Hard Disc Controller

[bettablue]

I just found that my 5160 XT computer is not only missing the hard disc, but is also missing its controller. I have a Xebec controller, but I'm not sure that the combination of 40 MB Control Data MFM hard disc, and Xebec controller are compatible with each other in this installation.

Do you think I'll need to re-configure the controller for the hard disc, or should I be OK with just installing both items and booting the computer? I have already low level formatted the hard disc, and it works with the Western Digital controller. So I know the drive is OK. The Xebec is also an MFM unit.

What are some of the other considerations I need to be aware of?

 

[Stone]

The Xebex and WD are not interchangeable. Furthermore, I don't think the Xebec supports that 40MB drive so you'll probably need to use the WD controller.

 

[bettablue]

Thanks for the quick response.

My best friend, Ed may still have the original hard disc, but I'm not holding my breath. The funny thing about the hard disc is that the drive is a half height unit, with a full height frame/cage assembly. If the original hard disc can be located, there won't be any need to replace the controller. I only hope Ed remembers what he did with it when I gave to work on for me over a year ago. (long story, but I just got the computer back sans the fixed disc) Once the original drive back has been returned, and installed, things should go pretty smoothly, since nothing changed with any of the jumper or switch settings when the rest of the expansion cards were pulled for inspection.

I was wondering about something else as well. Is/was there such a thing as a combination floppy fixed disc controller for the XT class or AT class of computers, such as the IBM 5160 and 5170 computers? Or were those only made for use with later 286 and 386 computers and systems?

Thanks again my friends.

~BB~

 

[Stone]

I was wondering about something else as well. Is/was there such a thing as a combination floppy fixed disc controller for the XT class or AT class of computers, such as the IBM 5160 and 5170 computers?

Western Digital made quite a few 16-bit ISA controllers with both Floppy and Hard ports on the same card for AT machines. But I don't know of any similar cards for the 8-bit XT slots.