On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 21:25:36 -0800
Marvin Johnston <marvin at rain.org> wrote:
I just ran across this and thought it might be of interest for anyone
doing a low level format on a PC (not AT) type controllers. It was
taken from a February 13, 1989 issue of Tech Times that appears to be
a ComputerLand Confidential publication (this is a copy.) My usual
procedure was to unassemble C800:5 or C800:6 and G=????:? the address
that was a jmp instruction. I've never used the :800 or tried to
format a Xebec controller.
*******************
Company Debug Command
Adaptec -G=C800:CCC
DTC -G=C800:5
Omti -G=C800:6
Western Digital -G=C800:5 or
-G=c800:800
Xebec Series of commands
-l322
-l321
-o322 0
-l321
-o320 04
-0320 00
-o320 00
-0320 00
-0320 05
-0320 07 (use 17 if embedded servo dr)
At this point, the LED on the drive should come on to indicate that
the drive is formatting. When the light goes off, coninue:
-l321
-l320
The last entry should get 00 status back, indicating a successful
format.
I remember that old Xebec routine. It was always a little
nerve-wracking as you got no feedback until deep into the procedure. I
have a file folder full of old hard drive/controller lore that one day I
should scan and make available.
If I am remembering correctly, the Xebec controller was the one
originally used in the IBM-XT machines.