Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!bonnie.concordia.ca!uunet!zephyr.ens.tek.com!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!clark
From: clark@ssc-vax.uucp (Roger Clark Swann)
Newsgroups: comp.periphs.scsi
Subject: info wanted on DAT tape devices
Keywords: SCSI, VME, vendors, formfactor
Message-ID: <4071@ssc-bee.ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: 5 Jun 91 22:02:36 GMT
Sender: news@ssc-vax.UUCP
Organization: Boeing Aerospace & Electronics
Lines: 33
Originator: clark@ssc-vax


I have a custom data collection system that is based on a VME system,
off the shelf CPU, off the shelf SCSI card. The system this currently
operated with an Archive DC600 type 1/4 inch tape unit for storing data
via the SCSI bus. I would like to replace the 1/4 inch tape unit with a
DAT unit that could be placed in a 3-1/2 inch drive bay.

- Does any vendor make a DAT that will fits in a 3-1/2 inch bay ??
  All I really want/need is the bare drive in a 3-1/2 inch form
  factor. If I have to, I can go with a 5-1/4 inch unit in an
  external case ( the 1/4 inch tape unit is that way now ).

- What is involved in converting to DAT from the 1/4 inch tape device ??
	Any changes in software, etc.  The system runs on its own
	custom operating system. 

- I am having trouble getting specs and such on DAT devices. I have
  found that Archive sells them, but can't get info from my local
  dist. and can't find a phone number for Archive. I know Sony makes
  DAT. How about a contact for them? Other vendors for DAT? I think
  there must be several. I DON'T need a system that is packaged with
  a bunch of S/W and such, since the S/W would be useless to me. The
  exception would C source code and linkable modules.

- And a last question; How about the write speed/time of the DAT
  compared with the 1/4 inch tape unit? For my application, total
  time required to store a 4 Meg file must be as short as possible,
  since data collection is stopped during a tape write.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Roger Swann               |    uucp:  uw-beaver!ssc-vax!clark
         @                    |     fax:  206-773-1249
The Boeing Company            |   voice:  206-773-5491