How do I set block size on my SDLT tapes on Tru64 5.1b ?

[john_ ouellette]

I would like to set this on my SDLT160/320 drives? I am looking in /etc/ddr.dbase but it is not obvious.

Thanks!
-John

[noldi · Accepted solution]

Hello John,

setting the block size is normally not
required on Tru64, since the SDLT320 has
variable block size.

I guess it's the writing program that is
setting the actual block size i.e.

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/ntape/tape0c bs=10k

would actually write in 10k blocks.

So for example the DataProtector block size
set in Devices & Media -> Environment -> Devices -> Drives -> Settings -> Advanced -> Sizes -> Block Size
of 64k will be honored.

With current patch kits, your SDLT320 Drive
is normally covered in the /etc/ddr.db.
You can check this with the command:

# ddr_config -s tape COMPAQ SDLT320

If it does not fail over to the default
tape driver, you are covered.

You can change this with editing the
/etc/ddr.dbase and compile it to /etc/ddr.db
with ddr_config.

Also check the "tz" man-Page (tape device
driver) for more details.

Hth.

Best Regards,

Arnold