Tape drive recommendations

2007-12-25 10:41:00

Original question:

> Hi all,

>

> We are in need of replacing a Fujitsu GCR tape drive (6250 BPI 1/2"

> on a Xylogics 472 controller --VME bus-- attached to a Sun 4/280

> running SunOS 4.1.1).

>

> 1. Do you think it is a good idea replacing the drive or is it going

> to be an expensive solution due to the fact that this type of drive

> is becoming obsolete? Does anyone repair drives of this kind anymore?

>

> 2. Can you suggest SCSI tape drives that will do 6250? I am hoping

> that this could be a cheaper solution. (vendors? web sites? prices?

> suggestions? recommendations? previous experiences? ... anything

> you might have would be really appreciated)

>

> Thanks in advance for your input.

List suggestions:

** Repair of an obsolescent tape drive likely to be unsatisfactory

** New drives are expensive

** A more inexpensive solution would be a refurbished drive

VENDORS:

1. Overland Data, San Diego, CA

   Overland Data (800) 729-8725 (Contact Phil Long)

   Suggested as an excellent well-respected vendor for

   this type of thing, based in San Diego.

   http://www.overlanddata.com

2. Qualstar 9track drives

   Qualstar (818-592-0061)

   www.qualstar.com

3. Cipher

   http://www.4cipher.com

   M990S (SCSI version) -- $2750 (1 yr. warranty) -- NEW

   M995 (SCSI interface) -- $6995 (2 yr. warranty) -- NEW

   M990S (SCSI version) -- $2100 (1 yr. warranty) -- REFURBISHED

   M995 (SCSI interface) -- $4500 (1 yr. warranty) -- REFURBISHED

   Distributed by: National Peripheral Services, Inc. 1-714-6306800

4. http://www.m4data-usa.com

   M4-data Model -123107

   9914 (SCSI version)

   IF + Pertec interface = able to read GE tapes

5. http://www.aaamedia.com

   $1800 -- Kennedy

   $1800 -- Cipher 990

   $3800 -- Cipher 995

   Also includes HP drives and other new ones

6. Hewlett Packard tri density drive model 88780 (SCSI drive)

   HP Model -HP88780 -HP7980S

   Used to be marketed by Sun.

7. Ficomp

   Ficomp Inc. in Santa Ana : http://www.ficompinc.com

   Evan Sackstein, Tech. Support

   They have refurbished drives, which is a good thing

   since these SCSI beasts are expensive!

Alternate vendors:

   http://www.informationhouse.com/hp88780.htm

   Price range: $3,495 - $4,395

     

   http://www.sentex.net/avax/hp9t.html

   Price is: $2,995 refurbished.

   http://www.comco-inc.com/tapedrives/index.htm

   None of their links work, but it gives phone numbers.

   (Select "Contact Us")

   http://www.cpuinc.com/index.html

   (Select "Sales" to get contact phone number)

   Laguna Data Systems, XXX, CA

   Carries 6250 drives

   http://www.periphlab.com/sales/half_quart_tape.html

   http://www.tapesales.com/

Thanks to:

Ian MacPhedran <Ian_MacPhedran@mackenzie.usask.ca>

Rich Kulawiec <rsk@gsp.org>

David Schiffrin <daves@adnc.com>

jeff@octopus.wr.usgs.gov (Jeff Brody x5183)

Dave Floyd <drf@gatwick.geoquest.slb.com>

"Dwight Peters" <dpeters@nswc.navy.mil>

foster@bial1.ucsd.edu

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