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Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

 
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KPS
Super Advisor

DDS Tapedrive compatibility

Hi,

I have a few different systems that are different ages. As a result, we have many different DDS Tapedrives (DDS-2, DDS-3, and DDS-4).

My question is, are any of these tapes or tapedrives "backwards compatible" so I can only buy one type of DDS-Tape, or do I have to use a specific tape type for each specific tapedrive type?

Thanks,
-Ken
7 REPLIES 7
Patrick Wallek
Honored Contributor
Solution

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

A lower-numbered DDS tape CAN work in a higher numbered drive. For example a DDS2 tape will work in a DDS3 or DDS4 drive.

A higher numbered DDS tape CANNOT work in a lower numbered drive. For example a DDS3 tape will NOT work in a DDS2 drive.

If you can get by with the lower capacity DDS2 tapes, then they should work in any drives you have.
Jeff Schussele
Honored Contributor

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

Hi Ken,

Patrick's correct.
Just remember that you'll be limited to the DDS-2 capacity because the tapes are shorter.
The higher the number - the longer the tape.

Rgds,
Jeff
PERSEVERANCE -- Remember, whatever does not kill you only makes you stronger!
Michael Schulte zur Sur
Honored Contributor

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

Hi,

with a dds-2 tape as Patrick explained, you have the minimal common, which works on all tape drives. However, you miss not only the extra space but also speed on the dds-3 and dds-4 tapes if you use dds-2 tapes.

If I were you I would only use them for data exchange.

Michael
A. Clay Stephenson
Acclaimed Contributor

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

Here's a pretty good chart:

http://www.fujifilmmediasource.com/specs/new/misc/4mmdrives02.pdf
If it ain't broke, I can fix that.
David Ruska
Honored Contributor

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

> If you can get by with the lower capacity DDS2 tapes, then they should work in any drives you have.

If you read the users manual you will see a caution about using non-native tapes in the DDS drives. The older format tapes are more abrasive, and will wear the heads much quicker. Even if you don't need the capacity, you should always use the native format tape (e.g. DDS4 tape in a DDS4 drive) if you want to maximize the drive life.
The journey IS the reward.
Joshua Scott
Honored Contributor

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

The DDS-2 tapes can only hold 4GB native(8GB compressed)

DDS-3 is 12/24
DDS-4 is 20/40

DDS-3 drives are fairly inexpensive, I would suggest upgrading all of your DDS2 to DDS-3 if you want to go the route you're talking about.

Josh
What are the chances...
Gregory Fruth
Esteemed Contributor

Re: DDS Tapedrive compatibility

DDS-2, -3 and -4 are indeed backwards
compatible as the other posters indicated.
However, check your drives' documentation
to be sure. For example, if you read the
fine print you'll find out that the HP
Surestore DAT40 DDS-4 drive can only use 90m
DDS-1 tapes read-only, and cannot use
60m DDS-1 tapes at all.

HTH