trying to setup a TF86 tape drive
Michael Holmes
I have a Dec 3000 with a SCSI-2 external interface and a standard Win95 PC
with SCSI-2.
The tape drive powers up ok but, it doesn't have a standard scsi-2 interface
on the back of the external enclosure, so I can't use a standard scsi-2
cable and can not seems to find a cable that has this unique end. The end is
the same size and shape of a scsi2 cable but instead of a male or female pin
setup it has a bar in the center with the pin on it (much like a centronics
printer or SCSI-1 end but much smaller) an it looks to be male.
I though about removing it from the encloser and installing it internally,
but I do not know how to set the scsi id.
The wonderful Compaq site has no information on this wonderful tape drive (I
don't know what model rebranded it as its own).
Doesn anyone know where I can get a cable for this, or know how to set the
scsi id if I put it internal.
Thanks
Michael
Jack Peacock
news:vsAC7.240484$Xz1.47...@news1.rdc1.md.home.com...
> I purchased a used Digital TF86 DLT drive off EBay.
> I have a Dec 3000 with a SCSI-2 external interface and a standard Win95 PC
> with SCSI-2.
>
but not quite the same. I don't recall that there is a DSSI controller for
the 3000s but someone may prove me wrong.
Jack Peacock
Jan-Erik Söderholm
TFxxx is, if I'm not wrong, DSSI.
Tip : try to sell it on Ebay ;-)
Jan-Erik Söderholm
John Santos
> I purchased a used Digital TF86 DLT drive off EBay.
> I have a Dec 3000 with a SCSI-2 external interface and a standard Win95 PC
> with SCSI-2.
>
> The tape drive powers up ok but, it doesn't have a standard scsi-2 interface
> on the back of the external enclosure, so I can't use a standard scsi-2
> cable and can not seems to find a cable that has this unique end. The end is
> the same size and shape of a scsi2 cable but instead of a male or female pin
> setup it has a bar in the center with the pin on it (much like a centronics
> printer or SCSI-1 end but much smaller) an it looks to be male.
TF tape drives are not SCSI. They are DSSI.
> I though about removing it from the encloser and installing it internally,
> but I do not know how to set the scsi id.
It might be SCSI inside, since DEC also made a very similar TZ86 SCSI
drive. However, it is equally possible that both the TF86 and the
TZ86 contain an identical internal interface that is neither DSSI nor
SCSI, or the TZ86 contains a SCSI to DSSI adapter or there is a
custom personality board that is different for the two drives.
> The wonderful Compaq site has no information on this wonderful tape drive (I
> don't know what model rebranded it as its own).
They (DEC) didn't rebrand anything. DEC invented DLT. Many years after
they built this drive, they sold the technology to Quantum (along with
their disk drive development and manufacturing.)
> Doesn anyone know where I can get a cable for this, or know how to set the
> scsi id if I put it internal.
Trade it to someone who has a DSSI-based system?
> Thanks
>
> Michael
--
John Santos
Evans Griffiths & Hart, Inc.
781-861-0670 ext 539
Tim Llewellyn
Jan-Erik Söderholm wrote:
>
> All SCSI drives are named TZxxx.
> TFxxx is, if I'm not wrong, DSSI.
>
> Tip : try to sell it on Ebay ;-)
>
It is possible to replace the DSSI controller board
with a SCSI one. I had to do that for a system that was
off maintenance once, made a TF86 into a TZ86 (we had
some surplus TF86's).
> Jan-Erik Söderholm
>
> Michael Holmes wrote:
> >
> > I purchased a used Digital TF86 DLT drive off EBay.
> > I have a Dec 3000 with a SCSI-2 external interface and a standard Win95 PC
> > with SCSI-2.
Standard disclaimer applies. My views in no way represent those of
my employers or service provider.
Nic Clews
>
> Jan-Erik Söderholm wrote:
> >
> > All SCSI drives are named TZxxx.
> > TFxxx is, if I'm not wrong, DSSI.
> >
> > Tip : try to sell it on Ebay ;-)
> >
>
> It is possible to replace the DSSI controller board
> with a SCSI one. I had to do that for a system that was
> off maintenance once, made a TF86 into a TZ86 (we had
> some surplus TF86's).
You're right. An ex DECcie told me it is possible to swap TZ85 and TF86
controller boards, and they work, therefore getting a 'cheap' upgrade.
(He says the 86's and 88's are not quite so forgiving but never tried
it)
Perhaps you can find a cheap TZ85 or a TZ with a dead transport but good
controller...
After reading your original message, you maybe could find a DSSI
controller for your DEC 3000 (IS this a turbochannel? Does it have EISA
slots) and use a KFESA or KFESB. Is there another DSSI controller for
this Alpha? (Another message suggested that).
I wouldn't say no to a surplus TF86..............
--
Regards, Nic Clews CSC Computer Sciences
nclews at csc dot com