Apple Tape Backup 40SC and RAMFast Rev D. (3.01f)

[m.kelsey@spam.eecs.wsu.edu]

I see Rubywand just posted the A2 FAQs and I panned through the
quickie on connecting a tape backup to a //e.  I now have a IIgs
so finding 8-bit software shouldn't be an issue, that in combination
with the ROM utilities of the RAMFast.

Even still, I can't get any backup to happen.  The RAMFast ID's
the Apple Tape Backup 40SC as a "3M    40/SCSI" as does my
Adaptec 2940U in my PC.  However, when I try to use the backup
utilities built into the RAMFast ROM it doesn't even attempt
to access the tape backup, it simply generates many errors.

Further, if I enter the utilities and select the tape backup
the RAMfast complains about improper block size but will neither
rewind nor eject inserted media.  The tape backup seems to 
recognize a "format" command and moves in motion for about
4 minutes until the RAMfast has finished the format.
 
My PC, on the otherhand, didn't even recognize the 40SC as a
tape backup, but instead as a "removable disk."  This is making
me wonder if maybe the tape backup unit is damaged.

Further, I've held onto the 40SC in case that it worked and I
haven't had any media readily available.  While sifting through
parts at work, sorting items for disposal, I ran onto a QIC-80
Archive (brand) tape backup for floppy drives.  In the mechanism
was a QIC-80 tape.  Somehow I put two-and-two together and re-
membered some connection between DC-2100 cartridges and QIC-80.
Sure enough, the tape was the right size, slide right into the
Apple Tape Backup 40SC and the unit begin accessing the tape
(rewinding or maybe searching for a start block).

I have heard people saying that QIC-80 (DC2100) cartridges were
backward compatible with the 40SC, but maybe this is where I'm
running into problems.

Should the 40SC be working with this QIC-80 tape?  It apparently
has no difficulties recognizing the inserted tape and motoring
the media around inside, but perhaps it cannot write to the tape
due to improper media density.

I plan on keeping the tape backup if I can find out whether it
works.  More or less it would only be a novelty item, but no less
part of an Apple history.  Besides, it looks nostalgic ;)

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 -/\/\ichael-
reply to: mkelsey -at- eecs -dot- wsu -dot- edu