Subject: Re: A request
From: Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>
Date: Sun, Jan 3, 1999 06Ç58,}Ë
Message-id: <36902029.BBA71CCB@swbell.net>



Julian P Watson writes ...
> 
> Hello one and all,
> 
>         I would appreciate it if someone would be kind enough
> to answer a question: How many times is it advisable to use a
> "head cleaning diskette"?  I have heard that 30 times is the
> maximum.
 ....


     How much you need to worry about this depends upon the drive. The
15 check spaces on the 5.25" head cleaner diskettes is way too few for
5.25" single-sided drives, especially the Disk ][. These drives feature
pretty rugged head mountings.

     Since one side (the top side) is not used at all and the panel is
left in place, you can flip the disk after 25-30 cleanings or when you
notice evidence of wear. Just remove the panel and tape it in place on
the used up side.

     The standard Apple II 3.5" drive has two heads. These are small,
light, and their mounting is much more delicate. The head cleaner disk
for these drives should be checked for wear every few uses. If either
surface shows fuzz or any other sign of wear, the disk is not safe to
use. Once you get past the recommended 15 uses, it's probably best to
just scrap a 3.5" head cleaner disk and get a new one.



Rubywand