xxwwxx@mixcom.COM (Tim and Tim Company) (05/27/91)
I have a 2312K (8" SMD,) which seems to have a problem. Normally, I would just chuck the darn thing, but it seems to be something simple - The drive powers-up fine; the yellow LED pulses rapidly, and after a short time, the drive becomes ready. I have it attached to an Emulex SC03-BXC, which I am confident is properly configured. If I try formatting the drive, either using DEC software, or the Emulex built-in formatting routine, I run into a problem. Once it makes its pass through the disk, the head returns to the center of the drive. This is normal, from what I understand. Once the head gets there, however, it sits there, and makes a peculiar noise. I'd almost swear that it sounds like heads hitting a platter, but I'm beginning to think that it is "losing track" of track 0, or something similar. It is almost like it is attempting to pull the head in farther than it will go. While it is doing this, the ready light goes out, and after 30 seconds or so, the fault light comes on, and the drive spins down. I have *NOT* noticed anything peculiar about the platters that would indicate a head crash. I've stared for several minutes from every imaginable angle at the media surfaces, and get perfect reflections, with no discoloration or streaks. Since it powers-up ok, it is finding track 0; otherwise, it would never become "ready." I'm not sure what the problem is, but if it is not a drive problem, then perhaps the drive switches are not set properly. I don't have a manual that explains the functions of the dip switches on the drives. Anybody have a copy? It is currently configured for use with a Plessey controller. Thanx, in advance. T. Thompson/MKE 414+873-1841 weekends. 414+764-6655 2-10pm, CST, M-F