[comp.sys.hp] HP: we need HP-IB on optical drives

rclark@speclab.bgp-usgs.gov (Roger N. Clark) (06/29/89)

The new HP read/write optical disk is great, but it only comes in
SCSI.  I have an 825, it only has 8 slots, and to add a SCSI I would
have to buy an expander (HP: 12 slots is a better number for the
main chasis of any computer).  Is there even SCSI for the 800
series?

So how about an HP-IB read/write optical disk?  Or is this a message
that HP-IB is going away?  I am told by sales that there are no
current plans for HP-IB optical!  Can I convert my 571 MByte disks
to SCSI.  Would speed suffer if I did?  How about SMD, HSMD, ESMD....?

I need optical now on HI-IB!

bill@hpuorfa.HP.COM (Bill Chidester) (06/30/89)

> / hpuorfa:comp.sys.hp / rclark@speclab.bgp-usgs.gov (Roger N. Clark) /  6:58 pm  Jun 28, 1989 /
> 
> So how about an HP-IB read/write optical disk?  Or is this a message
> that HP-IB is going away?  I am told by sales that there are no
> current plans for HP-IB optical!  Can I convert my 571 MByte disks
> to SCSI.  Would speed suffer if I did?  How about SMD, HSMD, ESMD....?
> 
> I need optical now on HI-IB!
> ----------

 Roger

    There a couple of third party peripheral suppliers that support
    optical drives for HP systems.  I believe they also have HP-IB
    support, but you'll have to check with them.  Try calling:

    Herstal Automation Ltd.      or 	IEM, Inc.
    3171 West Twelve Mile Rd.  	        P.O. Box 8915
    Berdley, Mi.  48072 	       	Fort Collins, CO  80525
    (313)  548-2001		       	(303)  223-6071

    (This constitutes neither an endorsement nor recommendation,
    all disclaimers apply;  I've got friends that work at both places)

      hplabs!hpfcse!hpuorfa!bill
      --------------------------

rjn@hpfcdc.HP.COM (Bob Niland) (07/01/89)

re: "The new HP read/write optical disk is great, but it only comes in SCSI."

> Is there even SCSI for the 800 series?

Only as a "special" today, and I don't know the terms.


> So how about an HP-IB read/write optical disk?

At least one third party (I.E.M.)  offers MO in HP-IB CS/80.  Check any
HP-targetted trade publication for an address.  I don't have it handy.


> Or is this a message that HP-IB is going away?

We are migrating to SCSI rapidly, but the MO disks were not made SCSI-only
with that in mind.  They were designed with both HP-captive and the OEM
markets in mind.


> I am told by sales that there are no current plans for HP-IB optical!

If true, that could change.  The installed base and HP non-SCSI (e.g. HP3000)
demand is pretty high.


> Can I convert my 571 MByte disks to SCSI.

Only to differential, for which we haven't a host interface yet.


> Would speed suffer if I did?

No.

But you don't need to.  The Series 300 (and 800, when it gets SCSI) can
support HP-IB and SCSI interface mixtures on the same machine.


> How about SMD, HSMD, ESMD....?

Fast, but primitive, and not planned for any HP9000 systems.

Regards,                                              Hewlett-Packard
Bob Niland        rjn%hpfcrjn@hplabs.HP.COM           3404 East Harmony Road
                  [hplabs|hpu...!hpfcse]!rjn          Ft Collins CO 80525-9599