terros@sideways.gen.nz (Dave Sainty) (02/20/91)
From: jrg@doc.ic.ac.uk (James Robert Grinter) I have experienced a strange problem with a BBC Model B and DFS. The problem is as follows:- Loading programs from disc, and all uses of the DFS can work well for several days, or weeks, at a time. But occasionally the DFS 'dissappears' from use and is not available AT ALL. Switching off the machine, or any pressing of BREAK is not guaranteed to get it back. ************ I dont know the 0.9 DFS (didnt think it still existed!) but I would presume it checks wether the disk controlling hardware is there. if so, you probably have a fault there somewhere, try just pushing down the chips around the 8271. it's always possible the rom's faulty, but pretty unlikely! if you have a disassembler, you could always look at the dfs rom image next time it happens and see if anything's there/not there.