What SCSI card should I use for a COMPAQ 40/80 GB DLT

[oren256]

Hi,
I’ve purchased a second hand COMPAQ 40/80 GB DLT backup tape.
It is an external tape how ever it did not come with an SCSI cable (HD-68) or an SCSI card.

I’ve found on the net that this drive is “Fast Wide SCSI”
The only SCSI card I have is “Ultra SCSI” with a 50 pin connection ( internal and external)

If I will find an adapter will this work ? (connecting it internally or externally)
I don’t mind the speed so much but just want to know if this might damage the drive in some way before I try.

Thanks
Oren

[Marino Meloni_1]

You need to identify if your DLT is a Differential or not (HVD vs LVD)
Usualy the majority if the HBA nowadays are LVD and this standard is not electricaly compatible with the HVD standard even if the connectors are the same.

If you have a Differential scsi (HVD High Voltage Differential) you can use an Adaptec 2944
if you have a LVD (Low Voltage Differntial) you can use the Adaptec 2940 ora any other newer lvd scsi hba, they are back compatible

Marino

[oren256]

Hi Marino
My DTL is LVD/SE

I have an "Adaptec AHA-2930CU"
Though the docs donâ t say if it's LVD or HVD
Can this one work?
Also just like the "Adaptec 2940 " you suggested for LVD its 50Pin connectors

Will an adapter from 50 to 80 (the DTL is 80) work?
This is the only SCSI device to be connected to this card.

Thanks!
Oren

[Marino Meloni_1]

the 2930 is probably a SE.
the problem is that the connector is a 50 pin and the drive is a 68 pin. I'm not sure you will be able to make it work in narrow mode even if you found a 50/68 pin converter, usualy it work in a reversed way (hba 68 pin and device 50 with the right termination and right settings)
I would definitively go for a 68 pin connector card.
there are several model (including 2940) that have 68 pin external connector
Marino