john@stiatl.UUCP (John DeArmond) (01/27/89)
I recently received an Altos 8600 which is a 8086-based Xenix system. This system was donated and knowing little about Altos, I'm struggling. The first problem is the hard drive, a Quantum Q2020 has a problem with (apparently) servo malfunction. The head constantly seeks around trying to home. It behaves this way even with the data cables off so the problem is in the drive. First question: Is this drive FUBAR or could this be a jumpering problem and if so, anybody know about this drive? The format program that comes as part of the diagnostics disk requires a *password* to use. (!) Anybody know what this password might be? The book tells me to call the dealer for the password (right!!!) This is a 1982 vintage system so that's not a viable option. This drive appears to have a SASI interface (50 pin control cable). Anybody know if this can be mapped into an ST503 or anything equivilent so I could use a modern (?) drive such as an ST-225? Finally, Does anybody out in Netland have a spare Q2020, Q2030 or Q2040 laying around collecting dust that you'd like to get rid of? preferably free but reasonable prices considered. This is a real low budget project to get a news feed up and running. Anybody have any idea what the latest version of Xenix is for this machine. I could call Altos but I really hate to get laughed at :-) Anybody have a spare tech manual laying around? the one that came with the machine is labeled "preliminary" and has blank pages where the schematics, jumpering diagrams and other illustrations are supposed to be. Reasonable purchase price and/or copying fee considered. This machine has a SSDD 8" drive in it. the book mentions that it supports a DSDD drive but gives no instructions as how to config. I have a couple of DSDD drives and would like to install one. Any info available ? Anybody else ever tried to get News up on this machine? Anybody ever succeed? Thanks in advance for your help and consideration, John De Armond. -- John De Armond, WD4OQC | "I can't drive 85!" Sales Technologies, Inc. Atlanta, GA | Sammy Hagar driving ...!gatech!stiatl!john | thru Atlanta!