🚀 go-pugleaf

>it isn't working and it won't read or write (although it is getting power).
>I put another drive in it with the same result.  What I want to know is...

>1. Should I automatically assume the controller is shot, or are there 
>   other possibilities?

>2. If the new controller I put in is a different kind, will I have to
>   re-format?

Drive cables are more common culprits than controller chips.  I would try one
of these before replacing a chip.  Over time the connectors can warp slightly
due to heating and cooling inside the box.  This can cause some of the pins
to make intermittent contact.  This happens more often on edge card connectors,
but can also occur on header types.  If the controller chip is socketed, it
would be worthwhile to pull it out and reseat it.  Bad sockets also cause a lot
of problems.  I don't know what will happen if a different kind of FDC is 
installed.  Since the format has to be the same in order for diskettes to be
portable, it is unlikely that reformatting would make any difference.  Either
the chip is compatible, or it isn't.

Steve Dakin