Date   : Wed, 07 Sep 2005 21:55:14 +0100
From   : "Ian Wolstenholme" <BBCMailingList@...>
Subject: MDFS Tape Drives

At last I have some tapes for my MDFS tape drive!  But I can't
get the MDFS to access the tape drive.  Can anyone help?

With the tape drive (standard SJ Research issue tape drive unit in
MDFS expansion box) connected to the MDFS, the MDFS refuses to
go on line.  It goes through the start-up procedure, even as far as
loading in the FS code, and then stops.  Any attempt to access the
server gives a No reply or Station 254 not listening error.

Even in utility mode, as soon as you press T for tape menu, the
MDFS crashes again and has to be switched off before it will respond.

I have had this problem ever since I got the MDFS but I thought it was
because there was no tape in the drive.  However, the tape drive itself
appears to be functioning.  When you insert a tape, it goes through the
"autoload" procedure, winding the tape and whirring about a lot before
stopping.

I hope somebody can help; it would be a shame if it didn't work now I 
hav managed to get the tapes.

Best wishes.



Ian