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From: coyne@tifsie.UUCP (Conan the Administrator)
Newsgroups: comp.os.vms
Subject: Re: Pertec tape drives, ALL-IN-1 worries
Message-ID: <417@tifsie.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 14-Jul-87 21:27:17 EDT
Article-I.D.: tifsie.417
Posted: Tue Jul 14 21:27:17 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 18-Jul-87 11:30:19 EDT
References: <615*kenw@noah.arc.cdn>
Organization: TI Process Automation Center, Dallas
Lines: 59
Summary: 6250 BPI Tape Drives for the MicroVAX II

In article <615*kenw@noah.arc.cdn>, kenw@noah.arc.CDN (Ken Wallewein) writes:
> 
>   We need a 6250 bpi tabe drive on our uVaxII, mostly for backups. I know that
> sounds odd, but we have 700 mb of on-line storage. 
> 
>   We are comsidering 3 tape drives: a DEC TU81+, a Pertec FS2000 with an Emulex
> TC03 controller (emulates TS-11), and a CDC Keystone III, with a Dilog
> controller. The DEC drive weighs in at $40K, and both of the others run around
> $15K. So much for the TU81+. 
> 
>   The choice between the other two, however, is not clear. The CDC drive is
> slower, and seems to have an average record for reliability. Interestingly, I
> have been told that is the basis for the DEC TU81+. 
> 
>   On the other hand, the Pertec has better speed, and an apparently quite good
> reputation, especially among OEMs of equipment for controls applications.
> However, I know of only one site which is using this drive on a Vax (11/750). I
> do *not* want the kind of problems it is giving them. 
> 
>   Does this drive generally perform well in this environment, or would it be
> asking for trouble? I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone with
> related experience. 
>  .
>  .
>  .
> Thanks in advance, 
> 
> /kenw
>                                                                  A L B E R T A
> Ken Wallewein                                                  R E S E A R C H
>                                                                  C O U N C I L

I am using Cipher Data M990 tape transports in combination with Emulex
TC03 tape controllers on our VMS and Ultrix based MicroVAX II's.

We have used the Cipher products for better than 5 years (F880's, F891's etc.)
with excellent reliability, and responsive service (only 2 malfunctioning
drives in 5 years...).

The M990 is a front-loader, operates in streaming or a simulation of
start/stop mode at up to 100 ips.  Its priced at $5.5K (factory price),
or if you buy from a distributor about $7K.  The Emulex controller is
coming in at $1.9K, again straight from Emulex.

The M990 operates at 1600,3200, and 6250 bpi, and software allowing
supports remote density select, etc.  These are not typical "vacuum 
column" style transports, so they are a little tougher than normal
on tapes.  We get about 60-100 uses on a 2400' prime grade reel with
proper care.


-----------------

Coyne Gibson                            TI-MSG     FSIC
Texas Instruments                       UUCP:      {uiucdcs!convex!smu, 
Process Automation Center                            {rice, sun!texsun}!ti-csl
                                                   }!tifsie!coyne
P.O. Box 655012, M/S 3635               DECNET:    TIFSIE::coyne
Dallas, TX 75243                        Voice:     (214) 995-2786