Tim Jones wrote:
> 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.
>
Without the docs I don't know what the drive 'gives me'. It could be some
proprietary bits in the scsi command that is causing the problem. Some drives
won't change blocksize unless you are at the beginning of a blank tape. One
doesn't know without the scsi spec.
> > 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.
I am not 'just anybody'.... I am the customer... the guy who gave them $500.
I wanted to purchase the scsi spec. I didn't ask for the source code of the
firmware.
> These drives work great with
> the existing drivers, so there's really no requirement for you to write
> a new driver.
Sounds like a true MICROSOFT-APPLE "closed source" point of view..... your
computer is just a toaster plug it in... you can buy anything you (the
market) need from us.
Keep in mind the whole "Open Source" environment means that I decide if I
need a new driver not you!
Its arrogant to suggest otherwise. Whose side are you on?
> 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,
HP may accept Linux.... but Linux wont accept closed, proprietary products.
> 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
