Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!motcid!leed
From: leed@cell.mot.COM (Dwight Lee)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: GVP Quantum hardcard problem
Keywords: harddrive, GVP, Quantum
Message-ID: <402@brown3.UUCP>
Date: 14 Nov 89 22:54:56 GMT
References: <3482@nmtsun.nmt.edu>
Distribution: na
Organization: Motorola Inc. - Cellular Infrastructure Div., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Lines: 51

Pat Palmer (ppalmer@oddjob.uchicago.edu) writes:

>I have a problem with a GVP 40meg Quantum hardcard in an A2000.  I am
>using 1.3 and the autobooting eproms are installed (and have worked
>[more stuff]

>When the computer is turned on, the hard disk access light flashes a
>few times, and after a variable length of time the workbench hand
>appears on the screen.  If one attempts to access the drive, the
>message is that it is not mounted.  I remember a series of postings
>about Quantum drives failing.  Is this what such a failure looks like?

>[other stuff omitted]

Yes, that's exactly what happened to me (and still happens occasionally).  I
called up GVP and was told to do the following:

1. Take the drive out and hold it so that the drive spindle is in the middle
of your hand (estimate) and the face of the card is toward you.

2. Quickly rotate the entire costly device counter-clockwise with a deft flip
of the wrist.

3. Plug it back in and try powering-up again.  If it doesn't work, try again.

This worked the first time for me, and has worked two subsequent times.  I've
experienced the problem about twelve times after a year of using the drive.
Most failures have occurred within the past four months.

Of course, all the usual warnings about having the computer powered-down,
unplugged, and free of possibly powered peripherals applies (pardon the
alliteration).

The alternate method suggested was to apply power to the drive repeatedly (ie,
ON-OFF-ON-OFF sequences) which didn't sound that healthy to me.

Supposedly GVP has some kind of replacement chip for the Quantum drive which
will increase the amount of current applied to the drive at start-up.  I'm not
sure whether they'll send it to us or whether we have to send the drives back
in.  I beieve that the chip is directly from Quantum, so it may be available
from other sources.  Anyone out there that has followed up on this situation?

The technical fellow with whom I spoke at GVP was courteous and helpful.  The
phone was answered after eleven rings.  I have no connection with GVP other
than using their hardcard product.

-- 
Dwight Lee                   "I don't want the world; I just want your half."
UUCP: ...!uunet!motcid!leed                           - They Might Be Giants
Motorola RTSG CID 1501 W Shure Dr Arlington Hts IL 60004
My views, my words, I eat bean curds.                      Amiga == Sun, Jr.