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Magneto-Optical Drives: Installation/Configuration/Drivers
1.How do I install my Optical Drive software on my Macintosh?
Copy the files from the supplied disk.
When the file is unstuffed, it becomes a folder containing the following files:
Pinnacle MO INIT 3.3, Pinnacle Formatter 3.3, and the Readme file.
The MO INIT is to be moved/copied to the System Folder/Extension Folder. The formatter is used to format, partition, test, etc. cartridges.
2.What is the difference between 512 bytes/sector media and 1024 bytes/sector media?
512 bytes/sector media is the standard. 1024 bytes/sector media allows more data to be packed on the same surface. However, certain platforms only support certain kinds. Here's a breakdown:
512 media is supported by Macintosh, DOS/Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT and Unix.
1024 media si supported by Macintosh, DOS/Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and Windows NT.
Questions about the Vertex
3.Why am I getting 1.3GB of total free space after formatting my Vertex media?
The Vertex 2.6GB media is double-sided. To access the other side, eject the media, flip it over, then re-insert it.
4.How does the Vertex differ from the Apex?
The Vertex is a 2.6GB drive, while the Apex is a 4.6GB drive. The Apex can read and write 2.6GB media.
5.Will my Vertex 2.6 drive read 650MB and 1.3GB media?
No. The Vertex utilizes a 680 nanometer laser in order to achieve the 2.6GB capacity. It is impossible to open the focus of the laser to read the larger area created by higher wavelength lasers used in 650 and 1.3 magneto optical drives. However, the Vertex can read and write the 2.6GB format which has been adopted by
ISO/ANSI/ECMA and is used by other manufacturers.
6.Does the Vertex work with other 2.6GB media on the market?
Yes. Media from vendors such as 3M, Sony, MCC and Verbatim can also be used in the Vertex drive.
7.I wish to turn OFF the Write Verify option of my external Vertex, so I set the Red Options switch to "0" just as the user manual indicates on page 17. But the LCD display says "Write Verify ON". What did I do wrong?
The Options switch has since changed. The Vertex 2.6GB drive is now shipped with the Write Verify option enabled. On the external drive the Red Options switch setting is "0". This setting enables active (built-in) termination on the drive as well as the Direct Access and Write Verify performance parameters.
To DISABLE Write Verify, but leave the termination ENABLED, set the Options switch to "2".
Questions about the Sierra
8.Can the Sierra read 650MB media?
Yes, the Sierra can read and write 650MB optical media. However, be aware that if the 650MB cartridge was formatted and/or written to via another SCSI controller, it may not be usable with your Sierra as different SCSI controllers handle media differently. The only way to know for sure is to contact Pinnacle Micro Technical Support for assistance.
9.What media is recommended for use with the Sierra?
1. DOT Brand - 650MN & 1.3GB
2. 3M (including HP) - 650MB & 1.3GB
3. PDO - 650MB only
4. Sony - 650MB & 1.3GB
5. MCC & Verbatim - 650MB & 1.3GB
Questions about the Tahoe
10.Can the Tahoe-230 read 128MB media?
Yes, the Tahoe-230 drive can read and write 128 media.
11.Can the Tahoe-640 read 230MB and 128MB media?
As of this writing, the Tahoe-640 can read and write 230MB media, but only read 128MB media.
12.My Tahoe doesn't work on my PowerBook (laptop Mac). Media are not recognized by the formatter.
The PowerBook's SCSI interface doesn't supply termination power (5V) which the Tahoe needs. It will work with a short SCSI cable (1-2 feet) and without using the SCSI terminator.
General Questions
13.My optical disk doesn't mount anymore. It used to work fine before.
Always make sure that you have the latest dirver (check our web site). Also make sure that the Mac can see the drive using SCSIProbe or equiv software.
The problem could be a cable, terminator or the drive itself. This could also result from the drive having SCSI ID=3 also.
14.When mounting or trying to mount the disk, the error "This is not a Macintosh disk, do you want to initialize?" appears.
This could be caused by an extension conflict. Try rebooting (with the disk out of the drive) with the Shift-key down. Start the PMO Formatter, click the "load" button when asked. Insert the media. If the PMO Formatter is recognizing the media, try mounting it by selecting "mount". If this works, you know there is a driver conflict. If it doesn't work, try to run a disk utility on the disk like Norton Disk Doctor and make sure the file system on this disk is OK. The drive may also be faulty.
