Emax

Thanks for the tip Bob, unfortunately it keeps on accessing the drive and 
returning with the error message that the disk isn't formatted ... regardles 
if there is or isnt a floppy in the drive =/

So, my options are:

1. find out what mechanics in the floppy that thinks there is still a disk in 
the drive... it is not always hanging, but sometimes it actually manages to 
pass through this state, and sees that there is no disk .... 

What is it in a floppy that sends a signal "hey, i've got a disk here!" ... 
could it be dirty disk headers or something..? .. or is it something 
mechanical?

2. see if there is some way of bypassing the floppy check during startup, so 
it skips checking for diskdrive in diagnostics mode .... doesnt seem like an 
easy option ... (bypass floppy check in some emax bios?)

3. faking the emax with a jumper somewhere that gives the right signal back 
to the machine that there is indeed a floppy. sounds like a real tough one...

4. build in an additional switch that cuts the power to the floppy when it 
acts up.. this way i can get it to boot and i save some power as well, but 
i'd rather not drill another hole in the case

So ... I have options, but I'm working on trying to get #1 fixed... if i cant 
do that, i know that option #4 WILL work (works fine to just unplug the power 
cable to the floppy when it is being a jerk) but it is a dirty option imho ;)

Any other input and tips on how to get this work?

thanks,
Micke


On Wed, 27 Oct 2004 17:26:41 -0700 (PDT), Bob Conner wrote
> I believe the "disk in drive" change disk signal goes
> down one specific wire in the cable but I can't
> remember which.
> I suppose you could install a switch.
> 
> I remember doing a lab on this in computer repair
> school, but it's been several years.
> 
> Have you tried putting a blank disk in the drive?
> Perhaps it will go to the zip if it can't read the
> floppy.
> 
> --- Micke Askern\ufffds <micke@...> wrote:
> 
> > Hey all!
> > 
> > I have a problem with a faulty floppy drive on one
> > of my machines...
> > The floppy has a mechanical fault, so it thinks
> > there is a disk in it, 
> > therefor bypassing booting from my zipdrive...
> > 
> > I can bypass it by unplugging the power chord from
> > the floppy AS it is 
> > trying to read from a non existent diskette, but
> > other than that, it is 
> > pretty much stuck..
> > 
> > Also, I've tried disconnecting the floppy from the
> > motherboard, but this 
> > causes the emax to hang in diagnostics mode, and not
> > boot up at all, due to 
> > it not getting any clearance from the floppy drive..
> > 
> > So .. i was wonderinf, is there some way of
> > bypassing the diagnostics mode, 
> > or, search for floppy? It is my guess that it is
> > sending something out to 
> > the floppy and is awaiting a signal in return ...
> > anyone here have any 
> > knowledge about this?
> > 
> > thanks in advance... in worst case i'll have to add
> > a switch on top of the 
> > emax to shut off power to the floppy when it is
> > trying to boot... ;)
> > 
> > //Micke
> > 
> >
> 
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