Need a CONNER MS525S Internal Tape Drive (1/4" tape) as a replacement
in a GA A200 (R91) system. Anyone have one?

Symptom on "bad" drive is that when trying to write to the tape, the
system reports the tape is "write protected" -- even though it is not!
Any ideas?

Dave Weaver, Weaver Consulting

Sounds like a stuck switch. There is a switch that detects the position
of the write protect on the tape. It may be stuck in an open position.

If you need to, there is a company that repairs tape units. RC
Electronics out of california (800-882-disk). They are reasonably priced
and good at what they do. They also have used drives for sale. But try
the switch thing first.

Richard Kann
Comp-Ware Systems, Inc.

Dave Weaver wrote:

Dave:

I would pick a Tandberg instead of the Connor to replace the Conner.

Henry Keultjes
hb+lastname
atearthlinkdotnet

say that a Tandberg would

Dave Weaver wrote:

Dave,
I think this was originally an Archive 2525S 1/4" drive installed since that's the only brand we used at GA on R91.
You should check the operation of the drive switch that locates at the "SAFE" cam area, it may be broken or it just died.
If it's broken then maybe it can be taped closed at the switch.
FYI, on my 2150S there are 2 switches in that area, I believe one for the "SAFE" status and one for "Tape in" status, which one is which I don't know.

I have an Archive 2150S drive for an R91 system, if that helps any, takes DC6150 and DC6250 tapes.
But, I suspect you are using DC6525 Data Cartridges on that system too.
I also have an HP35480A DDS1 4mm tape drive for an R91 system too, if that helps.

Also remember if you add/change any of these peripherals you will probably have to run the CONFIGURATOR.
At this stage in the life of the machine, I would STRONGLY suggest making note of ALL Configurator values BEFORE making any changes !
If you don't get near the Configurator then that's even SAFER too !! ;-)

Failing all that I also have a spare Power95 system (Bull Estrella AIX 4.3.2, Power95 9.3.09).
This system has a Tandberg 2.5Gb 1/4" tape drive (TDC 4222) which will read 525 tapes etc.
The system also has 4/8Gb 4mm DDS2 HP C1533A tape drive too.
This system currently only has 2Gb of disk (mainly for AIX), but I can pump it up some with another 2Gb and 4Gb if needed (WOW !).

I am located in Tustin, CA. Maybe your system is in close proximity to me.

Finally you can always try Abdul Motiwala at GA Services for possible hardware replacements, I have his number if you can't find.
Regards, Brian Coles.

Dave Weaver wrote: