28 Sep
2014
28 Sep
'14
11:29 a.m.
On 9/28/14 10:48 AM, Josh Dersch wrote:
I'm relatively new to SMD -- what would it take to
make images of these drives? Is it similar to MFM drives where the controller dictates
the format/encoding and so you need a matching controller to
read them
I've heard conflicting stories about that. Some people claim everyone used the same
ECC code on SMD (msg from someone from Prime to be
about that on comp.sys.prime a long time ago)
What I'd do is stick another SMD drive on there and install a fresh stand-alone system
from tape (I've got cartridge tape images of the sw)
Once everything is stable, try adding one of the original disks as a second drive.
It's likely that the cartridge tape roller has gone to goo, though, and probably the
capstan on the Cypher.
I don't think there's much you can do other than unlocking the heads on the eagle
as far as prep.