🚀 go-pugleaf

I have a 2312K (8" SMD,) which seems to have a problem.
Normally, I would just chuck the darn thing, but it seems
to be something simple -

The drive powers-up fine; the yellow LED pulses rapidly, and
after a short time, the drive becomes ready.  I have it attached
to an Emulex SC03-BXC, which I am confident is properly configured.

If I try formatting the drive, either using DEC software, or
the Emulex built-in formatting routine, I run into a problem.

Once it makes its pass through the disk, the head returns to
the center of the drive.  This is normal, from what I understand.

Once the head gets there, however, it sits there, and makes a
peculiar noise.  I'd almost swear that it sounds like heads
hitting a platter, but I'm beginning to think that it is
"losing track" of track 0, or something similar.  It is almost
like it is attempting to pull the head in farther than it will go.

While it is doing this, the ready light goes out, and after
30 seconds or so, the fault light comes on, and the drive spins down.


I have *NOT* noticed anything peculiar about the platters
that would indicate a head crash.  I've stared for several
minutes from every imaginable angle at the media surfaces, and
get perfect reflections, with no discoloration or streaks.


Since it powers-up ok, it is finding track 0; otherwise, it would
never become "ready."  I'm not sure what the problem is, but if it 
is not a drive problem, then perhaps the drive switches are not
set properly.

I don't have a manual that explains the functions of the dip
switches on the drives.  Anybody have a copy?

It is currently configured for use with a Plessey controller.



Thanx, in advance.

T. Thompson/MKE
414+873-1841 weekends.
414+764-6655 2-10pm, CST, M-F