Message-ID: <1009@orca.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 15-Aug-84 15:04:59 EDT
Article-I.D.: orca.1009
Posted: Wed Aug 15 15:04:59 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 18-Aug-84 01:21:51 EDT
Organization: Tektronix, Wilsonville OR
Lines: 30

I noticed a bit of discussion about double density problems with the
Rana 1000 disk drive.  A few months ago, I purchased a Rana 1000 disk
drive for my Atari 800.  It worked fine in single density mode, but when
I converted my OSS DOS XL to double density, I had many problems.

First of all, after powering up the drive, it took a minimum of 10
minutes to boot the double density diskette.  When reading files from
the disk, it became evident that many retries were required.  I used the
internal diagnostics in an attempt to discern what the problems were.
The drive failed to format a brand new diskette 4 times in a row.  I
tried another diskette and it formatted correctly on the 2nd try.  Other
tests gave similiar results.

The problem as I understand it is evident only in the Rana 1000 drives
with the serial number prefix ATH.  After talking to Rana about my
problems, I sent the drive back.  They sent me a new drive which also
had the ATH prefix.  This drive had the same problems as the first
drive.  I sent this drive back also and finally received a drive with an
ATM prefix.  THIS DRIVE WORKS WONDERFULLY!  It boots up immediately with
no retries and files load very quickly.

So, if you plan on purchasing a Rana 1000 Disk Drive for your Atari
system, make sure the serial number prefix is ATM.

  Mugs Away, Mate!
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  ..!tektronix!orca!rogerc