Equalization method and apparatus with gain adjustment for direct access storage device (DASD) data channels

An equalization method and apparatus with gain adjustment are provided for a direct access storage device (DASD) data channel. A direction for moving each of a plurality of tap weights is calculated. New tap weights are determined for each of a plurality of tap weights in the direction. A gain of the FIR filter for the new tap weights is compared with a set threshold gain value. A gain of a gain loop of the data channel is incrementally adjusted responsive to the compared gain and set threshold gain values. A phase lag of the FIR filter for the new tap weights is compared with a set threshold phase lag value. A phase of a timing loop of the data channel is incrementally adjusted responsive to the compared phase lag and set threshold phase lag values.