**********
Topic 2         Thu Aug 21, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 16:33 EDT
SUB: SFD Handling Tips & Tricks             

The SFD 1001, a 1 MEG IEEE drive, can be used on both the 64 and the 128
with appropriate interfaces.  Please share what you've learned about
living happily ever after with yours here...!
**********
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message   1       Wed Aug 20, 1986
M.RUANO [Mike]               (Forwarded) 

Anyone have info on the address that the SFD uses to store BLOCKS FREE??
Mike
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message   2       Thu Aug 21, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       (Forwarded) 

After hours of plain old fashioned 'hunt-and-peek' I found it.
Just INITIALIZE the drive
PRINT#15,"m-r"chr$(157)chr$(67)chr$(3)
get#15,b1$,dy$,b2$
BA=asc(b1$+chr$(0))+asc(d2$+chr$(0))*245
  
BA is BLOCKS AVAILABLE!
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 5         Tue Sep 09, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 22:06 PDT

I have no tips or tricks YET, but believe it or not, I'm STILL looking for
that memory location! I've talked to
many people. Nobody knows where or how to even go about finding it. The only 
luck I've had was a phone call to the
tech at Progresive Peripherals in Colorado, and she says that the only written 
indication of disk RAM for the SFD is located in a file on DELPHI.
Anybody that belongs to DELPHI, PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE HELP ME OUT! I'll pay 
access time if thats what it takes to get my eyes on this top secret file.

                  Impatiently
                   Sam Lewit
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 8         Wed Sep 10, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 16:35 EDT

Sam....
  
   As you might imagine, I know every nook and cranny where we hide
information over on Delphi....and there is *nothing* there ANYWHERE
like this!!!
  
   Fiddlesticks, maybe we should get PP&S in here for a day to answer
some questions?
  
     **
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 9         Wed Sep 10, 1986
GBARRETT [VISION100]         at 22:23 CDT

    Anybody ever checked any of the Butterfield files on the SFD?  I haven't 
looked here, but I believe he had one on QuandryLink...a text file with 
locations, etc...and I THOUGHT I had it...but I'm packing to move and
things are kinda disorganized right now!
    Will look there tonight...and report back.
-GaryB
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 10        Thu Sep 11, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 21:22 PDT

Well fiddlesticks indeed! Gee, I wonder what happened to that file then? Thanks 
so much for those that have looked for me. I DO appreciate it!
I'll have to call PS&P again to see what the heck is going on.
I shudder the thought of having to call Skyles. I told you this Mike, but others 
might be humored by it too.
This is an excerp from Skyles' 'manual' on the SFD changing the device number. 
He has a little chart explaining which jumpers to cut for each device #.
But he failed to show the jumpers for devices 12 to 15 (which an SFD is capable 
of), but instead has a little note that says, and I quote:
"The jumpers to cut for 12 to 15 are left as an exercise for the reader"
What the heck is that? I don't want to take a tutorial on jumper cutting! An 
exercise. HA! The only way I take that is that HE (Bob Skyles) did not know 
himself! 
What a joke. Anyway, I'll get back to you all on what PS&P has to say about this 
mysterious and only file on the SFD.
Thanks again!
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 11        Fri Sep 12, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 01:29 EDT

The other set of traces to cut for the higher device numbers include
the one right NEXT to the two he did tell you about.  On a 1541 there
was a pair of half moon thingies, on an SFD, there is a trio.
  
     But that is a humourous way to tell your folks how to ruin their
drives, I'll admit...!
  
