Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!att!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!decwrl!hplabs!hpfcdc!hpfcmgw!hpfcse!hpuecoa!speclab!rclark
From: rclark@speclab.bgp-usgs.gov (Roger N. Clark)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: HP9145A + 16track tapes=ARGH!
Message-ID: <210025@speclab.bgp-usgs.gov>
Date: 3 Aug 89 21:06:20 GMT
Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Geophysics, Denver
Lines: 33

URGH!!!!

I just received a HP9145A (32-track) cartridge tape drive.  For the
first time to my knowledge, I find there is a difference between
tapes for this drive and those for previous (16-track) HP drives.

A note in the drive shipping package says "Have you ordered 32-track
cartridges?"

No, a couple of days ago I ordered what I always order: a box of 5
HP certified cartridge tapes.  It came in a new box and said 16
track.

So how do I use over 3 thousand dollars in 16 track tapes?  I assume
I can exchange the unopened boxes.  Can I get 16 track tapes
reformatted to 32 track?

Most of my old tapes have been written to about 5 times (average
times recycled through backup).  Do they have much life left?  How
many times can one expect to use the tapes (the tapes and computer
are in a temperature/humidity controlled room; the computer has
triple protection on the electrical circuits).

*FLAME ON*
I'M REALLY PISSED.  If thousands of dollars of tapes are now
useless, I would not have bought this drive since DAT drives will be
available in less than a year or so.
*FLAME OFF*

Any solutions out there?

Roger N. Clark
..!speclab!rclark