Date   : Wed, 29 Apr 1998 20:07:40 +0100
From   : Stuart William McConnachie <stuart@...>
Subject: Re: [Fwd: BBC Micros]

In message <35476457.33DD179D@...>, Robert Schmidt
<rsc@...> writes
>still are?) available. All the computers have a dual disk drive with a
>switch depending on whether they are using a 40 track or an 80 track disk. 
>The problem now is that although the drive will read the 40 track disks it
>will not run them. I have been unable to find out what the problem might be
A long shot, but have you considered the posibility that the switch or
connections are broken?  So when you switch to 40 tracks, it's still on
80 tracks.  You'd still be able to read the directory of the 40 track
disk (as this is on the first track) but not read anymore of the tracks
(where most of the data is).  Test this by inserting 80T disk and trying
to use it with switch on 40T!  If this works, then it's the switch,
which should be easy to replace.

>repaired anywhere? Is it possible to purchase new drives? Or is it possible
Yes, these shouldn't cost you too much (£10 each perhaps?).  Look out at
boot fairs, local papers or contact Chris Richardson:
chris@...

>to convert the data on the disks to IBM Compatible disks and run the games
>on say a 286 PC?  The games are so good and are enjoyed so much by the
Yes, you could do this with an emulator.  It's not going to be very fast
on a 286 though!  See Roberts BBC Lives web site for details of some
cool emulators - including mine :-)) 

>children that it would be a great pity to have to stop using them. 
>I would be very grateful for any help or advice you could give me - could I
>stress again that I am not technically qualified in any way and would need
>help from a technician if the drives could be repaired. 
Any resonably competent electrical person should be able to fix the
switch, if that proves to be the problem.
-- 
Stuart McConnachie (stuart@...              )
43 The Hollows, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 2ES, UK
Mobile: 0966 224307