🚀 go-pugleaf

I have used the DEC pre-formatted RX50K and the Maxell MD1DD-RX50 pre-formatted
diskettes on the DECmate II extensively.  The Maxell disks are *clearly*
superior to DEC's offering.  This is seemingly contrary to other's reports, but
there is a proper explanation:

The Maxell disks really are MD1DD that are formatted and tested as RX50 format.
One side, 10 sectors, 80 tracks.  Maxell's formulation for DD disks is quite
different from their formulation for D disks.  That extra D in MD1DD matters.
Years ago, I experienced similar problems with the Victor 9000 attempting to
use Maxell MD1D or MD2D where MD1DD or MD2DD is needed.  The "quad" density
formulation is just enough different that using the wrong one leads to
unreliable operation.

Note that Maxell MDxDD media is getting quite expensive these days also.

Best price/performance is to use someone else's equivalent of MDxD such as
3M or even Fuji.  Fuji makes disks with integral hub rings that can't slip
and ruin the diskette registration.  Remember, the RX50, like an HD diskette
is 96 TPI, *not* 48 TPI, so there are 80 tracks in that 5/6 of an inch that's
formatted.

Charles Lasner (lasner@watsun.cc.columbia.edu home of KERMIT-12 and other fine
		KERMITs)