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From: brad@gcc-milo.ARPA (Brad Parker)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: Static brushes
Message-ID: <764@gcc-milo.ARPA>
Date: Fri, 14-Nov-86 09:44:37 EST
Article-I.D.: gcc-milo.764
Posted: Fri Nov 14 09:44:37 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 15-Nov-86 03:26:36 EST
References: <42080@beno.seismo.CSS.GOV>
Organization: General Computer Company, Cambridge Ma
Lines: 23

> ... If the things REALLY weren't
> needed, the disk builders would have LONG SINCE
> stopped putting them on there.

Wouldn't it be nice if the world were so simple... Unfortunetly, it
seems (after many discussions with 3 1/2" disk drive vendors) that many
are not sure of the effect of removing the ground springs. These springs
are carried over from 14" winchester designs through 8" and 5 1/4"
winchesters. What's not clear is whether the spindle and platter assemblies
generate enough of a charge to warrant grounding. (it would be a bummer to
have the platter discharge through the head.) 

Anyway, my point is that many of the manufacturers seem confused about
the function of the ground spring on 3 1/2" drives. Most simply place
a small teflon pad on the spring to dampen the oscillation.

-- 

J Bradford Parker
General Computer (HyperDrive Beach, 3rd Cabana)
harvard!gcc-milo!brad

Good Sex is easier than a good slow roll. ("Left Stick! Right Rudder!...")