skelley@umiacs.umd.edu (Stephen Kelley) (06/17/91)
Here's a copy of an email msg. I sent to someone detailing my experiences w/ SCSI Tape drives & cabling. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- OK. After a bit of head scratching, a *lot* of wire continuity testing etc I convinced myself (a net posting from daveh@cbm saying the same thing didn't hurt (:-) )that the MAC DB25-CEN50 cable works fine. I was confused by the *3* differing pin configurations involved. ie the 50 pin connector on SCSI drives (rectangular shaped ribbon connector) is numbered differently than the 50 pin centronics tho the pins are "straight thru". Enternal "SCSI" cases have a CEN50 connector on the outside and a short ribbon cable w/ connector on the inside. A "generic" external box has no connectors, just a ribbon "clamp" on the outside. If you need an external case just get one w/ holes for the CEN50 connector(s). Connectors are cheap & you can probably buy a ribbon cable (CEN50 to SCSI device) for quite a bit less than the diference between a SCSI case & a generic one. (I got my SCSI case used so the point was moot). I got the ARCHIVE VIPER (150MB) from Corporate Systems Center 408-737-7312 for $495. They're quite professional & helpful. The salesperson deferred to tech support when I had a couple of questions and only tried to sell me what I wanted to buy and what they had in stock. I got the drive a week later w/ no problems (packed quite well btw). When I called & asked for pinouts for the drive & they faxed 'em to me right away. I got the cable from ALTEX, Texas elect. supply firm (800-531-5369). They have pretty decent prices on connectors, cables etc. Note: This is *not* a paid endorsement from either firm (:-). I'm just a satisfied cusotmer. I'd avoid Tulin Co. (as in Tulin cases, the're a bit pricey & *NOT* helpful). -- =============================================================================================== Steve Kelley UMCP CS/UMIACS Internet: skelley@umiacs.umd.edu Usenet: uunet!umiacs.umd.edu!skelley