> > > > Actually, there are some table-top 9-track drives. There is a limit
> > > > on how small a 9-track drive can be since you have to accommodate two
> > > > large reels.
>
> I have a TS03 - it is smaller than a small microwave oven, but it only
> takes 7" reels (and only uses one actual reel - the takeup is a naked
> hub that the tape stacks on - the distance between the axes of the motors
> is about 1.2 x the reel size - you get tape spinning one way in between
> a tape reel spinning the other way past a certain point)
At one place I worked we had a 9-track tape drive that would take full size
reels, and used a simple hub instead of a takeup reel. I always expected
to have the tape despool on the takeup hub, but it never did.
> > > > In fact, next week I'm picking up a table-top 9-track SCSI drive for
> > > > $75.
> > >
> > > I'd love one... Right now my TU-80 is my smallest tape drive.
> >
> > And right now I'm leaving to pick up the drive. Fun tonight!
>
> Nice. Best to pick up, not to ship. My experience with SCSI 9-track
> drives is that they are 19"x10.5"x36" and not all air inside. Still
> wish I had one. I'd pay $50-$150 for one (excl. shipping) if it supported
> 6250 bpi.
Good Lord, that drive is heavy. I left it in the garage after I got home. I'll
need to make space before I bring it up to the computer room.
I can now read TK50, TK70, DLT (up to 20/40GB), DAT (up to 4/8GB), 8mm (2GB
and 5GB), 3480, and 3490 at home (plus some of the QIC and Travan, but I
forget which as they aren't connected).
Next drive to find is the TU58.
--
Eric Dittman
dittman_at_dittman.net
Check out the DEC Enthusiasts Club at http://www.dittman.net/
Received on Wed Dec 19 2001 - 16:21:59 GMT