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From: uace0@uhnix2.UUCP (Univ ATARI Comp Enthusiasts)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Formatting options question
Message-ID: <408@uhnix2.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 13-Jul-87 12:45:11 EDT
Article-I.D.: uhnix2.408
Posted: Mon Jul 13 12:45:11 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 19-Jul-87 06:37:34 EDT
References: <4723@utah-cs.UUCP>
Organization: University of Houston
Lines: 39
Keywords: dcformat fast 82 track 10 sector
Summary: An answer...

In article <4723@utah-cs.UUCP>, atwell@utah-cs.UUCP (Bart L. Atwell) writes:
> 
> On trying DCFORMAT(Thanks, Mike), I noticed a lot of options exist for
> formatting disks. You can get the most storage using 82 tracks with 10
> sectors but there must be a catch.  What is it?  Can you get fast mode
> to work with 10 sectors or does fast depend on a 9 sector format?  What
> about 82 tracks?  Does FAST work?  Can you damage the drive (are you
> using a bad part of the diskette) when addressing 82 tracks?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bart

Here is the answer Bart.

Some disk drives can only go to 80 tracks.  You can hear them go THUMP at the
end of the format cycle (when trying to format tracks 81 and 82).  Be aware
that you may have one of these drives.  Personally, I know someone who has
one drive that goes to 82 and one that doesn't.  There seems to be no clear-cut
way to determine if your drive is capable of handling the extra tracks, except
by trying it.

Yes, you can have 10 sectors, fast format, and 82 tracks.  And believe me, it
does make a difference.

No drive damage can happen.  The safest way to go is:

If you are making copies for your own use, then use as much as you can get away
with 10 sectors 82 tracks single or double.  If you are going to be swapping
disks with someone, use 80 tracks, 9 sectors, just to be safe.

BTW - A color version of DCFORMAT is done and will be posted soon.

- Mike

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