[Coco] Floppy weirdness

[David Roper]

Hi Robert,

It's a set-up that has been functional in the past, so I'm sure all
the components are workable together - they've just slipped into
non-functionality while in storage

I don't have any known-good disks anymore, just a box or two of blank
DS/DD 48 TPI MD-2D disks

I'll take the drive casing off and make sure everything seems okay on the inside

Thanks,
David

On 16 April 2012 20:15, Robert Gault <robert.gault at att.net> wrote:
> David Roper wrote:
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I've finally found space to hook my coco stuff back up
>>
>> I'm trying to format some disks using DSKINI, however I think
>> something is going haywire somewhere
>>
>> After issuing the command DSKINI 0 (or 1, same results either way) I
>> get the first drive access/seek/grind tone, and then nothing audible
>> except for the sound of the disk spinning. I've left it for a good 10
>> minutes and nothing appears to be happening
>>
>> If I use DIR on any of my disks, I get the usual group of 3 or 4
>> access/seek/grind tones, but DSKINI only throws the one, and then
>> hangs
>>
>> Any ideas on how I can further diagnose what's wrong, so I can get up
>> and running again?
>>
>> - David
>>
>
> You need to be sure you have the necessary hardware. That means identifying
> which floppy controller you have as some require +-12vDC which a Coco3 will
> not supply. An MPI will supply the +-12v or you can add a small power supply
> to the Coco3.
>
> Make sure the disk is spinning at 300rpm. Any drive should have a strobe
> pattern on the flywheel. Make sure the index hole lamp is functioning. I've
> seen one come loose from the support clip.
> Check that the drive head can slide easily on the rails. Lubricate if
> necessary.
>
> Is the dip switch, if present in the drive, set for the correct drive
> number? Is there a termination resistor pack on the last drive and only the
> last drive?
>
> If you have any good disks with files, can they be read?
>
> Use a multimeter to check the ribbon cable continuity.
>
> =============
> You should be able to DSKINI a disk in 1-2 minutes.
>
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