      **
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 12        Sun Dec 21, 1986
JIM.MAC [* SysOp *]          at 13:43 EST

One thing I do that might save SFD owners some headaches, especially if
they are using them on a BBS is check each disk's integrity after it has
been formatted.
I run a program that writes to every sector and if an error, (bad sector),
is encountered it locks it out. This is done by writing to the BAM.
Of course if you validated the disk you have to run the program again.
Once the program has been run all write operations to the disk will
bypass the bad sector(s).
it. If I get enough requests I will polish this program up so is menu
driven and upload it.  -Jim
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 13        Sun Dec 21, 1986
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 21:43 EST

In conjunction with Jim's idea, the use of a good-quality disk *does*
make a difference on a finicky SFD.  Maxells have never let me down.
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 14        Mon Dec 22, 1986
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 03:08 EST

...and I use a High Density Diskette on my SFD for the BBS.  We're talking
96 TPI, $35-40 per box.  It only takes one trashed disk, and you'll KNOW
the $4.00 per diskette is WORTH it!  <<smile>>
  
       *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 15        Mon Dec 22, 1986
KEVIN-S. [KeS]               at 01:40 PST

Gosh, deb, and I only paid $1.00 apiece for 96 tpi Dysans this 
weekend! (For an AT user)  Guess it is all in that keen shopping eye!
.          KeS
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 16        Mon Dec 22, 1986
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 04:51 EST

Well, smirk away, Kevin...As you know, tho, AT style disks are NOT normal
diskies...
  
<<As I watched a friend find out the hard way with his SFD!>>
  
If you go out in search of 96 TPI disks, do NOT get the disks for the AT
IBM computer!!  Get what is called 'HD' 96 TPI.  The AT style disks are not
called 'HD', but 'Quad Density'.  They have a stronger something technical
sounding sZ{gnal required to format/read/write on them...and your SFD won't
even begin to format!  <<I forgot what you call the signal thingie that
they made stronger just for AT's...>>
  
Thanks for the reminder about posting *this* info Kevin!  <1 dollar, indeed!>
  
     *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 17        Mon Dec 22, 1986
KEVIN-S. [KeS]               at 18:26 PST

Oh, sorry, deb!  Yes, but they had BOTH types available!  Take 
your pick, mix and match boxes of ten... of course, I don't 
HAVE an SFD, so what am I smirking about!?
               KeS
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 18        Mon Dec 22, 1986
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 22:26 EST

So, can ya get me any more of those disks at THAT price...?  <<grin>>
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 19        Mon Dec 22, 1986
GARYW                        at 22:29 CST

Deb:  I am going to bring you some disks.  Ihave been using these on my Radio 
Shack TRS-80 model 3 which used Quad drives and I have never had any problems.
Speaking of disks, don't you still owe me $14.00???
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 21        Tue Dec 23, 1986
JIM.MAC [* SysOp *]          at 00:43 EST

The SFD's are indeed finicky about what disks you put in them.  As Deb
mentioned, if you are running a BBS as both she and I are with SFD's get
yourself 'HD' disks. The $$ might hurt you at first, but does not compare
to the headache you will have in time if you use 'cheapies'.
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 22        Tue Dec 23, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 08:04 EST

Jim-
 *I'd* LOVE that little utility!  I've got an SFD that is a bit flakey
at times and it won't deal with *some* tracks at all.  I use the SFD as
a drive for LIBRARY text files and never have users writing to it.  That
utility would sure help when setting up a new disk for the system (till
I can find someone to FIX the little bugger!)
  \\GFX//
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 23        Wed Dec 24, 1986
JIM.MAC [* SysOp *]          at 01:21 EST

GFX-

I will polish up the program that reads checks each sector and locks out
any bad ones it encounters.  It is very handy. It is also fast when you
consider that it has to read and write to 154 sectors.  
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 24        Sun Dec 28, 1986
S.LEWIS                      at 22:08 MST

Gee, I'm surprised nobody ever mentioned getting a "format speed error" on
his/her SFD... what a  common thing around here (and one, I might add, that 
has brought me a buck or two).

Another common problem is the guy that goes in to change device numbers with
a razor knife and hacks through a few too many traces. Drive will sit there 
and flash 4 or 5 times, stop, then repeat the flashing forever. Sound familiar?

Steve
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 25        Mon Dec 29, 1986
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 17:50 EST

Steve...hahaha, I knew someone that cut too many traces on *2* SFD's, and
he had no idea what to do with them...decided they would cost too much to
repair.
  
