MagTape command - Future project

[Hodgkinson]

Hi folks,
I have a Wangtek 5150EQ SCSI Tape drive. Im wondering how difficult it might be to get such a drive to work on a A1200 system with a (As yet imaginary) 1230IV SCSI kit; and just how compatible the magtape command is in the OS. I see that the magtape command is for SCSI drives, so I guess that it would probably work without any special drivers?

I've got an oppertunity at the moment to be able to obtain a pile of tapes for the drive.

Comments appreciated,
Hodgkinson.

[Hodgkinson]

The main idea was for storing file backups on in the same way as a standard drive.

Can the system read/write to magtapes, or does the magtape command just cater for positioning the tape?

[Hodgkinson]

mark_k:
Oh. I *guessed* that it might be SCSI since the ISA adaptor board connected to the drive has an external SCSI connector, and also since the cable going to the drive itself is a 50 pin flat lead - Albeit it does end with a edge connector :crazy:

If you could verify this information it would be appreciated; before I start blowing up SCSI interfaces one day...

Everyone else:
Yeah, it is a dinosaur...Its huge. And the tapes are huge, too. But it’s the only tape drive that we have (One) tape for. How common are SCSI tape drives these days? And would I have to purchase Diavolo from somewhere to get them to work?

Thanks,
Hodgkinson.

[Hodgkinson]

In a world without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates? :lol: :laughing:

Anyway, back to the point. I've just been and digged out our other SCSI tape drive, also aquired from a clearout and of unknown condition. Unfortunatly, I don't have any tapes for this particular drive - Its a Seagate STD224000N - How does that sound for Amiga use?

It appears to support 60-m (DDS-DC) MP tape; 90-m (DDS-DC) MP tape; 120-m (DDS-2) MP+ tape; and 125-m (DDS-3) MP++ tape

Are these any more common than the DC 6150 tapes used in the Wangtek drive?

Thanks,
Hodgkinson.