don@vax1.acs.udel.EDU (Donald R Lloyd) (02/07/89)
Well, I seem to be having trouble mailing stuff again, so I'll have to post the letter I was trying to send:
Is there a program for the 1581 similar to the 1571 tester you posted?
I have a 1581 I bought used, and often when I copy files to an '81 disk, (usually using WarpSpeed), parts of the directory get screwed up (which, I
assume, means I need the replacement ROM). A friend of mine has a 1581 that died on him (read-write head broke off or something to that affect), and it would cost him more to fix it than to replace it. Before he throws it away or sells it for spare parts, I'd like to try my drive out with the ROM from his drive (without having to copy a bunch of stuff & then check the directory).
Which chip is it that's the problem, and does the upgrade have a different # than the original? Also, what is CBM's policy on the upgrade ROM?
Thanks,
Don
Now that I think of it, I've got a few more questions:
I'm writing a disk cataloging program for my 128 (in 128 mode), and even though I haven't messed with cp/m since the day I got my 128 (or was it the day
I got my monitor so I could finally see it in 80 col.?) I'd like to include cp/mcataloging capability to it. Problem is, I know nothing about reading cp/m-for-matted disks, and the manual that came with my 1571 is sitting under a pile of cardboard boxes right now in a storage shed somewhere on rt. 40.
Anyway, can anybody give me a subroutine to read the disk name, file names and types of the directory of a cp/m disk.
Thanks again,
Don again.fred@cbmvax.UUCP (Fred Bowen) (02/08/89)
don@vax1.acs.udel.EDU (Donald R Lloyd) writes: > Is there a program for the 1581 similar to the 1571 tester you posted? > I have a 1581 I bought used, and often when I copy files to an '81 disk, > (usually using WarpSpeed), parts of the directory get screwed up (which, I > assume, means I need the replacement ROM). Many users are confused- there is NO ROM REPLACEMENT for the 1581 drive, but a problem with some early 1581 drives which contained a WD1770 controller chip did prompt Commodore to offer a free controller replacement for users who experience problems. There were also some early production boards with poor solder joints. Either of these could cause the problem you describe. Many moons ago I posted a program which reported which controller your 1581 had. I believe the free replacement is still available- contact an authorized service center (and if they know nothing about it, have them call Commodore). > A friend of mine has a 1581 that died on him [...]. Before he throws it away > [...] I'd like to try my drive out with the ROM from his drive [...]. The chip is the WD177x controller, located at U4 on the board. It is not socketed, so it is not possible to simply swap the parts. If your friend's drive mechanism is broken, you might be able to swap the entire board though. Mucking about with your drive's innards just might destroy your option of a free controller replacement, however. > I'm writing a disk cataloging program for my 128 (in 128 mode), and > even though I haven't messed with cp/m [...] I'd like to include cp/m > cataloging capability to it. Tall order- especially for someone who hasn't messed with CP/M much. There are many, many disk formats involved here. I wish you luck, for it sounds like you're getting involved in something that is way beyond your ability... -- Fred Bowen uucp: {uunet|rutgers|pyramid}!cbmvax!fred arpa: cbmvax!fred@uunet.uu.net tele: 215 431-9100 Commodore Electronics, Ltd., 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA, 19380