AM-64x DAT High Capacity Tape Drives
Page 1
PDI-00649-00, A01
INTRODUCTION
This document describes the installation of the AM-647, AM-648, and AM-649 Digital Audio Tape
(DAT) SCSI High Capacity Tape Drives into an Alpha Micro computer system.
If you are installing a DAT drive into an external subsystem, use the installation instructions
shipped with the subsystem. If you are installing a DAT drive in a Series 90 computer,
installation instructions are included in the Series 90 SCSI tape drive controller documentation.
These instructions are written for an experienced Alpha Micro Service Technician. If you do not feel
comfortable performing the hardware and software procedures discussed below, contact your Alpha
Micro VAR or the Alpha Micro Technical Assistance Center for help.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
This manual covers several different DAT tape drives for use in various Alpha Micro computers. Cable
connections, software installation, and use are essentially the same for all DAT drives. However, each
DAT has certain unique operational characteristics.
Common Characteristics
•
Can be mounted in any 5.25” configuration
•
Must be attached to the system SCSI bus
•
Use 4mm magnetic tape
•
Use the same 647DVR.DVR software driver
SCSI Bus Terminology
Over the years, Alpha Micro computers have offered three different “SCSI” busses. We refer to them as
follows:
1. The bus in AM-2000/3000 and other older computers, which supports up to four SCSI devices,
is the “SASI bus.”
2. The SCSI bus in Eagles, Roadrunners, the AM-4000, and newer computers, which requires a
SCSI dispatcher and supports up to seven devices, is the “SCSI-2 bus.”
3. The enhanced Wide SCSI-2 bus introduced on the AM-6000 and Roadrunner 060 is the “Wide
SCSI-2 bus.” This bus supports up to 15 devices.
