High-end SCSI 9-track drives available!

From: Bruce Lane <kyrrin_at_jps.net>
Date: Fri Jun 26 09:14:20 1998

        Heads up, 9-track users! RE-PC, a local (Seattle/Tukwila, two locations)
used computer place I work with has turned up yet -another- pair of M4 Data
9914R 9-track tape drives. Specs can be found at www.m4data.com.

        The 9914 is built like the proverbial tank. It is actuall a dual-interface
device. Leave the SCSI card in, and it is standard SCSI-1 with a 768K
buffer. Pull the SCSI card out, and uncover the edge connectors on the
back, and it becomes a standard Pertec interface unit. Only one interface
may be used at one time; you cannot have both simultaneously.

        One -really- nice feature of the 9914's, besides how robustly they're
built, is that they're quad-density. They will handle any standard density
of 9-track tape from 800 (NRZI) to 6250 (GCR). They're front-loading,
horizontal mount, and feature a very reliable vacuum-driven autoloading
system. Stick the reel in, close the door, and wait about twenty seconds.

        The 9914 is still manufactured, and supported by M4 Data. Documentation,
parts and firmware updates are still available if you can live with some of
M4's prices. I've inspected both drives and they look to be in good shape.
One looks like it took a minor impact to the rear quarter, as the card cage
cover had bent corners (believe me, that's not going to bother a 9914!).
Other than that, they look great.

        If you're interested, contact RE-PC in Tukwila directly: (206) 575-8737.
Ask for Eric and tell him I referred you. The last 9914 in good shape went
for $165 (a steal considering that these monsters still go for around
$7,000 from M4), and I expect the others will be about the same (probably
less for the one that's slightly dinged).

        Take a friend with you when you go. These drives are not light! I can lift
one by myself, but it's not a fun experience. The back end is the heaviest
as that's where the power transformer is.

        I've already grabbed three of the beasties. It's time to share the wealth.
Enjoy!


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Sysop, The Dragon's Cave BBS (Fidonet 1:343/272)
(Hamateur: WD6EOS) (E-mail: kyrrin_at_jps.net)
"Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our own
human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."
Received on Fri Jun 26 1998 - 09:14:20 BST