IBM 6580 User Manual

DISKETTE UNIT THEORY
The disk~tte drive is used to read or
write data ondiskettes,·and relies on
the system for power, ,commands and
controls. The diskette drive uses
magnet ic diskettes for data exchange
and data storage (Figure 7-2). The
IBM diskette is a thin, flexible disk,
covered with metal oxide.
Data is written on the diskette by
magenetically changing an area of the
surface into a pattern of eight bits
Collet/Flat
Spring
Figure 7-2. Diskette Drive Unit
known as a "byte". Each byte repres-
ents one data character, either
alpha/numeric or a code.
An operator can create text in system
memory and record it on the diskette.
The operator can move text from the
diskette to the memory area, and
return revised material to the
diskette. After checking for a cor-
rect diskette write operation, the
system clears the memory and makes it
available for other jobs.
7-2 IBM Displaywriter Product Support Manual

IBM 6580 Specifications

General

Brand	IBM
Model	6580
Category	Desktop
Language	English