masscomp-request@soma.UUCP (03/03/87)
[I forward this from comp.unix.wizards -- sob ]
We purchased a Storage Technology 2920 tape drive (from a company
called Aviv) and a Xylogics 472 tape controller from Masscomp for our
Masscomp 5500DP. The problem is that when the device is accessed, via
cat, tar, dd, etc. the tape drive takes itself off line and unloads
the tape (it is an auto-load drive). This is quite frustrating, since
Masscomp claims the controller is fine and Aviv claims the drive is
fine. The only thing left is the device driver. Has anyone seen this
kind of problem before? If so, do you have any suggestions? Even if
you haven't seen this before and you have some hunches, please
communicate them to me. I am willing to try almost anything (even an
Aboriginal Shaman from a Peter Weir movie :-)).
BTW, we run RTU v3.1(a) on our 5500.
Thanks,
pk
--
ARPA: phaedrus@eneevax.umd.edu
UUCP: {seismo,allegra}!mimsy!eneevax!phaedrus
[ Our experience with the 472 indicated two things: (1) be sure
that you have the right proms in it and (2) be sure that it
is in the right place in the bus. Since you got the
472 from Masscomp, you probably have the right proms. If you are not
sure, I can forward an old article on our 472 problems that contains the
prom numbers and locations on the board. As for bus location,
the 472 must be in the arbitration slot below the DSD controller. It must
be above graphics, ethernet and any serial cards you might have. You should
also be sure that there is a good chassis ground between the computer and
the tape drive and (of course) be sure that the cables are plugged-in
correctly. -- sob]