What is the best way to connect an old Tandberg QIC tape drive using today's computers?











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I currently have a ton of QIC-250MB tapes that I would like to read from (its been 30 years). I have a Tandberg TDC 3600 SCSI interfaced tape drive but I am lost how to connect it. In the past, with the computers then, they had a SCSI port where I could directly connect it. However, with computers today, SCSI interfaces appear to be obsolete. To be more specific, this is how it looks from the front:



enter image description here



and from the back:



enter image description here



The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated! I am essentially starting from scratch, and would be interested in purchasing an old computer unit, if necessary.
Finally, I have one of these iomega SCSI to USB adapters that were made back in the day. The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?



enter image description here



EDIT:



Would something like this allow the IOMEGA to connect to the 50 pin internal without use of ribbons?
enter image description here










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    up vote
    7
    down vote

    favorite












    I currently have a ton of QIC-250MB tapes that I would like to read from (its been 30 years). I have a Tandberg TDC 3600 SCSI interfaced tape drive but I am lost how to connect it. In the past, with the computers then, they had a SCSI port where I could directly connect it. However, with computers today, SCSI interfaces appear to be obsolete. To be more specific, this is how it looks from the front:



    enter image description here



    and from the back:



    enter image description here



    The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated! I am essentially starting from scratch, and would be interested in purchasing an old computer unit, if necessary.
    Finally, I have one of these iomega SCSI to USB adapters that were made back in the day. The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?



    enter image description here



    EDIT:



    Would something like this allow the IOMEGA to connect to the 50 pin internal without use of ribbons?
    enter image description here










    share|improve this question









    New contributor




    user321627 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.






















      up vote
      7
      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      7
      down vote

      favorite











      I currently have a ton of QIC-250MB tapes that I would like to read from (its been 30 years). I have a Tandberg TDC 3600 SCSI interfaced tape drive but I am lost how to connect it. In the past, with the computers then, they had a SCSI port where I could directly connect it. However, with computers today, SCSI interfaces appear to be obsolete. To be more specific, this is how it looks from the front:



      enter image description here



      and from the back:



      enter image description here



      The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated! I am essentially starting from scratch, and would be interested in purchasing an old computer unit, if necessary.
      Finally, I have one of these iomega SCSI to USB adapters that were made back in the day. The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?



      enter image description here



      EDIT:



      Would something like this allow the IOMEGA to connect to the 50 pin internal without use of ribbons?
      enter image description here










      share|improve this question









      New contributor




      user321627 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.











      I currently have a ton of QIC-250MB tapes that I would like to read from (its been 30 years). I have a Tandberg TDC 3600 SCSI interfaced tape drive but I am lost how to connect it. In the past, with the computers then, they had a SCSI port where I could directly connect it. However, with computers today, SCSI interfaces appear to be obsolete. To be more specific, this is how it looks from the front:



      enter image description here



      and from the back:



      enter image description here



      The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated! I am essentially starting from scratch, and would be interested in purchasing an old computer unit, if necessary.
      Finally, I have one of these iomega SCSI to USB adapters that were made back in the day. The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?



      enter image description here



      EDIT:



      Would something like this allow the IOMEGA to connect to the 50 pin internal without use of ribbons?
      enter image description here







      scsi magnetic-tape






      share|improve this question









      New contributor




      user321627 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.











      share|improve this question









      New contributor




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      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Nov 10 at 17:55





















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      asked Nov 7 at 23:01









      user321627

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      1363




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      New contributor





      user321627 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.






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          2 Answers
          2






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          up vote
          10
          down vote














          The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!




          Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.



          Jup, it's as easy as that, as there are SCSI cards are well in production, just nowadays for PCIe. I will not add any sellers, but just key in SCSI PCIe into your favorite search engine. Similarly, there are controllers for USB (try SCSI USB) or SATA (SCSI SATA).



          Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.





          Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.




          The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?




          SCSI-2 is exactly like SCSI-1, just with a double width data bus (*1). SCSI-2 introduced Wide SCSI with doubling the data path (thus needing more pins) and Fast SCSI which doubles the data rate - or both, Fast Wide SCSI, quadrupling the data rate.



          In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.



          So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).



          You may want to check the manual for the adaptor, as it may as well be an Ultra SCSI one (also 68 pin). Not all SCSI-1 drives will be compatible, but more important, you may need a converting cable, as Ultra is using twisted pair cableing - and no terminators.