So...what *do* you do with an SFD on which your scalpel has slipped?!
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 26        Mon Dec 29, 1986
GARYW                        at 19:41 CST

YOu bring it with you to CEs and I will fix it for FREE.

----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 27        Mon Dec 29, 1986
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 21:36 EST

Nonono, Gary, twasn't *mine*...*I* know how to cut traces *right*
  <<grin>>
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 28        Mon Dec 29, 1986
S.LEWIS                      at 21:44 MST

So how much would this guy like to sell em for? Leave me a *private*
message, eh?

For that matter... if *anybody* has an SFD or the GOOD OLD Quicksilver
for the 64 that they'd like to part with, please leave me a line or two
along with a price. If I'm not interested I can probably put you in
touch with somebody who is.

8050's, 8250's, 9060's, and 9090 inquiries also welcome!

By the way, anybody experience any 22 errors on their 9060 yet???

Steve
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 29        Tue Dec 30, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 18:22 EST

Steve-
  I haven't got the DOS manual handy, and don't recall what a 22 error is,
but I've had the drive scramble the directory and BAM twice now.  First
time I attributed it to my learning the ins and outs of the D9090.  It
was no great loss, since I had current backups of the few files I had on
it.  The second time was a disaster!  Close to 6 Meg on it and many items
not backed up.  I've looked at it with a sector editor and all the files
are there, but several blocks of directory are duplicated and the track/
sector path is scrambled in a few places.  A couple of links are now
recursive!  ::ACK::  I've about given up on it (sigh).
 \\GFX//
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 30        Wed Dec 31, 1986
S.LEWIS                      at 03:01 MST

You didn't "collect" or validate it, did you? A nasy no-no for 9060 and
9090 drives! For the fun of it, before I reformat mine over the weekend
I intend to do a collect on it and see how much damage it does *this time*
(I did it to a different drive a couple of years back and the directory
became as scrambled as all he**). If you want to part with it, please let
me know.
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 31        Thu Jan 01, 1987
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 16:35 EST

Yep, validating did it both times (you'd think I'd learn from the FIRST time)!
OK.  So validating a 9060 & 9090 is a no-no....so what do you do with
an open file?
  \\GFX//
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 32        Thu Jan 01, 1987
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 17:53 EST

CLOSE it!
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 33        Fri Jan 02, 1987
S.LEWIS                      at 00:45 MST

Don't validate it!!! Rename it to something that will stay out of your
way... like "SPLAT X" where X is a number or letter. You can then check on
the demon's progress with a selective directory of SPLAT*... Not a good
solution, but one that will keep everything in order.

Steve
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 34        Fri Jan 02, 1987
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 03:22 EST

Isn't there a quick trick to opening a SPLAT file and closing it back up?
<<Thinking REAL hard>>
  
      *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 35        Sun Jan 04, 1987
S.LEWIS                      at 19:10 MST

I don't think so (or that information has never dribbled down to me thru
local info, national net tricks or Butterfield magazine articles. There IS,
however, a way to access the information in a splat file...

OPEN8,8,8,"filename,p,m"

Substitute the proper file type for the p and use M instead of R.

I've never actually tried that to the end of a file, but as I recall you
have to manually tell it when to stop as the pointers in the last block
of the actual file are pointed at the  expected next block or some such
thing, and you'll keep on reading whatever that expected next block links
to... I should try that tonight before I reformat the ol' 9090...

Steve
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 36        Thu Jan 08, 1987
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 15:47 EST

Are there any other "suprizes" waiting for me if I use any other of the
common DOS commands with the 9090?
  \\GFX//
----------
Category 11,  Topic 2
Message 37        Sun Jan 11, 1987
S.LEWIS                      at 23:25 MST

Don't try putting a 128 autoboot sector on it! You'll wipe out an important
pointer!

