Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!know!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpfcso!hpfinote!pnl From: pnl@hpfinote.HP.COM (Peter Lim) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware Subject: Re: XT HDD controllers with AT machines problems Message-ID: <36690021@hpfinote.HP.COM> Date: 3 Oct 90 17:53:27 GMT References: <15420001@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com> Organization: Hewlett Packard CICD Lines: 25 > I have noticed a problem when using XT-class HDD controllers with > AT-class machines (this includes 8086 machines with AT-type BIOSes). > > The problem is : The HDD works but any access to the HD is always > preceded by a long pause before the HD starts working (ie the drive > busy lights come on). > > Anybody have any explanation for this behaviour or any cures for it? > The XT controller must be putting the HD in low power standby mode when not accessed. My DTC-6280 controller has such a setting on board. When I enable it, every disk access is preceded with a pause. Diabling this means that by hard disk light stays on all the time. Regards, ## Life is fast enough as it is ........ Peter Lim. ## .... DON'T PUSH IT !! >>>-------, ########################################### : E-mail: plim@hpsgwg.HP.COM Snail-mail: Hewlett Packard Singapore, : Tel: (065)-279-2289 (ICDS, ICS) | Telnet: 520-2289 1150 Depot Road, __\@/__ ... also at: pnl@hpfipnl.HP.COM Singapore 0410. SPLAT ! #include