[vcf-midatlantic] Bernoulli Drives needed in working condition

[Dean Notarnicola]

If data security is a concern, but we want to retain the media, then a
three-pass overwrite with varying bit patterns may be the only viable
option, as formatting may not clear the sectors.  Of course, the only
foolproof way to make sure the data is unrecoverable is to destroy the
media.


On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 10:32 AM Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic <
vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:

>
>   If I remember correctly, Bernoulli cartridges are factory low-level
> formatted and cannot be reformatted in the field.  If this is the case,
> bulk erasing them will render them useless.  Don't just assume that this
> is a good approach.
>
>               -Dave
>
> On 5/18/21 10:29 AM, Bruce via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
> > Bernoulli disks are magnetic media, no?
> > Wouldn't a bulk tape eraser be a more secure means of erasing these
> > cartridges?
> > Bruce
> > NJ
> >
> >
> > On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 10:04 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic <
> > vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
> >
> >> Someone donated two 10x10 Bernoulli drives to VCF. They are in unknown
> >> condition. She gave us the manual, a cable and one cartridge. She wants
> to
> >> donate the remaining cartridges, but would like to supervise the
> deletion
> >> of the data they have on them. So we need one in working condition
> first.
> >>
> >> As I understand it, the drives need a special card on an "older" PC to
> >> operate. She disposed of the PC that had that card.
> >>
> >> Is there anyone who has this card and can get these drives in working
> order
> >> so that the lady can delete her data?
> >>
> >> =========================================
> >> Jeff Brace
> >> Vice President & Board Member
> >> Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner
> >> Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity
> >> http://www.vcfed.org/
> >> jeffrey at vcfed.org
> >>
>
>
> --
> Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
> New Kensington, PA
>