          *1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.






          share|improve this answer























          • Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:21










          • Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:23












          • Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:26










          • Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:50










          • I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
            – user321627
            Nov 8 at 8:02


















          up vote
          5
          down vote













          The first thing you need to do is to open the front door of the drive and inspect the rubber roller that drives the tape. It is not uncommon for the roller on old drives to have deteriorated into a black goo. You don't want that stuff fouling your tapes.



          Second, you need to inspect your tapes and ensure that the belts are still good. These belts develop dry-rot over time, and if they're broken (or so weak that they're likely to break when you read the tape) you will have problems.



          Once that's done, your simplest path forward is probably to install a SCSI host adapter in one of the expansion slots of your computer. Try to find a card that supports single-ended SCSI, such a card will have the same 50-pin connector on the card and a simple ribbon cable will connect the card to the tape drive.



          Another option is to find a SCSI enclosure for your tape drive, this will convert the internal ribbon connector to an external connector that you're more likely to be able to find a cable or adapter for.



          Keep in mind that you will need to worry about software too. Once the drive is hooked up, how will you read from it? If your tapes were written using NTBACKUP.EXE (aka Windows Backup) then keep in mind that modern versions of Windows no longer include that utility. You may need to set up a retro system running older software to be able to read your tapes.






          share|improve this answer





















          • Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
            – user321627
            Nov 10 at 17:53






          • 1




            I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago










          • Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
            – user321627
            2 days ago










          • In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago











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          2 Answers
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          active

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          2 Answers
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          active

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          up vote
          10
          down vote














          The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!




          Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.



          Jup, it's as easy as that, as there are SCSI cards are well in production, just nowadays for PCIe. I will not add any sellers, but just key in SCSI PCIe into your favorite search engine. Similarly, there are controllers for USB (try SCSI USB) or SATA (SCSI SATA).



          Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.





          Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.




          The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?




          SCSI-2 is exactly like SCSI-1, just with a double width data bus (*1). SCSI-2 introduced Wide SCSI with doubling the data path (thus needing more pins) and Fast SCSI which doubles the data rate - or both, Fast Wide SCSI, quadrupling the data rate.



          In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.



          So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).



          You may want to check the manual for the adaptor, as it may as well be an Ultra SCSI one (also 68 pin). Not all SCSI-1 drives will be compatible, but more important, you may need a converting cable, as Ultra is using twisted pair cableing - and no terminators.





          *1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.






          share|improve this answer























          • Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:21










          • Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:23












          • Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:26










          • Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:50










          • I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
            – user321627
            Nov 8 at 8:02















          up vote
          10
          down vote














          The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!




          Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.



          Jup, it's as easy as that, as there are SCSI cards are well in production, just nowadays for PCIe. I will not add any sellers, but just key in SCSI PCIe into your favorite search engine. Similarly, there are controllers for USB (try SCSI USB) or SATA (SCSI SATA).



          Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.





          Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.




          The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?




          SCSI-2 is exactly like SCSI-1, just with a double width data bus (*1). SCSI-2 introduced Wide SCSI with doubling the data path (thus needing more pins) and Fast SCSI which doubles the data rate - or both, Fast Wide SCSI, quadrupling the data rate.



          In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.



          So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).



          You may want to check the manual for the adaptor, as it may as well be an Ultra SCSI one (also 68 pin). Not all SCSI-1 drives will be compatible, but more important, you may need a converting cable, as Ultra is using twisted pair cableing - and no terminators.





          *1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.






          share|improve this answer























          • Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:21










          • Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:23












          • Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:26










          • Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:50










          • I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
            – user321627
            Nov 8 at 8:02













          up vote
          10
          down vote










          up vote
          10
          down vote










          The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!




          Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.



          Jup, it's as easy as that, as there are SCSI cards are well in production, just nowadays for PCIe. I will not add any sellers, but just key in SCSI PCIe into your favorite search engine. Similarly, there are controllers for USB (try SCSI USB) or SATA (SCSI SATA).



          Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.





          Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.




          The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?




          SCSI-2 is exactly like SCSI-1, just with a double width data bus (*1). SCSI-2 introduced Wide SCSI with doubling the data path (thus needing more pins) and Fast SCSI which doubles the data rate - or both, Fast Wide SCSI, quadrupling the data rate.



          In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.



          So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).



          You may want to check the manual for the adaptor, as it may as well be an Ultra SCSI one (also 68 pin). Not all SCSI-1 drives will be compatible, but more important, you may need a converting cable, as Ultra is using twisted pair cableing - and no terminators.