Steve



Topic 3         Sun May 18, 1986
P.L.MADDEN                   (Forwarded) 
SUB: SFD-1001 Fast Backup                   

Is there such a thing as a fast
Backup program for a SDF-1001, a
One Meg Drive for the C64?
5 message(s) total
**********
----------
Category 11,  Topic 3
Message 1         Mon May 19, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 (Forwarded) 

Well, its not a 60 second special from Mike Henry, but there are programs
that back them up...and as soon as I get it uploaded, Bill Brier recently
made public the hints for speeding up the SFD.  
   
 heck, maybe we _should_ call Mike Henry and ask him!!
   
      *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 3
Message 2         Sat May 24, 1986
P.L.MADDEN                   (Forwarded) 

Sounds good deb!  Let me know when and
where the info on speeding the SFD
is when you get it up here...
     --Perry--
----------
Category 11,  Topic 3
Message 3         Sun May 25, 1986
KARE                         (Forwarded) 

Perry, the info on speeding up the SFD is posted in the
database catagory Information Exchange, file #967.
Enjoy!!      
         -kare-
----------
Category 11,  Topic 3
Message 5         Sun Jun 08, 1986
HAUTZENROEDE                 (Forwarded) 

There is a fast filecopier for the SFD-1001. DI-SECTOR v3.0b supports the SFD 
and will copy all files. 
HAUTZENROEDER
----------


Topic 5         Tue Jul 22, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       (Forwarded) 
SUB: New SFD-1001 Alignment disk due soon   

Cardinal Software is releasing a new utility to align your SFD!
17 message(s) total
**********
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 1         Tue Jul 22, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       (Forwarded) 

The SFD Physical Exam will also include 8250 on the same disk and docs for
both.  They claim it will be as easy to use as the 1541 Physical Exam!
Price will be $39.95 and will be released in late Aug. or Sept.
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 2         Wed Jul 23, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 (Forwarded) 

HOORAY!  Thanks for the good news, Mike!
   ((already 1 SFD that won't format a disk....))
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 3         Mon Sep 01, 1986
B.DOHERTY [Bob]              at 00:20 EDT

Tonight I tried to format a disk on my SFD 1001 and no matter how I
Attempted to do it I got a
Error 75,FORMAT SPEED,1,00,0
Could this be a simple alignment problem or something more serious?
Also, how much should I expect to pay to have the SFD aligned?
Thanks,
Bob
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 4         Mon Sep 01, 1986
SURVIVOR [S. Gutknecht]      at 15:58 EDT

 
If the problem is simply the speed... it is usualy easy to alter
that yourself... ask DEB if she can help...

----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 5         Mon Sep 01, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 17:43 EDT

DEB doesn't do hardware, remember...?!
  
Bob, I have *2* drives that will not format.  Yup, its due to alignment.
Remember them 1541's that would go out of alignment and then format a disk
just fine, except that the disk could not be read by any other drive???
  
I believe that this speed check is a way of preventing this from happening.
 
NOW...how to align it?  I dunno.  Does the disk drive self-check kit do
this?   Yea, I know its got a name, just forgot it!!  Mike said they were
about to release an SFD version.
 
      *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 6         Mon Sep 01, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 19:11 EDT

In talking with Cardinal, they tell me the utility will have lots of 
photographs,
and utilities to make the job easier.  It also includes a speed check and
instructions on how to adjust it.  I'll give  'em a call Tuesday and see if
they have a release date yet.
  --GFX
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 7         Mon Sep 01, 1986
B.DOHERTY [Bob]              at 19:36 EDT

Yes Deb the SFD performance test results in the same error message plus
A system failing message.
Well, if its got to be aligned, its got to be aligned!
I've located a place locally with same day service. What more could I ask for?
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 8         Mon Sep 01, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 21:29 EDT

Gee, how much do they charge and do they do mail order??
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 9         Tue Sep 02, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 02:46 EDT

Wow, with 2 drives out to lunch, I'm dying for a solution, too!!!
  
They are reading and writing PERFECTLY tho...!!
  
