The indefeatable 8" floppy Was : 8" floppy system neededtorecoverold game data - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

6 Oct 2005

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Subject: Re: The indefeatable 8" floppy Was : 8" floppy system
neededtorecoverold game data
   From: "John Allain" <allain at panix.com>
   Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:14:13 -0400
     To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at
classiccmp.org>

  The other case was media that was stored next to
a large (50hp)
 AC motor.  The media was good but usedless until formatted.  
 The previously held data was largely gone due to partial erasure. 
How close and for how long?
I mean, everything we deal with emits EM radiation.
It would be interesting to know the details. 
Close in this case was on top of and laying against and the motor itself
was an much older partially open frame type used for a large screw 
compressor.  The field was strong enough to make a screwdriver buzz if 
held against it.  I suspect the heat given off (maybe 45-55C) didn't 
help either.  The disks in question were stored above it untill a shelf
collapse resulting in their close association in such a haphazard way. 
Though the heat in the room (110F) is not good for the media either. 
Very unusual case most likely.  I didn't include those disks that 
went through the motor fan or got caught in the drive. 

My biggest problem has been media stored in basements and garages
where temerature and moisture did their worst.  Mold and mildew are
also a problem but can be managed.

Allison