Wayne Horner wrote:
>
> I have an hp t20i attached to linux mandrake 6.0 kernel 2.2.9.
> The tape drive appears to work. However it wont accept any change in
> blocksize other than 512.
> setblk 0 gives Illegal bits in request field
> setblk 512 works
> setblk 1024 or more gets illegal block size.
The t20i is NOT a variable block capable drive. It works with 512 byte
blocks - period. This drive is a QIC device and gives you what it gives
you - nothing more. So, all setblk commands will fail except 512.
> So HP is not interested in supporting us. I will return their $500 tape
> drive.
> Beware....
Actually, HP is very interested in supporting us. It's just that they
don't give away tech docs to just anybody. These drives work great with
the existing drivers, so there's really no requirement for you to write
a new driver. Keep in mind that this whole "Open Source" environment is
totally new to them. They have made leaps and bounds in accepting the
Linux OS, but there is still a long road ahead until all of the support
groups are fully online with Linux.
Additionally, we've just opened channels with HP's Colorado drive group
to get all of the TR-4 and TR-5 drives certified under Linux.
Please be patient and remember that getting a large corporation like HP
to move into the Linux arena is a lengthy process. We'll get 'em there,
but it takes time.
Tim
