u/crazycurly69 — reddlx

Tape reading issue: Archive 51250Q QIC-80

I’m trying to get an old Archive 51250Q QIC-80 tape drive working in a retro PC with Windows 95.

The streamer is connected on single tape with two floppy drives, in that order: motherboard => 5.25" (B) => Twist => 3.5" (A) => streamer.

I’m currently using Conner Backup Basics under Windows 95. The tape I’m testing with is a 3M DC 2120 Mini Data Cartridge, should be compatible with the Archive 51250Q.

The problem is that the software does not seem to be able to read the tape. I get:

“Tape drive defective. Reference: 110-55-1206-c16”

and at another point:

“Tape not formatted or unreadable by drive”

The drive itself is connected and detected, but I can't get it to read the cartridge.

Did anyone have such an issue? I send the screen for reference:

u/crazycurly69 — 1 day ago

▲ 5 r/vintagecomputing

Ever had problems with mounting 3,5" and 5,25" floppy drives in one set?

So my problem is basically setting which one is A:\ and which is B:\ drive. I've connected both drives with one tape, 5,25" before the twist and 3,5" after the twist. Later I've set them both in BIOS:
- 3,5" as A:\
- 5,25" as B:\.

DOS and Windows 95 detected them the other way round, I couldn't even start installation with 3,5" boot disc without disconnecting the 5,25" first.

To explain further, these are the models:
3.5" - Panasonic JU-256A
5,25" - MITSUMI D509V3

Panasonic doesn't have jumpers, Mitsumi 5,25" has following settings:
DS1 (o o) o DS0
DS3 o o o DS2
MM (o o) o MS
DCH (o o) o RDY
HD o (o o) LD
LS o o o 2S

My patience has literraly run out, maybe you could say something helpfull - seems that it should all work fine, but it doesn't xD

Thank you for all suggestions :)

Edit: Idk if that matters but the tape has 5 connectors in total:
- motherboard connector
- 3,5 drive B connector (empty)
- 5,25" drive B edge connector ( => Mitsumi)
TWIST
- 3,5" drive A connector (=> Panasonic)
- 5,25" drive A edge connector (empty).

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u/crazycurly69 — 2 months ago

▲ 1 r/wroclaw

Rekrutacja na studia - rozmowa kwalifikacyjna

W czasie wypełniania formularza rekrutacyjnego w irk mignęła mi wiadomość o rozmowie kwalifikacyjnej - czy ktoś może opisać na czym ona polega, jak się dobrze do niej przygotować?

Aplikowałem na studia II stopnia zaoczne, historia 😉

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u/crazycurly69 — 2 months ago

▲ 9 r/vintagecomputing

How to connect the Archive 51250Q Streamer?

I found this marvelous piece but have no idea how to connect it to PC. It seems to have floppy 34pin connector (see the photos). How should I connect it to my retro build, if I have one Floppy slot on motherboard, and I plan to have two floppy drives (3.5" master 5.25" slave)? Do I need special controler? Can I use floppy tape or is it something special, dedicated for this connector?

Thanks in advance for your help 👍

u/crazycurly69 — 3 months ago

▲ 7 r/vintagecomputing

Pentium MMX 200 heatsink mountage

Hello everyone. Recently I've bought working Pentium MMX 200 CPU and wanted to put new thermal paste before using. However, the heatsink was so strongly attached to the processor that it wouldn't move unless I'd use the help of screwdriver to pry it. It finally separated, but then I was shocked to see the layer of old glue on both parts - it wouldn't dissolve when I use alcohol, neither with acetone.

So my question is - did I broke it? Was it normal to connect these with glue? Are there any ways to fix that?

Thanks in advance for your help 🙏

u/crazycurly69 — 3 months ago