Floppy Drive Question

[dv-]

I'm curious about the little metal square over the read/write heads. What is that for? (Visible in this photo: link - the left drive has its "hat" and the right one does not.)

I figured they were dust protection or something but I have a drive with one missing, and if I install it in its proper home (tucked happily under the CRT), it seems to throw a lot more read/write errors. Might be my imagination, though. (?)

 

[LaPorta]

Probably protects the head from EM radiation from other components.

 

[David Cook]

The timing of your post couldn't be more perfect. I just opened up a Mac Plus today and a little metal square fell out. I had no idea what it was. Now, I can reattach it.