Low-Level PC Formatting Using Debug Commands

[Degnan Co.]

I have been looking for this information for a long time.  I have 
an XT that had never been initialized, now I can proceed.  Up to 
this point I had no success.  Thank you!
Bill Degnan


>
>> 
>> I just ran across this and thought it might be of interest for anyone
>> doing a low level format on a PC (not AT) type controllers. It was
>> taken from a February 13, 1989 issue of Tech Times that appears to be
>> a ComputerLand Confidential publication (this is a copy.) My usual
>> procedure was to unassemble C800:5 or C800:6 and G=????:? the address
>> that was a jmp instruction. I've never used the :800 or tried to
>> format a Xebec controller.
>> 
>> *******************
>> 
>> Company		Debug Command
>> Adaptec		-G=C800:CCC
>> DTC		-G=C800:5
>> Omti		-G=C800:6
>> Western Digital	-G=C800:5 or
>> 		-G=c800:800
>> Xebec		Series of commands
>> 		-l322
>> 		-l321
>> 		-o322 0
>> 		-l321
>> 		-o320 04
>> 		-0320 00
>> 		-o320 00
>> 		-0320 00
>> 		-0320 05
>> 		-0320 07 (use 17 if embedded servo dr)
>> At this point, the LED on the drive should come on to indicate that
>> the drive is formatting. When the light goes off, coninue:
>> 		-l321
>> 		-l320
>> The last entry should get 00 status back, indicating a successful
>> format.
>
>I remember that old Xebec routine.  It was always a little
>nerve-wracking as you got no feedback until deep into the procedure.  I
>have a file folder full of old hard drive/controller lore that one 
day I
>should scan and make available.
>
>If I am remembering correctly, the Xebec controller was the one
>originally used in the IBM-XT machines.
>
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