SCSI cable for HP c1529 Tape backup help!

[mboy]

Just set up new dell poweredge 1400sc server with a PERC3-DCL,64MB SCSI adapter (RAID 5). I imagine this is what I hook my external tape backup to. Problem is that the computer the tape drive is coming off of used an old ISA SCSI card and a SCSI II cable. I am BRAND new to SCSI and need some help. Here is the link to the HP parts page for the cables they have for the drive:HP page

THANX, mucho appreciated!!!!

 

[mboy]

Bump for some much needed help please.

 

[Z_Amon]

Offhand (mind you, this is going from memory), you need a 68 pin -> 50 pin connector. Erm, do you have a Centronics (printer cable) style connector on the drive, or is it a smaller connector? The parts page seems to indicate that you have a 50 pin Centronics style (as they describe it, a low density 50 pin).

Here's a quick breakdown pf cable types as far as I understand it (hopefully not missing something!)

There's 25 pin SCSI, 50 pin low density (Centronics style), 50 pin high density (much smaller, angular connector), 68 pin high density, and then the specialized stuff like 80 pin SCA or Fiber channel.

I suspect that if you called HP, they'd tell you what you need as well. Remember to check and see if your card has an external channel available! If you configure your server certain ways, the RAID adapter will have all of its channels used internally. In the servers I admin, I've specified a separate SCSI card like an Adaptec 2940 just to handle the external backup media rather than attempt to use the RAID controller on a tape driven - that might be a good idea for you as well.

Z.

 

[mboy]

So, I just may be better off going with a SCSI PCI card instead of getting the new cable. Right now, the SCSI card is has 3 HD on it in raid 5. it does have the external output to connect a cable to, just not the one I have. The Adaptec you mentioned be a good way for me to go provided it matches the cable?
Thanx for your help!

 

[Z_Amon]

It's not actually a matter of matching the cable - you can get SCSI cables with the correct ends on them for most conversions. Your main issues with using the RAID card are dependent on how the channels on the card are set up (ie: if your backup drive, which runs a slower SCSI than the drives is on the same channel), and also how well that card deals with the drive you're using. Honestly, I've never tried using a RAID card like that on an older tape drive.

Your other option is to call Dell - you are still under your warranty/support period, right? Ask them, you paid for it! ;-)

Z.

 

[mboy]

Thanx for your help. I am just going to get me a nice new SCSI card to use for the tape drive only. Hate to waste 2 hrs on the phone with Dell support

 

[mboy]

Which 2940 do u recommedn? I imagine I dont need the ultra wide (or does the tape drive support it)? Any reco's on where to get one cheap . Thanx again.

 

[Z_Amon]

You should be able to go with just about any 2940 - they're all capable of the speeds a tape drive that age reaches. It all boils down to buying a 50 pin HD or 68 pin (UW) to 50 pin low density cable. That'll cost as much as a used 2940.

If you're willing to buy used, 2940's go for $20-$30 here, and UW's go for a bit more. If you need a new one, it gets a bit harder, since the newer cards have mostly replaced them. Check around, buy from your favorite vendor. Heck, Newegg or a similar bargain house might have them.

Z.

 

[mboy]

I plan on using my older 50 pin SCSI II cable. So I dont need to waste money on the UW, thats cool. Thanx!