Date   : Sat, 27 Mar 2004 22:51:18 +0100 (GMT)
From   : Johan Heuseveldt <johan@...>
Subject: Re: MDFS incomplete startup

Hi Philip,

On Sat 27 Mar, Philip Blundell wrote:
> On Sat, 2004-03-27 at 10:55, Johan Heuseveldt wrote:

[snip]

> > The problem is that the MDFS stops after the first disc access, and the
> > LED 'Discs free' turns back to flashing slowly. According to the
> > manual(s), this is the wait for loading the FS programme.
> 
> I think this means that it can't find the $.FS program. 

My thought as well.

> If I remember right, the LED should flash rapidly while it's loading FS,
> then go out at the same time as "On line" comes on. 

I think you're right. That's the way I remember it from weeks ago: I've
played long enough with the MDFS then, to remeber it! Thanks for the
comfirmation.

> If it reverts to blinking slowly, that means that it wants you to insert a
> system disk to boot from.

The hard disc was enough at the time. The server software was clearly
loaded from it during the second access which takes about 3 to 5 seconds 
iirc. I haven't checked the floppies then, so don't know if they are
suitable for starting up. The software is definitely on both floppies.

So it seems that the first access of the media (both hd and floppies) is
not enough to recognise the media and where the server s/w needs to come
from. I think that is what you're saying, and seems a valid conclusion to me.


I also checked it out without any drive(s) connected. Behaviour is the same,
leaving a slowly flashing 'Discs Free' LED. I can't find anything in the
manuals if the red 'System Error' LED should report something. Somehow the
File Server can't read from the media, as if they are not there at all!!

At least I should be able to test the floppy drives on the Master. Don't
know yet how to examen the hard disc. Probably trying another cable first.

I let you know.

greetings,
Johan

-- 
Johan Heuseveldt <johan@...              >
  aka  waarland

  The best place is a Riscy place
 
You can do more with a kind word and a gun
than you can with only a kind word.