I am using an Apple IIc with an Apple drive model number A9M0107,yet am recieving problems.
Tested with the Apple IIc diagnostic disk, the Yo Yo Duck diagnostic disk, and the MECC diagnostic disk, all have claimed that the drive cannot read. My internal drive can read the same disks easily.
Problems include:
-The red "read" light perpetually staying on
-The Apple II displaying the "check disk drive" message when booting up with the external drive as the main drive.
-Occasional loud, grating sounds.
I do not know how to fix this drive because I cannot crack it open; it is too difficult. Is there some kind of software fix I need?
No software will help. It's a hardware problem. You'll need to figure out how to open it up and find/replace the chips that ail it.
On the other hand, it's a pretty common drive - you should have no trouble finding them for sale on auction sites, etc.
I have tested another platinum drive, yet this drive displays the same error message. Since both have not worked now, I am beginning to think there must be something wrong with the computer itself.
I had always been under the impression that the IIc could only use the External IIc drive.
Am I incorrect?
That is all I have ever used with my IIc's.
I believe that you are correct Steven, unless the IIc has a later rom, or is the IIc Plus, it will only use the IIc 5.25 external disk drive.
It been a while since I had a second drive on the IIc. But according to this site it seems that 2 of the newer drives work on the IIc. Beside the IIc drive. So that would make 3 different real Apple 5.25 work on the IIc, not to mention the after market ones.
http://www.vectronicsappleworld.com/collection/appleiidrives.html
It is possible that one or more of the external drives have dirty heads.
It is possible that one or more of them is bad.
It is possible that the smart port the IIc is bad. (not to mention all of the above and this too)
These drives are not (hot swapable) plug and play. Power has to be off when connecting or disconnecting the drives.
The easy way to see what the problem is. Is to use a KNOWN good drive on the smart port. You run a small risk of maybe damaging the drive if the port is bad. Usually it just will not work on the IIc.
Sent you a P.M.
Take Care