dwh@ataritx.uucp (Dave Hanna) (09/26/90)
Follow-up To: comp.periphs.scsi
Distribution: na
Organization: Atari Microsytems Corp., Dallas
How long should it take to format a MAXTOR 8760S? We're trying
to install one on a Solbourne (Sun-clone), and the format command
says that it will take 21 minutes (estimated). It's still going
after 1 hour, when the format program terminates it on a timeout
error. I could feel the heads stepping by placing my hand on the
drive, and timed it at 52 cylinders per minute, which implies
that it ought to take about 32 minutes (1600+ cylinders), but
it was still going long after that.
So, how long should it take, and does anyone know of a way to
keep it from terminating?
Thanks.
Dave Hanna
UUCP: ...!texsun!letni!ataritx!dwh
...!ames!atari!dhannaChuck.Phillips@FtCollins.NCR.COM (Chuck.Phillips) (09/28/90)
>>>>> On 26 Sep 90 14:10:29 GMT, dwh@ataritx.uucp (Dave Hanna) said:
Dave> How long should it take to format a MAXTOR 8760S? We're trying
Dave> to install one on a Solbourne (Sun-clone), and the format command
Dave> says that it will take 21 minutes (estimated). It's still going
Dave> after 1 hour, ...
_Assuming_ Solbourne's format command is the same as Sun's: The time
estimate for the _format_ isn't outrageously far off. However, the
_surface analysis_ that follows takes _much_ longer. If you want to test
the disk with every data bit set to 1 and 0, you need to change your
analysis parameters up for 5 passes over the disk using non-random values.
Unfortunately, you're not allowed to define your own list of values to
write then verify. Thus, this is the number of passes you need using
_their_ predefined patterns.
Dave> ...when the format program terminates it on a timeout error.
Are you _sure_ your drive format parameters (and jumpers, etc.) are correct?
Dave> I could feel the heads stepping by placing my hand on the drive, and
Dave> timed it at 52 cylinders per minute, which implies that it ought to
Dave> take about 32 minutes (1600+ cylinders), but it was still going long
Dave> after that.
Multiply this times the number of passes used for surface analysis and add
the time needed for the format preceding the surface analysis. NOTE: A
format pass takes less time than a surface analysis pass.
Dave> So, how long should it take, and does anyone know of a way to keep it
Dave> from terminating?
Dave> Thanks.
Dave> Dave Hanna
Dave> UUCP: ...!texsun!letni!ataritx!dwh
Dave> ...!ames!atari!dhanna
Chuck Phillips MS440
NCR Microelectronics chuck.phillips%ftcollins.ncr.com
2001 Danfield Ct.
Ft. Collins, CO. 80525 ...uunet!ncrlnk!ncr-mpd!bach!chuckp
--
Chuck Phillips MS440
NCR Microelectronics chuck.phillips%ftcollins.ncr.com
2001 Danfield Ct.
Ft. Collins, CO. 80525 ...uunet!ncrlnk!ncr-mpd!bach!chuckp