List Members-
Recently, we encountered a computer related problem with our Finnigan MAT
251 instrument running Apple IIe system software from a Sider hard disk.
Our Sider began to fail (the platter bearing became noisy and eventually
refused to spin).  Prior to complete failure, we backed up all the
currently running software to floppies.  After we installed the software on
a new Sider drive obtained from Omnishore Electronics (formerly First Class
Peripherals), we experienced normal operation of the instrument, with the
exception of one notable glitch.  The final summary data file does not
contain results for samples in excess of 40, even though up to 47 samples
can be run sequentially with our auto-carbonate carousel.  The results for
all samples (up to and including 47) appear on the paper printout detailing
the individual analyses.  Our concern, of course, is that a printer problem
might result in loss of data if we don't have the summary info for some
samples stored in the summary file.

We re-formatted the new hard disk, installed software from a number of
different back-up disk sets (going back several years), and obtained
another replacement drive from OEM.  Nothing works.  At one point, we
revived the old disk temporarily by spinning the platter by hand (I'll
spare the details), and then we executed a complete run from this disk.
All samples were saved to the final summary file.  OEM says that the
replacement drives are identical in every way to the ones that worked.  We
checked serial numbers, board jumpers, and ROM version numbers on the
controller card inside of the drive cabinet.

This is not the first time that we have replaced a Sider disk drive.  In
the past, the replacements worked without a hitch after loading the system
software in the same manner.  Any ideas short of update to ISODAT and PC?

Thanks for any help.

.................................................................
Howard Berg
Development Engineer
Geological Sciences
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9630

(805) 893-3487 (voice)
(805) 893-2314 (fax)

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