10 Nov
2022
10 Nov
'22
7:50 p.m.
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