Introduction and RK05J Drive cabling

[tony duell]

> 
> This one looks like it's in really good condition, but I have read about
> those issues. I'm just going to monitor it closely when initially mounting
> packs to verify the seals and integrity. As much as I hate to do so, I know
> it's common to run these without the top cover on for calibration purposes.
> Any tips for that? Maybe a piece of plexiglas over the heads to avoid any
> potential dust or should I not worry too much?

It is not a problem. The outer casing is not sealed anyway. Clean air (from the
absolute filter) is blown in the bottom of the pack, then out over the head area
If any dust gets near there it will be blown away from the heads.

Be sensible about it, don't smoke when working on these drives. But other than 
that there is nothng to worry about.


> > The other thing to be aware of is the emergency head retract batteries are
> > toast and should be replaced with a 3.6v NiCd pack, that way if the power
> > fails you don't trash a pack.
> >
> 
> This is also on my list of things to do. Is there anyway to test this
> function without using a pack to verify it after replaced?

With the mains off and no pack loaded, slip a folded lens tissue (or similar) between
the heads (in case they do touch) and carefully pull the carriage towards the front of 
the drive. You should not be able to do it, as soon as it gets off the end stop and 
the microswitch releases, it should snap back home again very sharply. That's due 
to the NiCd being connected to the positioner coil, of course.

-tony