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From: Erik@cup.portal.com (Erik - Dufek)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: HD 3 1/2" drive in IBM PC
Message-ID: <15160@cup.portal.com>
Date: 27 Feb 89 12:34:30 GMT
References: <7783@chinet.chi.il.us>
Distribution: na
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 42

In 7783@chinet.chi.il.us Michael P. Cook writes:

> Has anyone successfully added a high density drive (3 1/2") in an IBM  
> PC? 

Yes I have added a 3 1/2" 1.44Mb drive to both my Compaq and my IBM.
I used the Jameco 4FDC in the IBM.  Completely satisfied with it! I
run PC-DOS 3.30 and it was plug and go.  In the Compaq with Compaq
DOS 3.31 I installed a Magitronics.  Had to modify the driver.sys to
get it to work.  Wouldn't recommend Magitronics to anyone.  Unless they
wanted to buy my card :-)  The Jameco also comes in a 2FDC version.
Someone else has used a DTC controller on a clone with the same plug
and go success.

> Some tell me that the IBM PC won't accept 1.44 MEG format due to BIOS  
> incompatibility but IBM compatibles WILL! 

My IBM is actually pieced together from some IBM stuff and some clone
stuff.  The BIOS is 1983.  The Jameco card just supplies a BIOS extension
just like your HD conroller.  Ask them why your winchester works!  The
BIOS extension can be addressed at CA00, CC00 or CE00.  This is handy if
you have other BIOS extensions that might interfere.  The type of drive
installed is set by jumpers.

> Also, if I install a 1.44 MEG drive and attach to my current
> controller, will it operate in 720K format until I add the proper       
> controller and/or driver software?   

Actually I think it will format to 1.2MB.   Don't quote me on that!

I used a Toshiba ND-356T-A, FDD4603G0K floppy drive.  Nice drive, jumpers
for all sorts of options, faceplates for 3 different setups.

DOS 3.3 is easiest.  You may need to modify driver.sys with other versions.

I tried to send this email but it bounced.  But it may be of interest to
others on the net so I'm posting it in the hope it also reaches mpcook @
chinet.

eriK

      erik@cup.portal.com