This document describes how to use the "fdc_test.exe" program found on the PC8477 demo disk. This program will test any floppy controller you have installed in your PC. It will automatically determine if the floppy controller is a PC8477, 82077, DP8473 or other PC compatible floppy controller and will peform tests that pertain to that device.
That is, if the floppy controller is a PC8477, the test program will run the test sequence with the FIFO disabled, with the FIFO enabled in Burst mode at three different FIFO threshold levels, and with the FIFO enabled in Non-Burst mode at three different FIFO threshold levels.
If the floppy controller is an 82077, the same tests described above are performed except for the FIFO Non-Burst mode tests, which are not supported by the 82077.
If the floppy controller is a DP8473 or other PC compatible device, then only the FIFO disabled test sequence is performed.
The test program is able to test your floppy controller with up to two floppy disk drives (drive A: and drive B:). All of the standard 5.25" and 3.5" floppy drives and floppy diskette media are supported, including the new 2.88M byte floppy drives that use perpendicular mode recording. Note: you must have a PC8477 or 82077 to use the perpendicular recording drives.
HOW TO USE THE PROGRAM
It is really quite easy to use "fdc_test.exe". When you run the program, an introductory window will appear on the screen indicating the program name and revision date. Hit any key to continue.
The next window that will appear asks you what your test configuration is for drive A:. Note that all possible combinations of diskette media and drive type are supported. The test program will automatically set the correct data rate according to the configuration you choose. If you do not wish to test drive A:, select the "Not Used" option. To select an option in this window, either hit the space bar to scroll to the correct option and hit return, or simply press the number corresponding to the option you wish to select.
At this point the program will ask you to insert a test disk into drive A: (if you selected "Not Used" then this part will be skipped). Make sure that you put the correct disk you selected into the drive or the test will fail. Also make sure that the test disk you use does not contain valuable data, as it will be overwritten by the test (an unformatted disk is OK). Now hit any key to continue.
Now that you have set up the drive A: configuration, repeat the procedure for drive B:. When you have inserted the test disk for drive B: and hit a key to continue, the test of the floppy controller will begin. If you selected "Not Used" for the drive B: configuration, the test will begin immediately afterwards. If you selected "Not Used" for both Drive A: and Drive B: then the program is completed by default and will return you to DOS.
Assuming that you chose to test at least one of the disk drives with the floppy controller, the program will by running at this point. Depending on which controller is installed, the program will perform various tests. When the testing is completed or when there is a failure, a beep will sound and the results will be displayed.
Hit any key and you will return to DOS. The test is finished.
