Date   : Tue, 29 Aug 2006 17:23:30 +0100
From   : Andrew Benham <adsb@...>
Subject: Re: Floppy woes

>From my memory:

> MX       Multiplex.  Without this link made, the drive responds
           irrespective of the drive select signals from the host.
           Bad idea if more than one drive on the cable.

> HS       Head to Select.  Load the head(s) onto the disk when
           this drive is selected.

> HM       Head to Motor.   Load the head(s) onto the disk when
           the drive motor is started.

When multiple drives are in use, all drive motors run together
(i.e. the "motor on" signal is common to all drives).

"Head to select" means you only load the head(s) on the drive
which is selected.  Reduces head/media wear, increases clicky
noise from drives.

"Head to motor" means you load the head(s) on all drives when
you turn the motors on.  Increases head/media wear, reduces
clicky noises from drives.


The other abbreviations don't tickle my memory.

-- 
Andrew Benham           adsb@...       
Southgate, London N14, United Kingdom

The gates in my computer are AND OR and NOT, not "Bill".