2068 Back-Ups On The A & J Mikrodrive

Using Thomas Woods 2068 Profile has proven to be the most convenient data base for our supplier and media contacts. (I’ve found it even better than Microsoft’s FILE for the Macintosh…a $200 fiasco software package.) Using it with our 2068 Mikrodrive (same as A & J Mikrodrive), has further enhanced it’s utility with extra speed and reliability in saving and loading. I did, initially, have some misgivings about the Mikrodrive versions because there were no easy instructions for making back-ups. I’ve since figured a convenient method myself and thought it would be a good idea to share my method with others.

LOAD the Mikrodrive version of 2068 Profile from cassette and configure it as per instructions. (If you plan to use the internal Mikrodrive printer port, you’ll need a patch tape from us which we’ll supply for $5 to cover costs.) This will give you one blank coply of Mikrodrive profile. Now, to make back-ups, you’ll need to configure a re-usable loader. With no wafer in the Mikrodrive, LOAD the Mikrodrive version from cassette once again. You should get an error report after the loader has loaded. LIST the Loader program to your screen. Now, DELETE lines 1000-2000 from the Loader program. Next, FORMAT a couple of 5-10 foot wafers using the SAVE “@1, +” command. Now, insert one of these wafers and SAVE “@1,pfile.” Save the same thing on the other formatted wafer. You have just made a Loader which you’ll use to prepare other wafers to save Profile and it’s data. Now, Format as many 35ft or longer wafers as you want to have for Profile back-ups. Then, LOAD “@pfile” from your Loader wafer. One by one, insert the formatted back-up tapes into your Mikrodrive and enter the command: SAVE “@1,pfile” LINE 1: VERIFY “@pfile.” This saves and verifies an auto-run version of the loader to file 1 of each wafer. You now have a set of wafers that are ready to back-up Profile and its data.

To use these back-ups, you start a file with your original empty Mikrodrive version of Profile. When it’s time to SAVE your work, you remove the original wafer and insert one of your prepared wafers. Since the SAVE goes to files 2 and 3, your Profile and data will be readily saved and verified. To make a back-up copy, just SAVE again onto another prepared wafer.

Note: Besides speed, the 2068 Mikrodrive should be consistantly reliable. If you have frequent tape errors, there is something wrong. After a year of no problems, mine started having frequent tape errors. I used a swab and the cleaning solvent from our computer maintenance kit to clean the head and rollers and the drive returned to it’s previous reliability.

If any readers are confused or have questions, they’re welcome to call or write for help to E. Arthur Brown Co., 3404 Pawnee Drive, Alexandria, MN 56308, (612) 762-8847.