Replacement for C1533A Drive?

[Ridge Kennedy]

My wife's library has an automation system running on a fairly old Compac Windows NT4 server, equipped with an HP C1533A drive (SYMC810 SCSI adapter). Tech support at her automation software vendor has determined that the tape drive has failed. What is the best course of action for replacing it? Do I need a refurb unit or is there something I can buy new that will, with proper drivers, fit right in?

ridge (in New Joisey)

[Eugeny Brychkov]

This is DDS2 drive with max 8GB (with compression ratio 2:1) tape capacity.
I do not think you can buy same new mech and receive warranty for it. You'll understand that buying storage devices is very important task. Someone bought DDS drive from eBay and having problems... because these problems may come in next month if drive was used/cleaned improperly. DDS drives should be cleaned after every 5 full backups or after 20 tape pulling hours - please keep it in mind.
I would suggest you, if your wife have much info to backup, to buy DAT40 mech http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/products/tapebackup/dds_dat_drives/dds4_dat40/index.html . Also take a look to compatibility page http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/compatibility/tapebackup/index.html
There's DAT24 device available from HP http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/products/tapebackup/dds_dat_drives/dds3_dat24/index.html
Eugeny

[Ridge Kennedy]

Thank you Eugeny,

Her storage needs are pretty modest -- under 4 gb actually.

The prioritiy, in this case, is compatibility: to find a good back up drive that we can swap in for the old unit with the least possible additional fuss or frustration.

Information on cleaning needs is helpful. I don't beleive they had any process in place for that.

Ridge (in New Joisey)

[Eugeny Brychkov]

You're right. People do not pay attention to cleaning, and trying cleaning drive only when it displays 'I want to be cleaned'. But it's too late :o(
You can buy DAT40 or DAT24 - they are just replacement for old DAT drives, same driver, etc and an investment into future. But of course you can acquire same DAT device you have now (DDS2), but please make sure that it has warranty! As I previously said drives are dying fast if not cared properly
Eugeny

[Eugeny Brychkov]

I would like to state that:

DDS/DAT drives are using helical scan technology (like VHS) and should be cleaned every 5 full backups or every 20 tape pulling hours. Do not exceed cleaning tape life (number of cleans);

DLT/LTO drives are using linear technology (like cassette tape recorder) and they should be cleaned ONLY by their request. Overcleaning will wear head surface excessively. Do not exceed cleaning tape life also.

Eugeny

[Ridge Kennedy]

So, for example, I found a Refurbished HP C1534 drive from what appears to be a reliable source.
(Part - C1534A) Assuming the hardware is as promised, could I reasonable expect to be able to simply change out the old drive for this new one and be good to go? Would I be albe to read old backup tapes made on the old tape drive, assuming there was some reason to do so? (Backup software in use, by the way, is an old version of ArcServe.

R.

[Eugeny Brychkov · Accepted solution]

C1534A drive appears to be DDS1 drive. You will not be able to read DDS2 tapes with DDS1 drive. See page http://www.hp.com/products1/storage/products/media/tapebackup_media/tape_dds/compatibility.html (table at the bottom) or http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg50116&locale=en_US&prodSeriesId=63916&prodTypeId=12169 . You need at least DDS2 drive.
Although if you used DDS1 tapes to backup data with your DDS2 drive then these tapes will work with DDS1 drive.
Eugeny
PS. Assign points to answers. It will motive people to help you.

[Tony Bacon]

We have the Drive with a 3 month Warranty. Email if interested. Have a great New Year.

Tony Bacon
tbacon@nasi.com
800-927-7474 ext.6511