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#1 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 09:31 AM

I just got a new 52A server, and it came with a VXA-2 tape drive. I've
never seen one of these, and I just found out that they're entirely
incompatible with the old AME/Mammoth standard. I also found out, from
my supplier, that these drives apparently don't have a lot of value (at
least, he's not seeing much demand for them). I'll probably swap it
out for a Mammoth drive, but wondered if anyone else was using them -
are they much faster than Mammoth? more reliable? Are the blank tapes
as expensive as the AME tapes (seems like those used to cost about $50
apiece).

Anyone want to buy a new, unused VXA-2 drive?

#2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 09:32 AM

On 12 May 2006 07:56:11 -0700, robert.macnutt@nghs.com wrote:

>I just got a new 52A server, and it came with a VXA-2 tape drive. I've
>never seen one of these, and I just found out that they're entirely
>incompatible with the old AME/Mammoth standard. I also found out, from
>my supplier, that these drives apparently don't have a lot of value (at
>least, he's not seeing much demand for them). I'll probably swap it
>out for a Mammoth drive, but wondered if anyone else was using them -
>are they much faster than Mammoth? more reliable? Are the blank tapes
>as expensive as the AME tapes (seems like those used to cost about $50
>apiece).
>
>Anyone want to buy a new, unused VXA-2 drive?

These are "packet" drives. The data written to the tape is in packets
with checksums and other information to allow self correction in the
event of certain errors. These drives are relatively fast and very
efficient. And the tapes are 8mm X type which are reasonable in cost
and come in various capacities (usually 160-320GB). You can also get
a rack mounted "library" where one of these drives is used to store
multiple tape cassettes for gobs of off-line storage.

For more information take a look at www.exabyte.com and read as much
as you like.

If you are still unsatisfied, please state your asking price for you
VXA drive as I might be interested as a spare for my place.

Bob

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VXA-2 tapes - anyone using them?