2 Aug
2014
2 Aug
'14
2:08 p.m.
I'm trying to put together a DOS system on which to run the ImageDisk software, as
found here:
http://www.classiccmp.org/dunfield/img/index.htm
The ImageDisk documentation recommends at least a 486-class system for best results,
although it'll run on an original PC:
"ImageDisk requires a DOS based PC with an AT type floppy
controller. Although ImageDisk will run on a 4.77Mhz PC/XT type
machine, some of the analysis functions are real-time intensive
and best results will be obtained with a 486 class machine or
better."
ImageDisk is naturally finicky about its floppy controller, since it uses modes that are
not normally employed for MS-DOS disk formats. After studying the list of controllers
known to work well with ImageDisk, I ended up buying an Adaptec AHA-1522A SCSI controller
on eBay, because it's built-in floppy disk controller happens to be a good one for
this application. It's a 16-bit ISA card.
I thought I already had a computer to plug it in to on my junk pile, but those all turned
out to be much too new, with PCI slots only. Thus, I'm looking for some help looking
for a machine that I can buy for running ImageDisk on. I don't want to waste space
with any old arbitrary no-name clone machine; I'd like to get something that has some
collector appeal all by itself, besides its utility for running ImageDisk with that
AHA-1522A.
The only PCs I'm familiar with that particularly interest me on their merits would be
the original IBM PC and PC-XT. Those seem like they would be under-powered for this
application according to the ImageDisk documentation, though.
I hope that somebody who's more familiar with vintage PCs than I am can help me find a
machine that meets these goals:
* Must have at least one 16-bit ISA slot to accept the AHA-1522A board.
* Must be able to disable any on-board floppy controller so that the AHA-1522A's
floppy controller will not conflict with it.
* Should be "486 class" according to the ImageDisk notes... yeah, I know
that's a bit of a nebulous requirement.
* It would be nice if it has an IDE controller so I can use an IDE to CF adapter in place
of any hard drive.
* It would be nice if I can use an SVGA LCD monitor that I already have with it.
* It would be nice if I can use the Model M keyboard with PS/2 interface that I already
have.
* I really, really, hate orange Compaq displays. :)
* Preferably not too huge.
* Preferably not too expensive, and something I'll be able to find in short order on
eBay or from another collector on this list.
* I'd just run DOS on it, and I wouldn't care at all about things like mice,
sound, etc.
* Not a no-name clone; something that has some unique collector appeal of its own. This
will be hard to satisfy, as I consider the "486 era" to have been an especially
boring era of computing. :)
* It'll be helpful if the case is easy to open, since I'd regularly need to plug
in various disk drives, even including 8" ones.
Do any of y'all have suggestions?
--
Mark J. Blair, NF6X <nf6x at nf6x.net>
http://www.nf6x.net/