[Info-vax] DLT8000 drive question

[Kari Uusimäki]

LenW wrote:
> On Apr 9, 8:16 am, Rich Jordan <jor... at ccs4vms.com> wrote:
>> I've never used or seen a loader for DLT drives in person and I have a
>> customer with a question.  They picked up a couple of "loader ready"
>> HP DLT8000 drives, mounted on skids with the back panels, as part of a
>> bulk surplus hardware load.  The drives appear new/unused but they're
>> in another state so I can't look at them.  That customer doesn't have
>> (or want) a loader but the drives themselves would be nice to put into
>> service.
>>
>> The cellphone picture they sent makes it look like they don't have a
>> normal front bezel or loading lever.
>>
>> Can these drives be pulled from their skids/panels and used as
>> standalone drives, either in a compatible enclosure or system bay,
>> using normal power and SCSI cables?  Does the lack of a bezel/lever
>> (lights?  Eject button???) compromise their usability?
> 
> Hi Rich:
> 
> I think the show stopper for you will be the fact that MOST loader
> drives
> of that vintage were DIFFERENTIAL drives and you will need a
> differential
> controller to run the drive standalone. I would be happy to help you
> if you want to persue this issue. (CHEAP!!!!)
> 
> Regards,
> 
> -Len Whitwer
> Puget Sound Data Systems, Inc.
> 19501 144th Ave. NE Suite D-100
> Woodinville, WA  98072
> e-mail    mailto:len at psds.com
> Internet: http://www.psds.com
> Toll Free: (866)857-0710
> Tel: (425) 488-0710
> Fax: (425) 488-6414



The DLT8000's library models have either HVD (aka High Voltage 
Differential) or LVD (aka Low Voltage Differential) interface. It is 
usually clearly stated on the attached label. You have to use the right 
adapter for it. If you mix LVD and HVD devices you'll fry the 
electronics on the LVD device.

MRU can be used to send the appropriate SCSI commands to the drive.


Regards,

Kari