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From: davem@elandes.UUCP (Dave Mathis)
Newsgroups: comp.periphs.scsi
Subject: Adaptec and tape drives
Message-ID: <548@elandes.UUCP>
Date: 23 Jan 91 22:09:48 GMT
Distribution: comp
Organization: ELAN designs, Saratoga CA
Lines: 32


	I have what should be a simple problem, that should have a 
simple answer.  But it isn't turning out that way.
	
	I have a Intel 401 (486/25) box, adaptec 1542a, 2 Maxtors and a
Archive 2150 tape drive.  Normally I run  SysVR4, but using Dos 3.3 is where
I have the problem to solve.  I can get to the drives just fine, the on
board BIOS does its job.  To get to the tape drive, I need a device driver of 
some form.  Fine so far.  I call where I purchased the box, and ask for
whatever will do this for me, even suggest that adaptec might be a good
place to start.  They're not interested, they have my money.  I try adaptecs
local distributors, they're just salesmen, the first technical word and they
panic.  Tried a var of one of the distributors, they said they would check 
into what I needed.  The answer was that a ASW-1410 would solve all my 
problems.  The tape drive would be accesible as a device and I could use
pdtar and afio to my hearts content.
	Great. I bought it.  Now what? There is not a
programming/interface/techical manual available.  Adaptec has either
know-nothings, or people that don't return calls, or a dispatcher that
won't log a call since I'm not a distributor.

	If anyone can offer me:
1) a way to get to the tape drive without giving adaptec any more money,
	since they obviously dont deserve it.
or
2) an alternative SCSI controller and  support software to get to the tape
	drive under DOS.

	I would really appreciate it.

Dave Mathis
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