      **
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 10        Tue Sep 02, 1986
B.DOHERTY [Bob]              at 02:47 EDT

Naw Gary, ITis just a little hole in the wall...
I doubt very much UPS could find them! (grin).
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 11        Wed Sep 03, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 13:26 EDT

I talked with Cardinal Software, RE: the status of the SFD alignment disk.
 They say, "....manual is at the printers and they will have it ready to go
in 2-3 weeks."  They also said you can place orders with them.  Phone and
address is in this TOPic.
  --GFX
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 12        Wed Sep 03, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 17:57 EDT

Mike....
  
   Wanna bet that the address/phone is in this topic...???  Also, did
anyone mention price?
 
   Now...the real dumb question of the hour.  Does this 'Physical Exam'
work with more than 1 drive?  How does it work?  Do I have to take the
drive apart or mess with something I don't know anything about??
  
   Remember, I couldn't tell a resistor from a capacitor, and I'm kinda
surprised that I can spell them!!
 
      **
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 13        Sat Sep 06, 1986
J.MACCRAW [Apprentice]       at 10:05 CDT

As I've said, I'm a Color64 BBS SysOp, running it on three SFDs and a '41
(300/1200- 24 hrs). Over the course of almost a year, I've picked up a 
bit of 1001 "lore", and it's hard to sp  separate the fact from myth...but
there does seem to be a ghost or two in the machine. (And it seems that the
older ones- like that big batch that Protecto moved- are the worst). At any
rate, a goodly number of them fall prey to that loony format speed error. I'm
no techie, and I can't tell you exactly what the problem is. What happened
with me is that I found a local shop run by one guy who is a PET wizard. Once
he alligns the beasts, and gets the speed set PROPERLY, they work fine with no
problems. I think the best advice I could give you is to look around your area
for a shop that works on PET stuff (assuming that there is no one advertising
that they work on SFDS) the similarity is such that - if the tech is any good,
he/she should have no real probs. HOWEVER- the guy that works on mine is
highly reccomended, and if you can't fine anyone locally in your area and
decide to ship- I would use this guy. His place is called ECS, is in
Minneapolis, and is highly respected by local '41 owners for his work I on that
drive. I can post the phone # and address, but LD information in area code 612
will get it for you just as quickly. ECS. BTW- anybody else actually TRIED
that SFD speedup from Transactor that I've been hearing about? Does it
really work?
peace.  jm
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 14        Fri Oct 17, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 17:02 EDT

Cardinal informs me they are SHIPPING!
  
The SFD-1001 & 8250 Physical Exam is $39.95 and can be ordered from:
  Cardinal Software
  14840 Build America
  Woodbridge, WV  22191
  703-491-6494
  
They have told me they will ship detailed info on it and I'll post as soon
as it gets here.
  \\GFX//
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 15        Sun Dec 21, 1986
JIM.MAC [* SysOp *]          at 13:34 EST

Jumping in on the format/speed issue this is what I have found...
Running SFD's 24 hours a day on a BBS gives the drive the time to get 
mighty hot!  Once the drives reach a certain temperature they will not
format. If you dig out the error code you find that it is as mentioned
a speed problem.  I just turn the drive(s) off and let them cool down and
in time they once again will oblige when you issue a format command.
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 16        Tue Dec 23, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 08:06 EST

hummm....mine did just that, and after the cooling off period, she would
format fine.....for a while.  Now she won't EVER format, tho it will
read and write to my original disks just fine.
  \\GFX//
----------
Category 11,  Topic 5
Message 17        Tue Dec 23, 1986
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 11:15 EST

Mike...it needs to be aligned.  The SFD's alignment is VERY VERY critical
and instead of formatting when its off, like the 1541 did, it just
refuses to format.  Considering the high density involved, I'd say
that was a good idea!!
  
     *deb!*
 Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 1         Tue Feb 04, 1986
B.DOHERTY                    (Forwarded)SUB: IEEE Quicksilver for the SFD
 

Well, Skyles has announced a new interface for the 128 (IEEE) called the
QuickSilver-128. I  really would like to hear from ANY user who is familiar
with it. Especially in regards to its performance With the SFD-1001.
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 2         Tue Feb 04, 1986
DEB [*Sysop* DEB]            (Forwarded) 

It has not been shipped yet, Bob.  I will be speaking with Bob Skyles
next weekend in San Francisco and hope to be able to find out just exactly
this same thing!!!
   
