Xenix '386 tape stuff...

[Tom Yager]

Well, now, here's a topic that's been beaten to death!

I've got a 20MHz '386 box running SCO Xenix 2.2.1 (soon to be 2.3.1, I
hope) and discovered, too late, that the Irwin tape drive I bought won't
run at higher than 16MHz. Now there's a fix for that (update K), but I have
another problem: inability to control the drive from software.

I need to be able to add files to the end of an archive, create multiple
"datasets" (or files, in tape terminology) on one tape, etc. The Irwin,
which seems to be barely supported, cannot do any of these things and is,
as such, useless to me except for (rare) full system backups. I had
envisioned using tape as archival storage for PD software & news. I am
aware of the reasons for these limitations and don't scorn Irwin or SCO.

The release notes for 2.2.1 state that Archive tape drives are supported,
and I believe I have found a supplier for them which lists drives in the
40, 60 and 150 MB capacity range. It looks like I can get Wangtek, too.

Now for the questions: 1) Is anyone using an Archive drive with a 20MHz 386
system? 2) Are the operations I wish to perform difficult or impossible?
3) Is C function level support for tape operations provided? 4) Any 2.3
users who can comment on their experience with tape operations?

In their defense, I will say the the Irwin was the cheapest drive I could
find in a 40MB capacity. It is fast, error-free and hasn't given me any
trouble. Their DOS software is great--pity they didn't port it!

That having been said: Does anybody want to buy a used Irwin drive and 5
tapes? (if, that is, the Archive will work) Great price, original box, etc.

Thanks, all.

-- 
Tom Yager, Apollo Computer
ARPA: tyager%maxx at m2c.m2c.org -or- tyager at apollo.com 
- My opinions are mine, all mine. Nyah. -
"I like life; it's something to do."