JUMBO tape driver

[Jay Ts]

(I had previously posted about having trouble with Co. Memory Systems Jumbo
tape drive under 386/ix 2.2 ...)

In article <53180003 at hpindda.cup.hp.com>, rajs at hpindda.cup.hp.com (Rajeev Seth) writes:
> I have Interactive's 2.2 unix and in the compatibility list it says CMS
>Jumbo tape backup works with it. Does this mean that you people's experience is
> different and the Interactive floppy tape driver does not work well with the
> Jumbo tape backup.

That was the experience that I and an associate had on one machine.  I just
got a call from Rene Silvers at CMS tech support today; she says that they
may have a fix (it involves examining the /etc/conf/cf.d/sdevice file, and
using info gathered therein to modify /etc/conf/sdevice.d/ptx, if I understood
her correctly).  I have not (and may not) have a chance to test it to see if
it works.

If you are really interested in using a Jumbo tape drive, you may want to wait
for release 2.39 of their driver.  CMS tech support is very concerned that the
unit work properly, and have been doing a superb job of support, so don't be
overly afraid of doing business with CMS based on my reported problems.

> I have also been told that floppy tape drives are less
> reliable. Is that really true? If so, how. The choice for me right now,

Once again, you might consider CMS's "jumperless controller card".  It makes
the Jumbo drive independent of the floppy controller.

> (I'm looking to buy a tape backup) is to go with Jumbo ($250) or a
> streaming 60MB tape unit such as that by Everex (DC600A 1/4" cartridges
> and QIC-24 format, costing $660). I don't care much for speed but do care

IMHO, the Everex drive is a very good one, and well worth the price.  We even
got a free tape with the last one we installed.  There are other comanies
selling similar drives for less money, but you don't get a free tape :-)

> for reliability, but is it worth the $400 difference to go for the
> cartridge tape drive.

I am working in a consulting capacity with small businesses.  For them, I
feel I really have to recommend a QIC-24 drive (if for nothing more than their
high speed).  Somehow I get the feeling from your posting that your system is
a more personal one.  If so, all I can say is do what you feel right about.

				Jay Ts
				Metran Technology
				uunet!pdn!tscs!metran!jay