deleted from the quoted text]
|> In any case, I have seen that problem.  It used to be quite common on ][+'es 

Yes, it happened to my Disk ][ just under one year after I bought it (11/82).

|>   The most common symptom
|> is that the recalibration buzz doesn't sound quite right.  And the first fix is
|> to give the drive a firm swat on the top as the recalibration begins.  Yes, 
|> that's right, I said to HIT IT.  Most of the time, it works.

The Apple Technician (yes, I got to WATCH my drive get repaired :-) tracked it
down to the cam had somehow moved up slightly on the shaft it is on.  With some
grunting and CAREFULL application of pressure, he pushed the cam back down
(probably no more than a milimeter or two).  This put less pressure on the link
that rides in the groove, which was poping out of the groove when accessing tracks
in the middle of the disk.

I have not had one bit of trouble with the drive ever since (except adjusting
drive speed every few months, of course :-/
 
|>  I think the problem is 
|> caused by a combination of shipping shock, cold weather, and disuse...so when 
|> you press the drive into regular service, it frees up and works fine.

Not sure I agree with this analysis of the cause.

Curt
-- 

Curt Schroeder                        | cschroed@hercii.lasc.lockheed.com
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company | marylynn@netcom.com (1st prefered)
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These opinions are mine, mine, mine!  |    --- Apple II Forever! ---