[comp.periphs] QIC-2

sarge@metapsy.UUCP (Sarge Gerbode) (12/03/89)

I have an Integrated Solutions Inc. "Optimum" (Q-bus) computer with
an internal Northern Telecom tape drive with a QIC-2 interface
(50-pin cable connector from controller to tape drive).  The tape
drive has never worked properly, despite multiple attempts to swap in
a new unit, so now I am looking for a new tape drive that does work
and that matches the QIC-2 standard.  But here is my question:  I'm
not sure exactly what the QIC-2 standard *is*.  Could I reasonably
expect that any QIC-2 compatible drive would work with my QIC-2
controller?  In other words, does "QIC-2" describe an interface
standard, including controller commands, that any QIC-2 tape will
work off of, or might I need a separate driver for each type of tape
drive, even if they are all QIC-2?

Any help would be appreciated.
-- 
Sarge Gerbode -- UUCP:  pyramid!thirdi!metapsy!sarge
Institute for Research in Metapsychology
431 Burgess Drive; Menlo Park, CA 94025

sarge@metapsy.UUCP (Sarge Gerbode) (12/14/89)

A week and a half ago, I posted a query about the QIC-2 interface, but
did not get a reply, so I'm trying a repost.  If there has recently
been a rash of articles about QIC-2, apologies; I missed it.

What I want to know is whether the "QIC-2" standard describes a
complete interface that will work with any tape drive that is "QIC-2
compatible", regardless of type of machine you are running or type of
tape drive.

I have a Q-bus computer with an interface board leading to my
"QIC-2-compatible" tape drive.  But the drive is a lemon and I want to
replace it.  Can I replace it with *any* QIC-2 drive?

Thanks for your help.
-- 
Sarge Gerbode -- UUCP:  pyramid!thirdi!metapsy!sarge
Institute for Research in Metapsychology
431 Burgess Drive; Menlo Park, CA 94025