PerSci 277 floppy drives

[Doc Shipley]

Randy McLaughlin wrote:

> From: "Doc Shipley" <doc at mdrconsult.com>
>>
>>   Looks like a standard 50-pin edge connector, yes.  After reading a 
>> little in the owner's manual, it's MFM, dual density, so worst case I 
>> should be able to run it on an older PC-based FDC, right?
> 
> 
> The 277 is a fast repeat fast single sided floppy drive.
> 
> The high-speed seek can be ignored but what can not be ignored is the 
> track location.  Being a dual drive both heads move at the same time, 
> this can confuse some software.
> 
> Details on making a 34 to 50 pin cable can be found on my website.

   I've looked at that, but I don't have access to crimpers.  Would the 
line noise from a soldered strip-&-splice be excessive?

   By the way, both your site and Herb Johnson's have been very helpful 
already.  Thanks!

> The Persci's also have a slew of jumpers, it is best just to try it the 
> way it is.

   So I've read.  I also gathered that the jumpers are soldered 0-ohm 
resistors, not shunt blocks.  Correct?

> The Persci's are very sensative, shipping often destroys them.  To ship 
> it you need a special cardboard shipping retainer to keep the heads from 
> slamming back and forth.

   It shipped with the retainer in place.  And the original packing, and 
2 thick binders of documentation.

   I wondered why he shipped it with only one insert, but if both heads 
move in concert, that makes more sense.

> It also uses special wheat-lamps that burn out easily.

   Uhhh.  Are there replacements available?

   Given the 277's temperament, I suppose I also need to see if the 
PerSci 1070 will drive non-PerSci drives....


	Doc