Want to build a linux system with a scsi adapter, which pci/scsi adapter is good

dan2 · 03-03-2013, 05:51 PM

I have some old DAT data tapes that i'd like to read, so i ordered a scsi dds1 tape drive.

None of my machines have a scsi interface, so presumably i need to get a pci scsi card to put in one (or maybe find a motherboard with an embedded scsi interface which i could build a computer around).

So i'm looking for recommendations on the right pci scsi card to get, or just in general how i can talk to the tape drive and get data off the tapes. So i'm open to anything, just some path from the tapes to a hard disk drive.

(I mean, i suppose i could just go buy something and see if it worked, but would like to be more systematic.)

TIA for any info.

dan

michaelk · 03-04-2013, 04:27 AM

Do you have any idea what application or OS was used to write data to tape? Some backup applications use their own format to write to drive and without it may be difficult to restore the data. You can use the dd command to copy a block of data to hard drive and examine it. SCSI device IDs are /dev/st0.

I would say Adaptec controllers might be the easiest to get working although I do not know which latest card is currently supported. Do you know the SCSI interface of the tape drive? How much money are you willing to spend?

jefro · 03-04-2013, 05:04 PM

Shame they don't make the usb to scsi anymore.

I'd agree that adaptec ought to be a consideration. We may need to know how old this tape is. Might be more trouble to get the old 50 pin working than an ultra 320.

dan2 · 03-04-2013, 10:48 PM

Thanks Michael and Jefro.

The tapes were made by the tar command on a bsd-type machine.

So hopefully there will not be software issues.

Thanks for bringing up the point about the pins, i had somehow forgotten about scsi-2, scsi-3 etc.

So i'll need to wait until the unit arrives so i know what kind of interface to get.

I'm certainly willing to buy a new card if one exists (regarding how much money i'm willing to spend).

And i will investigate Adaptec, which in the old days made good cards, imvho.

If you have further advice or questions, i'm certainly all ears, and thanks again.

dan