    *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 3         Thu Feb 13, 1986
B.DOHERTY [Bob]              (Forwarded) 

Well Deb!, How did we make out?
Did you have a chance to talk with Robert Skyles
about the new QuickSilver-128?
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 4         Fri Feb 14, 1986
DEB [*Sysop* DEB]            (Forwarded) 

The QuickSilver-128 is being shipped....!  
   
Right now, its certainly the most transparent IEEE for the 128....the
E-link from Progressive Peripherals will not be nearly as transparent...
  
     **
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 5         Fri Apr 25, 1986
MIKEM [Pax Regal]            (Forwarded) 

Welp, here I am again using a term that cant change duplex easily <dont ask me 
why i use it!?>
  And, again I am responding to an old string here, but thats the story of my 
life <better late...etc>
  I run a Color/Graphix BBS <Color-64 by Greg Pfountz>, and have had the 
unfortunate pleasure of
dealing with Skyles <sorry Bob!>.  Hooked up to my BBS are three 1541's and an 
SFD-1001.  Naturally with a setup such as this, a tre ansparent intertface is
a MUST. Well, Upon I waited months for Skyles new IEEE-Flash to come out for
the C-64, and when it did I almost screamed.
The thing had such a terrible time reading sequential files it ridiculous.  
That, coupled with the fact that it isnt compatible with Skyles' 1541-Flash,
prompted me to send IEEE back for a refund.  I had other problems too numerous 
to mention, ,   , but that was the gist of it.  I had borrowed the 128 version 
to try my luck with it hooked to the board, and still no better.  I have heard
many reasons for Skyles to do away with the old Quicksilver, but for the life
of me cannot understand why one would discard an excellent product and replace
it with with IEEE-Flash. I am now using E-LINK from Progressive Periph. and it
is EXTREMELY transparent, both the 64 and the 128 have no problems at all.  I
can actually sleep nights now, knowing the BBS wont decide to crash on me.
(The folks at Progree ssive have an excellent attitude about helping       
support....Thanx Jim!>
Next time ill log on with a   half duplex so i can read what I write...sheesh.
Mike
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 6         Sat Apr 26, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 (Forwarded) 

Mike ....
   
    I understand there have been several revisions to the Quicksilver
interface, and even the last one did not properly work under 64 mode on the
128.  I am, however, surprised to find that the E Link from Progressive is
this transparent!  
   
    As a side note, Mike, if you forget to boot up your program at half duplex,
you CAN get GEnie to go into full duplex!  After you enter the HHH and get
the U#= prompt:
   
 Press CTRL R and then enter your ID and password!
  
    *deb!*
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 7         Wed Apr 30, 1986
MIKEM [Pax Regal]            (Forwarded) 

Ahhh!  Thanx fror the CNTRL-R, deb! !

  From what I understand <and I have talked at length with Bob and others at 
Skyles> is that there is no longer a Quicksilver, per se.
They are now using an IEEE-Flash, sans Bryce Nesbitt's genius. <I.E.: It is a 
Bobexclusively a Bob Skyles Production> <ugh>
E-Link is <in its present state> marvelous, as is Progressive Peripherals 
service department.
(All of this drivvel is my own personal opinion.  Your mileage may vary)
    -Mike
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 8         Thu Dec 04, 1986
FRANKIE.HLWD                 at 23:08 EST

I have been using the 128 quicksilver for about 2 months now an I find it 
great!!
I also connected a switch to go to and from the Rom chip that was required
to replace when inserting the interface mainly because some programs require
the original ROM chip that comes with the computer!!
----------
Category 11,  Topic 7
Message 9         Sat Dec 06, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 04:41 EST

My SFD's and (2) QuickSilvers are still living happily ever after here
at my desk...and I'm pleased as can be, even after this long.  64-mode
does NOT give you the complete transparency that 128 mode does, but
it works most of the time...
  
