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From: browne@savax.UUCP (Duff Browne)
Newsgroups: net.periphs
Subject: Re: Using ST506 disks with VAXen
Message-ID: <353@savax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 22-May-86 13:39:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: savax.353
Posted: Thu May 22 13:39:05 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 24-May-86 20:45:48 EDT
References: <476@cubsvax.UUCP>
Organization: Sanders Associates Inc. Nashua ,NH
Lines: 23

> I called Micropolis and they confirmed that the 1325 was the RD53. However,
> they person I talked to volunteered the information that "You couldn't
> just go out and buy a 1325 and use it as an RD53." When I asked why, he
> said "There are DEC specials in the RD53." When I asked what they were,
> he said he couldn't (that is, wouldn't) tell me.
> 
> Is this true? Let me repeat the earlier question: Has anyone put such
> a non-DEC disk on a VAX?
> 
> Ken Winston

DEC formats their disks in a certain manner, and the only folks with the 
format program are the field service personnel.  If you use DEC's 
RQDX-2 or 3 controller, you must use the disks formatted to DEC's 
specifications.  Too bad. 

On the other hand, you can go out and buy a Fujitsu 2246 (>170 Meg) for 
about $2800, and the emulex disk controller to go with it, for about 
$1200, along with all the driver software, etc.  It sure beats DEC's
equipment, since the access times are 2x or more faster!!

Duff Browne