Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st.tech
Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!watdragon!rose!swklassen
From: swklassen@rose.uwaterloo.ca (Steven W. Klassen)
Subject: Expanding Megafile 60 (summary)
Message-ID: <1990Dec14.155637.8235@watdragon.waterloo.edu>
Sender: daemon@watdragon.waterloo.edu (Owner of Many System Processes)
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 90 15:56:37 GMT
Lines: 37

Here is a summary of the info I got regarding adding another drive
to my Megafile 60.

Some have stated that it is possible to add another drive to
my current controller, it looks like it is not the sort of thing
that I would want to do.  I was hoping that it would be just a
matter of opening the case, mounting the drive and plugging in
the cable (and possibly setting a dipswitch or two).  Instead
it seems that it is more complex for a number of reasons:

1) It seems the cable for the second drive has been cut off of
   the controller, hence a new one would have to be installed.

2) One person mentioned that the Adaptec controller has been
   modified so that data can not be read from a second drive (some
   lines have been attached to ground) and these modifications
   would need to be undone.

3) A new power supply might be needed.

4) I would have to write my own software as HDX will not support
   the second drive.

My question for Atari is:  Why has this approach been taken?  I would
think that the ability to just "plug in" a second drive would be
a useful marketing tool.  Instead it looks like you have gone to
extra expense to ensure that this cannot be done.

My reaction is:  Too much work/risk for me to undertake.  I guess
I could purchase a second Megafile but perhaps I should just save
my money to buy a better machine.


--

						Steven W. Klassen
						University of Waterloo