          *1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.






          share|improve this answer















          The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!




          Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.



          Jup, it's as easy as that, as there are SCSI cards are well in production, just nowadays for PCIe. I will not add any sellers, but just key in SCSI PCIe into your favorite search engine. Similarly, there are controllers for USB (try SCSI USB) or SATA (SCSI SATA).



          Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.





          Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.




          The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?




          SCSI-2 is exactly like SCSI-1, just with a double width data bus (*1). SCSI-2 introduced Wide SCSI with doubling the data path (thus needing more pins) and Fast SCSI which doubles the data rate - or both, Fast Wide SCSI, quadrupling the data rate.



          In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.



          So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).



          You may want to check the manual for the adaptor, as it may as well be an Ultra SCSI one (also 68 pin). Not all SCSI-1 drives will be compatible, but more important, you may need a converting cable, as Ultra is using twisted pair cableing - and no terminators.





          *1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Nov 7 at 23:54

























          answered Nov 7 at 23:14









          Raffzahn

          41.5k595170




          41.5k595170












          • Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:21










          • Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:23












          • Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:26










          • Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:50










          • I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
            – user321627
            Nov 8 at 8:02


















          • Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:21










          • Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:23












          • Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
            – user321627
            Nov 7 at 23:26










          • Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
            – Raffzahn
            Nov 7 at 23:50










          • I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
            – user321627
            Nov 8 at 8:02
















          Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
          – user321627
          Nov 7 at 23:21




          Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
          – user321627
          Nov 7 at 23:21












          Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
          – Raffzahn
          Nov 7 at 23:23






          Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
          – Raffzahn
          Nov 7 at 23:23














          Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
          – user321627
          Nov 7 at 23:26




          Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
          – user321627
          Nov 7 at 23:26












          Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
          – Raffzahn
          Nov 7 at 23:50




          Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
          – Raffzahn
          Nov 7 at 23:50












          I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
          – user321627
          Nov 8 at 8:02




          I was under the impression the USB adaptor has 50 pins, if that is the case, would I still need a 68 pin connector?
          – user321627
          Nov 8 at 8:02










          up vote
          5
          down vote













          The first thing you need to do is to open the front door of the drive and inspect the rubber roller that drives the tape. It is not uncommon for the roller on old drives to have deteriorated into a black goo. You don't want that stuff fouling your tapes.



          Second, you need to inspect your tapes and ensure that the belts are still good. These belts develop dry-rot over time, and if they're broken (or so weak that they're likely to break when you read the tape) you will have problems.



          Once that's done, your simplest path forward is probably to install a SCSI host adapter in one of the expansion slots of your computer. Try to find a card that supports single-ended SCSI, such a card will have the same 50-pin connector on the card and a simple ribbon cable will connect the card to the tape drive.



          Another option is to find a SCSI enclosure for your tape drive, this will convert the internal ribbon connector to an external connector that you're more likely to be able to find a cable or adapter for.



          Keep in mind that you will need to worry about software too. Once the drive is hooked up, how will you read from it? If your tapes were written using NTBACKUP.EXE (aka Windows Backup) then keep in mind that modern versions of Windows no longer include that utility. You may need to set up a retro system running older software to be able to read your tapes.






          share|improve this answer





















          • Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
            – user321627
            Nov 10 at 17:53






          • 1




            I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago










          • Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
            – user321627
            2 days ago










          • In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago















          up vote
          5
          down vote













          The first thing you need to do is to open the front door of the drive and inspect the rubber roller that drives the tape. It is not uncommon for the roller on old drives to have deteriorated into a black goo. You don't want that stuff fouling your tapes.



          Second, you need to inspect your tapes and ensure that the belts are still good. These belts develop dry-rot over time, and if they're broken (or so weak that they're likely to break when you read the tape) you will have problems.



          Once that's done, your simplest path forward is probably to install a SCSI host adapter in one of the expansion slots of your computer. Try to find a card that supports single-ended SCSI, such a card will have the same 50-pin connector on the card and a simple ribbon cable will connect the card to the tape drive.



          Another option is to find a SCSI enclosure for your tape drive, this will convert the internal ribbon connector to an external connector that you're more likely to be able to find a cable or adapter for.



