disk config problems

[Karl Hanzel]

I'm having some problems configuring a new disk into my Intel 286/310 system
running xenix 3.5.

The new disk is a Miniscribe 3053:  42.5 Mb, 25 milli second, 1024 cyl, 
512 byte/sect, 17 sect/trk, 5 head.  I've been trying to configure it into
the disk driver using the utility supplied with xenix (icp calling cfgi215).
It seems to *almost* ask all of the right questions and do the job, except
that it does not prompt for a bytes/sector figure, rather it is hard coded as
1024.  When I try to format the new disk using the new driver built into a new
kernal, it chokes (the cpu (as indicated by the non-flickering green LED on
the front panel) is idle, and the controller (as indicated by the flickering
red LED on the floppy drive (?)) goes into a spasm).  Before this happens, it
hard errors several times claiming "illegal sector size" (!) and requests that
I enter bad track data (already loaded onto disk by using the diagnostic
utilities (which by the way, checkout & run the new disk just fine)).

Is there some sort of fundimental incompatability with xenix and a sector
size of 512 bytes?... I modified the utility script to prompt for it, and of
course specify 512.  Other supported disks all seem to be 1024 byte/sect, and
also, none are 17 sect/trk, however my friend who knows about disks claims
that this Miniscribe is a very common sort by todays standards.

Has anyone ever reliably configured in a totally new kind of drive using the
utility program?  Does it do a complete & thorough job, or do I need to do
something more?  I'm I being stupid and overlooking something obvious?  Can
I tweek xenix somewhere so that 512 is a "legitimate" sector size (or should
it already be?)?  For kicks, I installed a (supported) Quantum drive, and it
formated without a hitch.  Any and all clues appreciated!

pax,
   Karl
   *----->