10 Nov
2022
10 Nov
'22
8:15 p.m.
Zane, what is the problem you’ve experienced with 8MM tapes? I have a lot of home video
8MM that I’ve not converted to Dvd yet and was wondering if the issue was related to tape
deterioration or more to the drive mechanism.
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 10, 2022, at 11:50, Zane Healy via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
As a reminder, since I’ve seen at least 3 different drives mentioned in this thread.
Not all drives can read all tapes.
Given the age, I’d recommend someone that does this professionally (and I believe that
includes Chuck). I’ve worked with computer tapes for something like 40 years, and I try
to avoid 8mm tapes, though I prefer them to 4mm tapes.
Zane
On Nov 10, 2022, at 10:18 AM, Chris Zach via
cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Indeed. I have a Cybernetics 8505 in the shed, I was just looking at it and wondering if
it still worked.
What tends to go on these things? Rubber in there, capstains, etc?
C
> On 11/10/2022 10:45 AM, Jon Elson via cctalk wrote:
> On 11/9/22 20:52, Warner Losh via cctalk wrote:
>> I have a few old exabyte tapes of possible historic value. Who can I pay to
>> get them recovered that has the best chance of success?
>>
> Very difficult. We were a big user of Exabyte drives for processing of physics
experimental data. Our experience is Exabyte drives had a lifetime of 1-2 years, no
matter if they were powered on, in heavy use or just parked on a shelf. Back in the day,
we found outfits that would refurbish and test the drives for a modest cost, but I assume
they are not doing that now.
> I do have an 8200 drive here, but I have great doubts that it would work.
> Jon