root@gak.UUCP (10/30/89)
> The 'Smart Drive' is simply Tandy's name for IDE (Integrated Drive >Electronics.) This is now available on more and more computers. You can use >standard IDE drives in the TL/2, along with most of their newer computers. >You can also use a standard hard disk controller, if you don't mind giving >up a slot. > IDE has been around for over a year, and I first saw it on CompuAdd >computers, although there were probably others out by then, too. > IDE drives are available up to 70M. > Andrew Rossmann > andyross@ddsw1.MCS.COM >/* End of text from gak:comp.sys.tandy */ DELL computers are starting to use this type of drive & interface also. I saw another company in Computer Shopper useing these, but forgot its name. Please note that there are TWO diferent types of IDE drive, an AT & an XT. The TL/2 uses an XT type of interface. The main differences are what you would expect, the registers and port addresses are different for XT & AT controllers, also the AT version has a 16 bit data path. To the software these drives look exactly like a standard IBM ST506 controller, fully register compatible. On the TL/2, if you plug in something like a WD1002-WX1 controller, the IDE interface shuts off & lets the option board function (no jumpers or switches! Same thing for video option boards!). Since they are at the same addresses, you can NOT use both at the same time. One interesting item, you could mix MFM & RLL drives on the same cable, since they each have their own controller built in. The type of controller built into the drive would make a large difference in the transfer rate. Also, Miniscribe makes an adapter to use an AT IDE drive in an AT without an IDE interface. Minor notes: Both the 1000TL & the 1000TL/2 support up to THREE (3) floppy drives (2 3.5" & 1 5.25"). This is handy if you like 2 drives for copying diskettes & a 5.25" for compatibility. There is an optional bracket to mount 3.5" IDE drive IF you want to use a 2nd 3.5" floppy drive, otherwise it uses the 2nd 3.5" slot. Also both the TL & TL/2 support only 1 hard disk internally. You could support more if you used your own controller with external drives & power supply. The TL & TL/2 both have MS-DOS & Deskmate on a ROMdisk, which can be bypassed by changing the configuration to boot off of the hard drive. The floppy disk ALWAYS overrides the ROM & hard disk boot. The TL, SL,& TL/2 also support hercules (SP?) monochrome graphics built-in. The 1000 family of computers before the TL, SL, and TL/2 used a TTL RGB monitor or a composite monitor for monochrome. The TL, SL,& TL/2 use TTL for both composite & monochrome. They still support CGA and PCjr color modes. Sorry if i rambled on... gary k.