[Info-vax] TLZ7

[Chris Scheers]

smithfarm wrote:
> I recently obtained an old DAT drive. I don't know anything about it 
> other than my VAXstation sees it as a TLZ7, and the person I received it 
> from said it does 2 GB uncompressed (which would make it DDS-1).
> 
> Here is a picture of the drive:
> 
> http://tinyurl.com/2uaeuwv
> 
> VAXstation console SHOW DEVICE comes up with a bunch of MKA (TAPE) and 
> JKA (CHNGR) devices.
> 
> When I open up the drive, the front panel comes out and I can load a 
> single tape. However, from the looks of it there must be some kind of 
> cartridge for loading multiple tapes at once. But this cartridge, if it 
> exists, is missing. Still, I can load an individual tape if I am careful 
> not to drop it.
> 
> Any comments on this drive? Will it only work with DDS-1 tapes or can I 
> use DDS-2 and DDS-3 tapes in it as well?
> 
> How would I go about testing it?
> 
> It doesn't say DIGITAL on it anywhere, just a sticker that says it 
> passed quality control on December 13, 1985 (85.12.13). And HI-POT TEST 
> OK. There are two RCA plugs on the back in addition to the SCSI plugs.
> 
> Thanks, as always.
> 
> Nathan

2GB uncompressed would make it DDS-2.

If the VAXstation sees it as a TLZ07, it has the Digital firmware.

If you open the case and look at the model number on the drive, if it is 
4586, it is a DDS-2 drive and supports hardware compression.  I think 
there is a DDS-1 version of this drive, but I don't know the model number.

Yes, there are cartridges.  The most common is a 4 tape cartridge. 
There is also a 12 tape cartridge.

The 4 tape cartridge works entirely within the drive, so the front door 
closes again.

The 12 tape cartridge requires that the drive be positioned so that 
there is clearance above and below the drive in the front as the 
cartridge will be moving up and down in this area.

I would NOT try putting a DDS-3 or DDS-4 tape into this drive.  I have 
seen some DDS-2 drives get very confused by the later tapes.

Good luck!

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Scheers, Applied Synergy, Inc.

Voice: 817-237-3360            Internet: chris at applied-synergy.com
   Fax: 817-237-3074