Re: Local equivalent of ADT?

[Tristan Mumford <xtristan.xmumford@xgmail.xcom>]

Michael J. Mahon wrote:

> Tristan Mumford wrote:
>> Sorry about all the new threads, but my horizons are expanding and I am
>> thirsty for information!
>> 
>> Essentially I would like something like ADT(Pro) that can image Dos3.3
>> disks and retain the volume names. Shrinkit cannot do this unfortunately.
> 
> The volume *number* is only in the data of the image in the VTOC.  To be
> useful when the image is transferred back to a disk, you must use DOS to
> format a disk with the correct (VTOC) volume number, then you can use
> ShrinkIt to unshrink the disk image to that disk.

I wonder how I got so horribly confused.
Anyway my purpose is to do a bulk backup of my disks, so opening / closing
programs etc for the phase of finding out the volume number of each disk
and recording it (I am worried about copy protection) seems a little
irksome.

> 
> Disk volume numbers were an interesting idea that achieved almost no
> usage--except by a some game designers and a few applications--so they
> are essentially vestigial in ProDOS, and even in DOS, for that matter.

How many programs won't works with a different volume number? I'm guessing
it's less than I thought.

> 
>> I'm only asking about a local imaging utility because of the problems
>> with the physical topology of my house. Apples one end and PCs the
>> other... more or less. And I have some disks that should be preserved for
>> all to share. I don't want to relocate my Platinum or IIgs because of the
>> rather fragile nature of their 'additions'. So they have laid down roots
>> in the spare room.
>> Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

> 
> What wire distance is involved?  ;-)  Serial data can often be moved
> on random wiring--like telephone wiring--if it isn't too far or too
> random.  ;-)  Of course, there would still be a lot of walking unless
> you can manage it from the Apple end...

That's a tricky question. the Apples and the PCs are at opposite ends of the
house. Because I am renting drilling holes etc. is out of the question. And
because of the layout of the house the cable would need to navigate a lot
of hurdles like doors, doorframes etc. As it is I have one cable running
most of the length of the house for the router. I tried my best to reduce
the tripping hazard but it still exists.

I don't mind a little walking. It's the tripping on cables that really
bothers me.

> 
>> By the way, on the subject of backing up disks. I remember the
>> magnificent thread on it a while back. But does anyone have any
>> suggestions about what to do when a centre ring becomes detached?
> 
> If you mean the small "washer" ring that is stuck surrounding the center
> hole, don't bother.  Just remove it.  Disks work fine without them
> unless the drive clamping has become marginal.

I think the problem was the exact opposite. It looks like the disk was
locked in when it wasn't fully inserted, dislodging the ring and distorting
a part of the disk hole outward. Normally I'd just leave it be. But I have
never seen the program anywhere else. It's a title which has a crossindexed
list of the first settlers / convicts in Australia. On top of that I think
it's an Apple specific CP/M title too which makes it a little bit more
weird.

Tristan.

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