rb@mtuxn.UUCP (R.BOTWIN) (07/25/85)
We were told that not all ST's were defective at Gemini, however an apparent recurring problem is the disk drive controller in the ST. Symptoms are either inability to read disks altogether, or inability to format disks. Some of these problems are rectified by opening the ST (beware...a soldering iron is required to access the board, as the RF shield is soldered shut) and pulling and reseating the socketed IC's. (only works sometimes...others have BAD controller chips). This problem initially looks like a drive problem, but since the floppy controller is in the CPU, it's actually an ST problem. Since ATARI does not have sufficient quantities available for an exchange policy yet, and is strictly repairing units on a when-we-get-around-to-it basis,.... I WOULD STRONGLY ADVISE TO TRY THE MACHINE OUT IN THE STORE BEFORE TAKING IT HOME!!!! Most stores will not have sufficient stock to replace defects for at least another month, maybe longer!!! Rob