LC 475 up and running...with headaches

[LazarusNine]

So, with a lot of fuss and hoo-ha, I've got an LC 475 up and running 7.6.1. One of the problems I've run into a lot recently, and not just with this particular machine, is that the data transfer from the floppy drive (or Floppy Emu using different cable) to the HDD tends to be sketchy. The hard drive doesn't have any bad sectors and runs perfectly fine on its own and networked file sharing transfers are fine as well using AppleTalk. However, when it comes to getting something off a floppy, including the system files, it's a nightmare.

I'm usually met with a message at different points of the install that an error occurred and it rolls back the installation. It's not one particular floppy disk, because this occurs completed at random and at a different point nearly every time. I similarly get error -72s when attempting to make disk images using Disk Copy 6.3.3 (and 4.2 for that matter). The only solution to the system installation was to do a bare minimum install of 7.1 (3 floppies) and keep trying until the system finally makes it onto the HDD. Then, I drag the System 7.6 disks over to the HDD and later install from folders. This is a long process given that the transfer fails perhaps 1/3 of the time for each disk. Again, it happens both with physical disks and the floppy drive as well as the Floppy Emu. And again, I've experienced the same sorts of problems exhibited on my Performa 630 as well.

Any thoughts on what the culprit might be? Many thanks!

 

[uniserver]

bad caps

 

[Byrd]

I'd check the floppy cable, and try another hard disk - off the external SCSI port, if possible.

 

[LazarusNine]

Uni, all the caps (including those on the power supply) have been replaced with tants or ceramics (on motherboards) on both machines, so I'm thinking perhaps not the caps in this case.

Byrd, thanks for the suggestion - I'll see what I can do about that. The floppy cable (particularly for the Floppy Emu) works fine with other Macs, though maybe it's the floppy connectors on the motherboards for each problem machine. Perhaps it's a hard drive issue - maybe something to do with non-Apple HDDs? It must be said that I haven't had the issue with my Mac LC III, which uses the SCSI2SD converter. Also, my Mac IIx with stock HDD seems fine. Anyway...something for me to consider. Will update when possible and welcome any other suggestions.

 

[uniserver]

did you wash the board afterwards?  did you re-cap it properly…   Include photo of the MB.  thanks.

 

[LazarusNine]

Hey Uni: Yeah, the board for the 475 was literally submerged in 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrubbed down (carefully). The Performa 630 was surface cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. I've only got pics of the 475 at the moment, but will see about uploading better ones in a short while.

 

[uniserver]

could you do me a favor and make sure to inform BMOW of this as well… maybe you have found a compatibility issue / problem with the later SIWM's and the EMU.

 

[LazarusNine]

Hey uni. I've sent an e-mail to Steve re: disk transfer issues with (and without) the Floppy Emu to get his opinion. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll keep you posted as to what I hear.