Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!sci34hub!cdthq!gary
From: gary@cdthq (gary)
Newsgroups: comp.os.cpm
Subject: Re: What disk for an 80tk ds dd Tandon TM101-4 drive
Message-ID: <wRoqm1w161w@cdthq>
Date: 23 Jul 90 02:00:43 GMT
References: <5FDA2283DFBFE01D36@uwplatt.edu>
Organization: Garys' Home for Obselete Computers
Lines: 28

UCSLCT@UWPLATT.EDU (LANCE TAGLIAPIETRA) writes:
> Well, the subject about says it all.  I would like to know where I can get
> disks which will work in my 96tpi 80tk ds dd Tandon TM101-4 drives which
> Montezuma Micro CP/M will format to 820K.  I just bought a box of Kodak MD"-H
> disks which are rated at 96tpi, but they do not format, every track fails
> the verify pass.  These disks are made for high density drives (1.2Meg).

Swap the 1.2M discs with someone using an AT clone. They have a different
oxide coating from regular discs, which is why you had a formatting
problem. 

The easiest thing to do is buy DSDD 360K discs. There is no difference
between these and "certified" 80tk floppies other than the certification.
For that matter, all the single and double side single and double
density discs are cut from the same sheet of media, including 48tpi
and 96tpi. I've never had any problems using DSDD floppies for 80tk
drives, and in fact have always bought the cheapest name-brand disc
I could find. (The absolute cheapest is probably not a good idea, I
at least want some idea of the manufacturers' background.)

The manufacturers punch a pile of "biscuits", as the media is called,
and start certifying at the highest level the media is capable of until
they fill their orders for this batch. Then, they step down to the
next lower level until it's filled, and so on. At worst, I think you'll
find 1 disc in 20 that won't format correctly, which is bunches cheaper
than Radio Shack 80tk discs.

Gary Heston, at home....