I will only go for the extra drive IF an only if both can be run from the same controller. It doesn't matter which controller as long as both drives will connect to it, and the drives both run.
I would prefer the WD, but I see in the thread that the Xebec may be capable of running the drive you have. I wasn't able to run a successful debug command though.
Originally Posted by k2x4b524[
Are you planning on using BOTH controllers? Or running both drives off of the Xebec, or the WD? If your planning on using the Xebec, i believe that it will support the 20mb fine, but will have to be paired, and vice versa with the 10mb, but that shouldn't really be a problem, the WD is pretty quick on the format. If you send me the model # of the Miniscribe, i can look up the specs on the drive, as well as how to setup it up for the dual configuration. One of the books i have has ALL the older drives specs in it, saved my ass on numerous occasions. I DO know you have to tell the WD controller the dimensions of the drive, you might want to check, but i think that is common of the controllers of the time, besides, the WD supports a better interleave i believe, so a low level couldn't hurt *may even be required* Also, would you like me to include something like Norton Utilities and XTree Gold on the drive? Anything special you may require?
Originally Posted by bettablue
For what I have planned for this system, 20 Megs for the 2nd drive will be fine, as long as the 10 Meg Miniscribe can be used for booting DOS and all of the DOS commands and programs. This will be a perfect setup.
I don't believe I'll have to format the Miniscribe. When Chuck set up the Xebec controller, the system booted right into DOS on the first try. So I'll want to try again doing the same thing. However, if you give me the instructions for completing the setup, after everything arrives, I'll be fine.
You have no idea how much I appreciate you doing this for me.
Originally Posted by k2x4b524[
That will work famously, I'll see if i can get a dummy setup using my miniscribe 40mb as master and the cdc as slave *so to speak*. If that doesn't work out the way we'd like, i'll give detailed instructions on setting it up as the second drive. But i don't see how it wouldn't, but you may have to low-level your 10mb to pair it to the WD controller once you get it. I believe i have some rather long floppy drive cables that i can turn into straight through for the controller, if that's the case the CDC will be set to drive 1. or 2, *The second drive* in the setup, you'd just have to make sure your 10mb if it's strapped to be drive 0, or 1, *The first drive*. Will 20mb be enough?
Originally Posted by bettablue
Fantastic. I was actually hoping to get a WD controller because they seem to be compatible with more drives than most among other things. OK, here's the config I would like. I want the Miniscribe to be the primary hard disk drive, so I won't have to change anything on it when the other drive and controller arrive. That also means your drive should be left empty. I hope you can at least make sure it's ready to install and accept data as the 2nd drive. I'll be instlling several productivity and business apps on it. Later of course, I'll be adding directories as I need them, but this configuration will be perfect for my setup.
I can make a money order for you, no problem. So, can you get the WD card set up that way? That way, I'll keep my current install and configurations, and you won't have to install DOS, but rather leave the drive formatted, empty, and in park. I can easilly take it from there.
Please let me know if that will work for you.
Thomas.