× The internal search function is temporarily non-functional. The current search engine is no longer viable and we are researching alternatives.
As a stop gap measure, we are using Google's custom search engine service.
If you know of an easy to use, open source, search engine ... please contact support@midrange.com.



Right around the time IBM came out with the new risc boxes, they had disk 
drives were unusually prone to sticktion.

I remember seeing an IBM knowledge base document (for SEs) on how to fix 
the problem in the field (Justified Machine Slapping - I like that term!!), and 
that once they got them spinning, they could 
fix the problem via PTF.

What did the PTF do?   At IPL, the cpu would send several strong jolts of 
juice to the drives to get them spinning. 

Ain't modern technology wunnerful?

Rick


------------original message---------------
Better solution to the Sticktion problem is the one IBM uses. 

    a) Grasp the drive in your hand as if the platters were being held 
by the tips of your fingers.
    b) Rotate the drive rapidly away from you and stop abruptly.  This 
should cause the platters to rotate with the cover and want to continue 
to rotate when you stop the cover. 
    c) Repate b) several times.

    This avoids pounding on the drive and actually gets them 'un-stuck' 
quite often.

    I wouldn reccomend the rapid power cycle option for several 
reasons.  Good power supplies will have a 'crowbar' circuit that won't 
power up if all voltages haven't fallen to zero.  This delays things, 
nullifying the effect.  Not-so-good power supplies don't have this 
circuit and as such the magic smoke could easily be let out of them or 
some other connected componant.  Additionally most SCSI drives power up 
in sequence by their ID so as to limit surges to the power supplies so 
quick power cycling won't reach the stuck drive at all.

    Good Luck!

      - Larry

PaulMmn wrote:

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

This thread ...


Follow On AppleNews
Return to Archive home page | Return to MIDRANGE.COM home page

This mailing list archive is Copyright 1997-2024 by midrange.com and David Gibbs as a compilation work. Use of the archive is restricted to research of a business or technical nature. Any other uses are prohibited. Full details are available on our policy page. If you have questions about this, please contact [javascript protected email address].

Operating expenses for this site are earned using the Amazon Associate program and Google Adsense.