          Keep in mind that you will need to worry about software too. Once the drive is hooked up, how will you read from it? If your tapes were written using NTBACKUP.EXE (aka Windows Backup) then keep in mind that modern versions of Windows no longer include that utility. You may need to set up a retro system running older software to be able to read your tapes.






          share|improve this answer





















          • Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
            – user321627
            Nov 10 at 17:53






          • 1




            I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago










          • Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
            – user321627
            2 days ago










          • In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago













          up vote
          5
          down vote










          up vote
          5
          down vote









          The first thing you need to do is to open the front door of the drive and inspect the rubber roller that drives the tape. It is not uncommon for the roller on old drives to have deteriorated into a black goo. You don't want that stuff fouling your tapes.



          Second, you need to inspect your tapes and ensure that the belts are still good. These belts develop dry-rot over time, and if they're broken (or so weak that they're likely to break when you read the tape) you will have problems.



          Once that's done, your simplest path forward is probably to install a SCSI host adapter in one of the expansion slots of your computer. Try to find a card that supports single-ended SCSI, such a card will have the same 50-pin connector on the card and a simple ribbon cable will connect the card to the tape drive.



          Another option is to find a SCSI enclosure for your tape drive, this will convert the internal ribbon connector to an external connector that you're more likely to be able to find a cable or adapter for.



          Keep in mind that you will need to worry about software too. Once the drive is hooked up, how will you read from it? If your tapes were written using NTBACKUP.EXE (aka Windows Backup) then keep in mind that modern versions of Windows no longer include that utility. You may need to set up a retro system running older software to be able to read your tapes.






          share|improve this answer












          The first thing you need to do is to open the front door of the drive and inspect the rubber roller that drives the tape. It is not uncommon for the roller on old drives to have deteriorated into a black goo. You don't want that stuff fouling your tapes.



          Second, you need to inspect your tapes and ensure that the belts are still good. These belts develop dry-rot over time, and if they're broken (or so weak that they're likely to break when you read the tape) you will have problems.



          Once that's done, your simplest path forward is probably to install a SCSI host adapter in one of the expansion slots of your computer. Try to find a card that supports single-ended SCSI, such a card will have the same 50-pin connector on the card and a simple ribbon cable will connect the card to the tape drive.



          Another option is to find a SCSI enclosure for your tape drive, this will convert the internal ribbon connector to an external connector that you're more likely to be able to find a cable or adapter for.



          Keep in mind that you will need to worry about software too. Once the drive is hooked up, how will you read from it? If your tapes were written using NTBACKUP.EXE (aka Windows Backup) then keep in mind that modern versions of Windows no longer include that utility. You may need to set up a retro system running older software to be able to read your tapes.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Nov 8 at 16:01









          Ken Gober

          7,33612038




          7,33612038












          • Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
            – user321627
            Nov 10 at 17:53






          • 1




            I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago










          • Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
            – user321627
            2 days ago










          • In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago


















          • Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
            – user321627
            Nov 10 at 17:53






          • 1




            I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago










          • Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
            – user321627
            2 days ago










          • In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
            – Ken Gober
            2 days ago
















          Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
          – user321627
          Nov 10 at 17:53




          Thank you very much for your response. I did not think to check the belts yet, such an important thing to do! I have found something like an SCSI enclosure. Would you think the the following product: cablesdirect.com/store/p/2945.aspx would work? Would there be any voltage issues here in your opinion? thank you so much.
          – user321627
          Nov 10 at 17:53




          1




          1




          I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
          – Ken Gober
          2 days ago




          I don't see any reason why that adapter wouldn't work. I'd recommend detaching it from the faceplate of course. Voltage is unlikely to be a problem, as long as you get a SCSI host adapter that's "single ended" (SE) rather than "low voltage differential" (LVD). Since the connectors for SE versus LVD SCSI are different then it's a good bet you'll be fine as long as the connectors fit together.
          – Ken Gober
          2 days ago












          Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
          – user321627
          2 days ago




          Thanks again, I'm curious if you have any thoughts to me trying to bypass the host adapter and directly connect the HPDB50 female side (after removing the faceplace like you mention) into the iomega scsi to usb adapter I have in the picture above. Do you think this will theoretically create issues? I am not even sure how to think about the voltage at this point. Thanks again!
          – user321627
          2 days ago












          In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
          – Ken Gober
          2 days ago




          In this context the Iomega adapter is the host adapter. The host adapter is the SCSI controller card, it's not something you can bypass. If the connectors fit you should be fine. Whether it will actually work depends on whether the Iomega adapter is a full SCSI adapter or whether it only supports certain Iomega drives, and on whether you have the needed software (drivers and whatever application software will recognize the data on the tape).
          – Ken Gober
          2 days ago










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