CompuServe Thread

2090A/Overscan Problem?

2 messages in this thread
#108643From: Steven KosterJun 14, 1990 7:27 AM
I recently read that the 2090A HD interface will not, for some reason, save overscan files. In fact, trying to do so could corrupt the entire drive. IS THIS TRUE?!!? I am developing a 2000 with a 2090A drive for video applications, and this little tidbit spells T R O U B L E for me. (I have already had much hassle with a corrupted HD). WHAT CAN I DO? -SJK
#108741From: Don Curtis/SYSOPJun 14, 1990 11:50 PM
Steve, The answer to your question is yes/no. Yes, there is some DMA contention when using a SCSI drive AND an A2090(a) AND using heavy overscan. No, it doesn't corrupt your HD (or I've never heard of it doing that), but it does slow it down considerably. It *may* report read/write errors, but they aren't really errors…that is, the data is just fine. It does not occur at all with an ST-506 type drive, the newest version of the driver (hddisk) is much better. If you traded the A2090(a) for an A2091, the problem goes away completely. The 2091 is only good for SCSI drives, but since the problem only occurs with SCSI drives if you intend on using one (or more of them)…it's the best way to go (it's also faster). Don