[Info-vax] TLZ7

[AEF]

On Nov 5, 4:32 pm, Chris Scheers <ch... at applied-synergy.com> wrote:
> 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: ch... at applied-synergy.com
>    Fax: 817-237-3074

And I've seen them get confused by DDS-2's! How could the 3's and 4's
even work at all?

AEF