     *deb!*
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Topic 22        Sun Aug 31, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 20:49 PDT
SUB: SFD-1001 Memory location               

I am looking for the memory location for the SFD-1001 to read the current
track and sector. Can't seem to find any info on this.
Can anybody help??
14 message(s) total
**********
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 1         Mon Sep 01, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 13:15 PDT

OK, if nobody knows the answer, then how bout some ideas on WHERE or HOW I can 
get this info. Help! I'm desperate!
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 2         Mon Sep 01, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 17:49 EDT

Sam....
   
   Are you trying to locate the code to EXECUTE a read from a specific block
or are you trying to find out how to tell from a MEMORY READ where the
drive is located at at the moment??
  
    ....and what are you doing with it?  Perhaps there is another way to
approach the problem?
  
        *deb!*
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 3         Mon Sep 01, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 16:15 PDT

Yes Deb, I need to do a MEMORY READ (m-r) to find out what track and sector the 
disk is on.
I'm currently running a BBS that has file descriptions in it, with the NUMBER OF 
ACCESSES in the file. 
Well until recently all I had were 1541's, and I did a m-r to find the T & S, 
then did a u1 to increment and u2 to write it back. Very fast, 
and eliminates the need to read in the seq description them n write it back with 
the new access number.
I'm kinda convinced that this is the only way ta go right now. It'S been working 
so well with the 1541's, that I'd hate to devise a new system
of course unless it's better!
Thanks a bunch!
P.S. Meanwhile, that line of code in my BBS is STILL doing it with the SFD, and 
lord p only knows WHAT it's doing, so that's why I'm so eager to find this
answer as quick as possible.
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 4         Mon Sep 01, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 19:22 EDT

There is a book available from THE TRANSACTOR (also at many local bookstores)
called "The Complete Commodore Inner Space Anthology".  Not only does it contain
a heap of memory location descriptions on the entire line of CBM computers, it
also has a list of important memory locations for the 8250 (which uses the same
DOS as the SFD).  After my trials in finding the Blocks Free loactions, I ran
across the book and sure enough, there it was in black & white!
  
   TRANSACTOR
   277 Linwood Ave
   Buffalo, NY 14209-9990
   416-878-8438 (dunno if this is for orders tho)
  
   Price $14.95 US dollars
  
--GFX
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 5         Mon Sep 01, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 20:19 PDT

GFX- Do you happen to have that book? I don't mean to sound cheap, but I doubt 
I'll ever need anything else again after finding this location.
Thanks!
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 6         Mon Sep 01, 1986
MIKEM [Pax Regal]            at 20:47 PDT

Sam:  I have the Transactor manual Mike spoke about also.  It does
not contain any more information than does the SEQ file I upped to
your board.  Like Mike said, its actually half of a 8250, and the
info in the book duplicates that of the file you have.  However,
thsi manual does have complete memory maps of the 4040, 1541, and
 *8050* disk drives.  I'm not at all familiar with the 8050, but if
its similar to the 8250, then this map should have what you need.
-Mike
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 7         Tue Sep 02, 1986
GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper]       at 00:38 EDT

Hummm....version I saw had 8250 loacations too.  Maybe there is a revised
edition?
  
Anyway, no, I don't have the book.  I browsed at a local software store.  I'd
love to be able to find a truly complete refrence for DOS 2.7 and DOS 3.0.
But sadly, these are still farily rare.
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 8         Tue Sep 02, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 02:50 EDT

the 8050 does _not_ use DOS 2.7, tho, which is what the SFD uses.
The double-sided SFD and 8250 would require additional coding and
overhead...especially for the T & S pointers....
  
      *deb!*
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Category 11,  Topic 22
Message 13        Thu Sep 04, 1986
SALEWIT                      at 02:10 PDT

OK, so if nobody could help me with this one, how about the start of RAM in 
these tings?
Anyone know where that might be? 
Looks like I( 'll have to make a disk monitor, and just poke around till I
find two numbers than t match the heAd
position I'm at.

hanks
(Darned delete....how do you fix that anyway?!?!)