15.I cannot change the name of the optical disk on my desktop.
The optical disk is most likely "shared". Highlight the optical disk, go to the File menu, go down to "sharing" and uncheck the box "share this item and its contents". If for some reason this doesn't work, go to Control Panels, then "Sharing Setup" and turn Filesharing Off.
16.How can I mount a PC formatted optical disk on my Mac?
We have found that some third party software will allow you to do this. Access-PC from Insignia Solutions, DOS Mounter from Software Architects are some of the products you can buy.
17.The optical is no longer seen by the Macintosh. It doesnąt show up on the SCSI bus.
The Pinnacle Formatter only supports the native Apple SCSI bus. If you are using a Mac that has a different bus specification (notably some of the clones and possibly some of the PowerPC PowerBooks), you may need to buy a third party driver package such as FWB's drivers or Anubis from
CharisMac.
18.Can I use other formatters and Inits with my Pinnacle Optical drive?
Yes, we have tested FWB's 'Hard Disk Toolkit' and it works fine with our optical drives. The goal when using a Mac is trying to use as few inits as possible. FWB's
driver(s) can control many different devices such as hard drives,
Syquest-type drives, a variety of optical drives, etc. Just make sure to remove the Pinnacle MO INIT from the Extensions Folder prior to using another driver. Anubis driver from CharisMac is another good choice.
19.There is a red X through the PMO init when my Mac boots.
The init (device driver) doesnąt load because the optical drive is not seen on the SCSI bus. The function of the PMO init is to see if the drive is out on the SCSI bus and to mount the media. Make sure the SCSI cable is properly installed and also make sure no SCSI cable pins are bent or broken. If this doesn't apply, standard SCSI troubleshooting applies. Eliminate all other devices but the Pinnacle drive and see if this works. Make sure the SCSI ID is not set to 0 or 7 (and not to 3 if on a Power Macintosh).
20.Can I boot from my magneto-optical drive?
Yes you can. It needs to have an active System Folder installed on it. If your internal hard drive has an active System Folder, you need to hold down the 'C' key on some Mac's or the combination of the Command-Option-Shift-Delete keys on other Mac's until you see the 'Welcome To Macintosh' screen.
Be aware that the Mac boot sequence is to look for an active System Folder on the following order: Internal floppy drive, internal hard drive, SCSI ID 6, ID 5, ID 4, ID 3, ID 2, ID 1. Whichever drive is the first with an active System Folder will be the boot drive.
You will not be able to eject the disk or cartridge if it is the boot volume.
21.What about support for Mac OS 8?
All the opticals are supported by Mac OS 8.
22.I have a Mac Clone. I can't see my optical on the SCSI line. What is wrong?
The Pinnacle MO INIT was designed under Apple's SCSI specs. If you have a clone with a dual SCSI bus, it may only see the internal bus. We recommend that you obtain a third party driver such as Anubis from
CharisMac.
The Apple PowerBooks 1400 and 3400 may also fall under this category. It can be tested with SCSIProbe 4.3. If it shows two SCSI bus lines and you can't see your Pinnacle optical drive in the Pinnacle Formatter, chances are that it is a driver problem.
23.How strong is the warning about using a Non-Power Mac to load in the firmware?
It is very strong. It is very likely that you will render your drive inoperable if you attempt to load in new firmware with a Power Mac.
We are not writing the software anymore. Therefore the firmware situation with a non-Power Mac will not change.
It is best to restart your Mac with the Shift key down before attempting to load firmware into a drive.
General Information
24.Some other things you can do to correct some problems.
You may want to try resetting your PRAM and rebuilding your desktop:
Go into your Extensions Manager and turn off 'Macintosh Easy Open' or any Control Panel with a similar name.
Restart your Mac while holding down the Command-Option-Shift-Delete keys and wait for at least 4 chimes.
Release those keys and hold down the Shift key until asked if you want to rebuild your Desktop. Do it.
This procedure may clear up some more obscure problems.
Another thing to try is check for viruses.
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