Recording/reproducing method and apparatus in which head driver is unlocked when medium is loaded and when track position information formulation based on optical signal input has been completed

摘要

In a recording/reproducing apparatus, a controller includes a counter responsive to incoming track feed requesting pulses to count the number of the pulses, a head movable state detection unit for detecting a movable state of a magnetic head, and a track feed controller responsive to the count value of the track feed requesting pulse counter to effect track feed of the magnetic head. Detection of the movable state depends on the recording medium being loaded and on completion of the formulation of track position information that is derived from an optical signal that varies as a function of track position. The track feed controller effects track feed of the magnetic head, responsive to the count value of the track feed requesting pulse counter, following detection of the movable state of the magnetic head.