dem@uwslh.UUCP (02/25/87)
An update on the Fujitsu 2361 problems. We just had a 2361 HDA die
after just 3 weeks (which was a replacement for one that lasted
about 6 months (which was a replacement for one that was DOA)).
According to SI Fujitsu has identified two problems with the 2361:
1. The actuator lock is not strong enough and the arm can move during
shipment causing damage. New drives (currently being shipped) use
the same reliable lock that the 2351 (eagle) uses.
It took a long time to recognize this problem since it only shows
up when you ship a drive, not when you test it at the factory.
2. There are problems with the media itself. New hda's with media
similar to (the same as?) the 2351 are to be available within 2 to 4
weeks.
SI is modestly hopeful that these 2 changes will eventually make the
2361 as reliable as the 2351.
In an effort to help SI offerred several alternatives, such as other
drives or trading our 2361 plus some money for 2 eagles (which was very
tempting and a very good deal), but for our purposes these solutions
take too long and we do not really have the money available.
I expect that we will have to replace the hda that will be installed
today eventually when fix 2 above is ready.
Reccommendations on choice of drives, since several people have
raised the question.
1. Every drive will have some failures if enough are shipped. The
question to consider is whether there is a pattern of serious
problems (like the 2361) or only occasional failures.
2. If I am buying a drive I look (in the absence of a record of problems)
at capacity, price, performance, and availabilty of service.
3. We are very happy with our eagle ( running since 4/84 without failure).
We also have one of the CDC XMD-II (858 Meg) drives on a Perkin-Elmer
computer. This drive has been running for about 5 months without
problems. I would reccommend either one, using the criteria in
item 2 to decide.
4. Given my experience I would not buy a drive that had been in the
field less than a year again no matter how good a deal it is.
The fact that it is made by a company with a reputation for making
great drives does not seem to prevent getting a new drive with
serious design problems.
5. I certainly would not buy a 2361 until their fixes have been in
the field 6 months to a year.
--
David E. Miran ...!{seismo,harvard,topaz,ihnp4}!uwvax!uwslh!dem
Wisconsin State Hygiene Lab or uwslh!dem@rsch.wisc.edu
University of Wisconsin (608) 262-0019
465 Henry Mall
Madison, WI 53706snoopy@doghouse.UUCP (02/26/87)
In article <237@uwslh.UUCP> dem@uwslh.UUCP (David E. Miran) writes: >1. The actuator lock is not strong enough and the arm can move during > shipment causing damage. New drives (currently being shipped) use > the same reliable lock that the 2351 (eagle) uses. > It took a long time to recognize this problem since it only shows > up when you ship a drive, not when you test it at the factory. This implies that the factory testing is inadequate. Don't they do vibration testing? Snoopy tektronix!doghouse.gwd!snoopy snoopy@doghouse.gwd.tek.com