Category : Tutorials + Patches
Archive   : 720TO14M.ZIP
Filename : 720TO14M.MOD

720K TO 1.44M DISK MODIFICATION:

John: I continue to get excellent results with the 3.5" disk mod
we discussed earlier today. The modification is to allow a 720K disk
to format to 1.44MB in a 1.44 drive. In examining the 720K disk and
the 1.44M disk, I noted a small rectangular hole on the disk at the
lower right corner of the 1.44s. THe hole is directly across the disk
from the write-protect tab. I took a 720K disk and using a low wattage
soldering iron, melted a hole at the same spot. I did not drill because
of probable damage to the media from plastic particles. When i got the
hole burned in, I cleaned each side with a fingernail file to level it
off. I modified 5 Dysan 720K (2S/2D) disks in this manner and using
Formatmaster with the verify option on, repetitively formatted the 5
disks. Each one formatted initially and on multiple subsequent attempts
to the full 1.44M. The potential for cost saving doing this is around
$35 per 10 disks. The exact measurements for the hole are; a 3/16"
hole 5/16" from the bottom of the disk and 3/16" from the right edge
lower right corner of the 1.44s. THe hole is directly across the disk
from the write-protect tab. I took a 720K disk and using a low wattage
soldering iron, melted a hole at the same spot. I did not drill because
of probable damage to the media from plastic particles. When I got the
hole burned in, I cleaned each side with a fingernail file to level it
off. I modified 5 Dysan 720K (2S/2D) disks in this manner and using
Formatmaster with the verify option on, repetitively formatted the 5
disks. Each one formatted initially and on multiple subsequent attempts
to the full 1.44M. The potential for cost saving doing this is around
$35 per 10 disks. The exact measurements for the hole are; a 3/16"
hole 5/16" from the bottom of the disk and 3/16" from the right edge
of the disk. Precision is not really important but don't get too sloppy.
Once again as in the old 1 side/2 side deal of 81/82, the disk companies
are doing a number. You may make this message public if you desire. I
will be glad to answer questions although the job is so straight forward
I don't anticipate any. My phone # is 619-267-1457(H) or 19-543-4048(W).

Loy Rickman (11/25/88)
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John Newlin, San diego, CA Baud: 19200 Bell Kybd
Phone: 619-455-6225 Age: 52 Sec: 1000 Since: 01/88 Time Left: 57