[comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware] Model 60 Hard disk problems

Jim Gerlach <GERLACHJ@QUCDN.QueensU.CA> (01/02/91)

We have an IBM Model 60-041 with either hard disk or controller problems. This
is the original Model 60 (10 MHz 286) with a 44 Mb hard disk and a ST-506
Microchannel controller. It has troubles booting from the hard disk (success
about 10% of the time) but boots OK from a floppy. No error codes, it either
prompts for a diskette or settles into leaving the hard disk light on but
nothing happens. I have run the diagnostics from the reference diskette
(Ctrl-A) and it reports: 1) everything OK, 2) controller failure, 3) hard dsik
failure - depending on the phase of the moon. BTW - the battery seems ok, at
least voltage is close to 6V (I only had a battery tester available today, no
voltmeter). I cleaned all contacts and reset controller card. The hard disk
seems to be making a whirring noise but since I didn't hear this computer
before I don't know if this is abnormal. If it boots from a floppy it may or
may not be able to access the hard drive (Abort, Retry, Fail?).

I am currently trying to find a similar machine so I can mix 'n' match
controllers but that may not be possible. In the meantime I would appreciate
any and all suggestions. Does anyone have recommendations for non-IBM
controllers and/or disks to replace/upgrade this machine? Does anyone have the
IBM prices for the controller for this machine?

Thanx, Jim

Jim Gerlach - Cancer Research Laboratories
James.H.Gerlach@QueensU.CA                    Queen's University
GERLACHJ@QUCDN.QueensU.CA (NetNorth/BITNET)   Room 358, Botterell Hall
tel (613) 545-6446                            Kingston, Ontario
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