[Info-vax] DLT8000 drive question

[Rich Jordan]

On Apr 10, 6:51 am, Kari Uusimäki
<uusim... at exdecWITHOUTTHISfinland.org> wrote:
> 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:l... 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

I'll get them to review any labelling or part numbers on the drives so
we can determine the interface.  Thanks!