Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cwjcc!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!rutgers!cbmvax!fred
From: fred@cbmvax.UUCP (Fred Bowen)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: Re: 1581 question, cp/m directory
Message-ID: <5917@cbmvax.UUCP>
Date: 8 Feb 89 15:27:08 GMT
References: <2794@udccvax1.acs.udel.EDU>
Reply-To: fred@cbmvax.UUCP (Fred Bowen)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Commodore Technology, West Chester, PA
Lines: 37

don@vax1.acs.udel.EDU (Donald R Lloyd) writes:
> Is there a program for the 1581 similar to the 1571 tester you posted?
> I have a 1581 I bought used, and often when I copy files to an '81 disk,
> (usually using WarpSpeed), parts of the directory get screwed up (which, I 
> assume, means I need the replacement ROM).

Many users are confused- there is NO ROM REPLACEMENT for the 1581 drive, but
a problem with some early 1581 drives which contained a WD1770 controller chip
did prompt Commodore to offer a free controller replacement for users who
experience problems.  There were also some early production boards with poor
solder joints.  Either of these could cause the problem you describe.  Many
moons ago I posted a program which reported which controller your 1581 had.
I believe the free replacement is still available- contact an authorized
service center (and if they know nothing about it, have them call Commodore).

> A friend of mine has a 1581 that died on him [...].  Before he throws it away
> [...] I'd like to try my drive out with the ROM from his drive [...].

The chip is the WD177x controller, located at U4 on the board.  It is not
socketed, so it is not possible to simply swap the parts.  If your friend's
drive mechanism is broken, you might be able to swap the entire board though.
Mucking about with your drive's innards just might destroy your option of a
free controller replacement, however.

> I'm writing a disk cataloging program for my 128 (in 128 mode), and
> even though I haven't messed with cp/m [...] I'd like to include cp/m
> cataloging capability to it.

Tall order- especially for someone who hasn't messed with CP/M much.  There
are many, many disk formats involved here.  I wish you luck, for it sounds
like you're getting involved in something that is way beyond your ability...
-- 
Fred Bowen			uucp:	{uunet|rutgers|pyramid}!cbmvax!fred
				arpa:	cbmvax!fred@uunet.uu.net
				tele:	215 431-9100

Commodore Electronics, Ltd.,  1200 Wilson Drive,  West Chester,  PA,  19380