Having done a lot of floppy drive alignments back in the day (RS Model
1,3,4 , Osborne, Kaypro, 8", ...) I am sure that the TPDD would be the
same. The alignment diskettes had special analog signals on several tracks
("Eye Pattern" , Azimuth), that were used to align the head(s) to a known
location, once the Track 0 sensor was set. There were different diskettes
made, depending on the TPI (Tracks Per Inch), Density (FM or MFM), and
Single or Double Sided. I used to have the alignment diskettes, but in the
different moves over the years, they have disappeared. I do still have my
Dysan PAT 2+ Tester to command and exercise the disk drives out of the
computer.Although not as accurate, I have used the track address data on factory "Pre-formatted" diskettes for track alignment. Factory formatted diskettes were supposedly done on calibrated "Master Drives", so as to work on any diskette drive, if it is aligned correctly. You just hook a 'scope to the analog output of the heads read amp, and rack the stepper motor back and forth for the peak signal. Just make sure to "Write Protect" the diskette first, and store it away from magnetic fields to keep it safe for next time. Azimuth alignment is more difficult, but my experience is that it is not usually needed unless the drive has suffered some physical shock. Once the diskette drive is aligned, you can use it to make more "Master Diskettes" by formatting new blank ones. Mostly, drives just need a good cleaning / lube of the lead screw and rails, and clean the residue off the head(s). Of course electrical problems could arise, so without a schematic, repair is more difficult. Regards, Peter > ----------------------------- > > Message: 9 > Date: Sat, 3 Apr 2021 07:59:52 -0400 > From: Stephen Adolph <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > Subject: [M100] TPDD alignment disk / servicing / MICTDC > Message-ID: > <CAMCMnV56Mj-LC+x-j_OWwT90qwxOi3WXYroOoPsu= > [email protected]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Now that we have the official service manual for TPDD, I am wondering if > anyone knows something about the alignment disk. > > It seems like the alignment disk is needed to adjust the track position. > Can we use a "stock disk" for this as well? Maybe the alignment disk is an > idealized signal with a golden alignment, but seems like a factory disk > might do as well. > > The document also mentions MICTDC program which was provided on a tape > AXX-2049. Anyone have that cassette or program? > > ..Steve > >
