Connecting TL891 to DL380 G2

[MrKiwi]

Has anyone done this? I have been told by tech. support that they are not compatible.
Specifics;
TL891 with 2 tape heads (ie a TL892 really), 68pin scsi connectors on the back (6 of them)
DL380 G2 - VHDCi connector on back, Storage Works 5i controller.
I imagine i just have to get another PCI card for the tape unit, one that supports
"Fast Wide Differential, SCSI-2, 68HD"
I understand that the Compaq Library Adapter Dual Channel Ultra HVD (157299-B21) wont work in a DL380 G2?
I realise that the storage works 5i controller wont work with the tape, as the 5i is LVD but the tape is HVD.

[Marino Meloni_1]

your assumtions are correct,
probably nobody can give you a statement that the DL380G2 support the TL891, but generaly speaking, there is no reason why a generic HVD tape library should not work with a server if you install the appropriate HVD scsi controller.
Remember that all the components of the scsi bus should be HVD, this include the Terminator

marino

[Rajanikant]

hi

It's not recomended to connect any tape devices to a smart array\RAID controllers.

TL892 can be connected to a DL 380 server by using an additional HVD SCSI controller. You can try to get a third party scsi controller and try

[rich pattison]

TL891/2 libraries could have either DLT7000 or DLT8000 drives installed. A DLT7000 library would be SCSI HVD, a DLT8000 would be SCSI LVD - the connectors on the back will be the same (68-pin D-type). Do you know which type you have ?

[MrKiwi]

Hi All,

Thanks for your great responses.

Marino: Thanks for the tip - i didnt know that terminators can be H or L VD. I will make sure.

Rajanikant: Thanks - yes, i know to keep the speed/type/spec devices on seperate channels or controllers. I first connected to the vhdci knowing that if it worked it would reduce the performance of the array, but i thought it would be worth a shot. Then i realised there was not just a difference in rate, but a LVD-HVD difference, so i disconnected it and looked for the official HP PCI card i needed. I still cant believe HP dont support a card for the DL380 (in their opinion, the best selling server in the world) that works with the TL891 - arguably one of their more popular (albeit older) tape librarys. Ive seen some impressive racks of them.

Rich: The control panel on the front tells me that both units are DLT7000 units. Thanks for the info about the difference.

All: Thanks to you all - i think i am now looking for a generic
"Fast Wide Differential HVD SCSI-2 card with a 68HD connector"
Is anyone an expert on the Adaptec line of cards and can give me a part number?
I will report back once I have a solution so that others can benefit.
Does anyone already have a setup like this? If so what is the generic card you are using?

Regards,

MrKiwi

[Rajanikant · Accepted solution]

Hi

thanks for the update. I think an Adaptec 2944UW should be able to help you. I have used this controller for connecting a TL891 on a different server and it works.

[MrKiwi]

Thanks,
I have another problem now - the DL380 G2 has only one 32-bit PCI slot, and that is taken up with the RILO card and i cant find a 64-bit PCI UW SCSI card :(
Oh well - its either the RILO or the tape unit, so it will have to be the tape unit,
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
MrKiwi

[rich pattison]

Hi

Sounds like you have a DL380-G1 - the -G2 doesn't have any 32-bit PCI slots ! - anyway,
you can put a 32-bit PCI card into a 64-bit slot and it should still work OK

[MrKiwi]

Rich - Yes you are right - i confused the spec sheets between the G1 and G2. I definitely have a G2, so it is 1 non-HotPlug slot and 2 HotPlug slots.
I will get the card suggested and let you all know how it goes.
Regards,
MrKiwi