1/4 inch QIC TAPE DRIVES FOR ESIX

[Paul Davies]

I need to buy an internal 1/4 inch cartridge tape drive for my 386 running 
ESIX SysV.3.2. (Rev C, probably get Rev D soon).

>From the release notes I know that ESIX supports "QIC-24/QIC-02 with the 
Wangtek PC-36, Everex or compatible controller". 

I regularly go to auctions and there are often drives for
sale. The trouble is the descriptions don't say whether they 
are QIC-24 or PC-36 etc compatible.   What I need to know is the 
names/numbers of some drives/controllers I am safe to buy and what interface
standard they meet. For example the following descriptions were given 
at a recent auction.

Wangtek YEN 24
Wangtek FAD 3500
Wangtek 5150 PC-02
Cipher 1525 
Cipher 1525CT tape streamer
Cipher 5210
SysTos 3500
Irwin TS-IR 2040
Irwin 465
Irwin TS IR 420
Irwin TS IR 445
Irwin 245
Tecmac QIC-60 Controller

I've no idea whether any of them are compatible with ESIX.

Basically I'd like to build up a list of drive/controller/interface-standard
so that I know what I'm safe to buy at an auction.  If you know of a combination 
that works mail me or the group.

I heard that "any" Everex 1/4 inch tape controller will handle both
QIC-02 and QIC-24, is this true.

Also, could someone briefly summarize what the difference is between
a QIC-2, QIC-24, QIC-60, PC-36 etc.

I assume internal drives normally require a separate controller, is this right.

I understand that the QIC-24 is the most common and that these are generally
60 Meg, can I assume if its a 60 Meg and its a Wangtek or Everex then its QIC-24.

I'll summarize if theres interest.

		Regards
			Paul.

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  /  / /  / /  / /	Paul Davies, STC Telecommunications,
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/    /  / /__/ /___	<pauld at tcom.stc.co.uk> Tel: +44 81 945 3605