Abstract: A method and apparatus for using control apparatuses and read/write apparatuses within a disc drive to create a microtrack that is used to probe the magnetic sensitivity of each portion of a magnetic stripe of a magneto-resistive read/write head in the disc drive. The method can be executed by first selecting a target track and then recording a test signal along the target track. Next, the target track is trimmed to create a microtrack, the microtrack having a microtrack width less than the stripe width, the microtrack having a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge. Subsequently, the magneto-resistive stripe is positioned at various radial locales traversing the microtrack, and at each locale the magneto-resistive stripe is used to read the test signal recorded on the microtrack, thereby producing a detected signal at each of the various locales. Finally, a signal-strength profile is determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using control apparatuses and read/write apparatuses within a disc drive to create a microtrack that is used to probe the magnetic sensitivity of each portion of a magnetic stripe of a magneto-resistive read/write head in the disc drive. The method can be executed by first selecting a target track and then recording a test signal along the target track. Next, the target track is trimmed to create a microtrack, the microtrack having a microtrack width less than the stripe width, the microtrack having a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge. Subsequently, the magneto-resistive stripe is positioned at various radial locales traversing the microtrack, and at each locale the magneto-resistive stripe is used to read the test signal recorded on the microtrack, thereby producing a detected signal at each of the various locales. Finally, a signal-strength profile is determined.