[rescue] New scores - Sun DLT autoloader and IBM SP frame

Patrick Finnegan pat at computer-refuge.org
Mon Apr 3 21:16:41 CDT 2006


On Mon, Apr 03, 2006 at 09:17:01PM -0400, Bryan Gurney wrote:
> On Mon, 03 Apr 2006 18:13:17 -0400, Patrick Finnegan <pat at computer-refuge.org> wrote:
> 
> > Does anyone know if it's possible to upgrade the drive in the Sun DLT
> > autoloader? I tried swapping in a DLT7000 drive, but it seems like the
> > library doesn't quite like it, even though the cables seem to attach
> > properly to the drive.
> 
> Unfortunately, most autoloaders are dependent on firmware to handle a 
> specific drive in some way (proper loading velocity for cartridges, 
> for instance).  What kind of problems is it exhibiting?
> 
> There's also a possibility that you'd be able to connect the drive with 
> one SCSI cable and the autoloader with another SCSI cable and use it 
> that way.  IIRC most of the time all that the autoloader does is follow 
> commands from the backup software to move a casette to and from the drive.

Actually, the loader doesn't connect to the SCSI bus - I'm guessing it's
a "dumb" loader, which loads the next tape when the first one ejects.
It connects via a 10-wire cable to the jack on the DLT4000 drive right
next to the ID select cable spot.

DLT4000s and DLT7000s looks like they have the same connectors there,
but the loader doesn't seem happy - there's a "density select" display
on the front of the loader which is supposed to mirror the drive, but it
instead lights up all of the LEDs, and the loader lights up the "Loader
Fault" light and resets itself a bunch with the DLT7000 connected.

Pat
-- 
Purdue University ITAP/RCAC       --- http://www.rcac.purdue.edu/
The Computer Refuge               --- http://computer-refuge.org



More information about the rescue mailing list