9-Track 1/2" Tape Drive Recommendations?

[Tom Moss]

Ali,

I recently bought a Qualstar 1052 from Nico de Jong, which may fit the bill
if you're happy with 1600 and 3200bpi. I believe he has another available.
http://www.farumdata.dk/lagersalg.html

Regards,
-Tom

On 22 August 2015 at 00:10, Ali <cctalk at fahimi.net> wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> Recently I came across a complete Pertec interface (card, manual, software,
> and, cables) thanks to list-member Shaun. Of course what is the point of
> having an interface if you have nothing to interface it to!
>
> So I've been looking at, and learning a bit, about 1/2" tape drives. I've
> also looked into acquiring one. But before going down this path I wanted to
> see what pitfalls, warning signs, etc. I should be on the lookout for. I am
> looking for a unit mostly to experience the tech and to play around with. I
> do not plan on recovering data from any particular system or format.
> However, it would be nice if I could setup a system that actually worked
> for
> backups of say an IBM AT for demonstration purposes.
>
> Having read some old InfoWorld and PC Mag articles I can see there were a
> number of tape drive manufacturers well into the early 90s. Based on the
> reviews the Cipher and Qualstar units seem to be well suited for my
> purposes. Any other brand/models I should keep an eye out for. I know IBM
> also had some 1/2" 9 track tape drives (9437 and 9438) but neither was a
> Pertec interface from what I have gleaned. The 9347 used a proprietary
> interface and the 9348 used HVD SCSI which is atypical. There was
> apparently
> a 9348-012 model which used narrow SCSI so should interface with a standard
> Adaptec card. However, I have not been able to determine if it used
> standard
> SCSI commands and could be accessed say with a tape backup program under
> Windows 9x/NT or DOS.
>
> Of course the biggest problem is finding one locally in the LA area.
> Unfortunately my only resource is eBay and prices there are definitely not
> hobbyist friendly (not to mention shipping). If anyone has a line on a
> working drive in the LA area (to save on S&H and avoid the dangers of
> shipping) or a reasonably priced one elsewhere I'd appreciate it. TIA for
> any help.
>
>