[comp.os.os2.misc] Second Hard Disk on IBM PS/2 ESDI Machines

bert@helix.nih.gov (Bert Tyler) (04/06/91)

> Have anyone experince in installing a second non-IBM Harddisk in a PS/2
> Model 80-111. I have try to install a Micropolis ESDI-Harddisk 1664 in
> the PS/2 but with no success.
> 
> Configuration:   PS/2 Model 80-111
>                  Standard IBM-ESDI-Controller with IBM 120 MB Harddisk.

I've done it on my PS/2 model 80-071 at home (also an ESDI drive - I
added a 150MB Maxtor), but only after using a special low-level formatting
software package on it provided by the folks who sold me the second
drive (a tiny company here in the states called Perisol).  Also, although
I don't think it's a factor (I'm not using any special device drivers),
I'm not using OS/2 on this machine - just DOS/Windows.

The problem, as I understand it, is that either IBM's ESDI controller 
or their low-level formatting process is non-standard, and does not
read the defect list that is placed on two standard locations on every
ESDI drive.  I had to run Perisol's low-level formatting program after
installing the drive in my PS/2, which required my typing in the defect
list manually.

After that, I used the MS-DOS FDISK and FORMAT commands and fired it right
up.
 
I also remembered to remove the terminating resistor packs from the
drive connected to the middle of the ESDI controller cable (in my
case, this was the Maxtor).  If you forget this step, you can end 
up with all kinds of problems.


Bert Tyler
bert@helix.nih.gov