Re: tlug: MO drives and Linux?

[Jim Tittsler <jwt-tlug@example.com>]

On Tue, Jan 13, 1998 at 05:00:46AM +0000, Marcus Metzler wrote:
> I was thinking about getting a MO drive for backup purposes. Since
> those drives don't seem to be as popular in Germany (thats where I come
> from) as they are here in Japan, I have no idea how and if one can 
> use them under Linux. I guess it should be possible since they are SCSI

Yes, they are easy to use under Linux.  If you use 640MB media, you need
to use a version of the kernel that is capable of handling the 2048 byte
sectors (kernel 2.1.32 or newer, or 2.0.x patched with with patches
found at http://liniere.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/2048.html).  If you use 540MB or
smaller media, you can treat the drive like a SCSI hard disk.

> If it is possible to use MO drives, I would also like to know which
> one would be the best to buy.

I've been pleased with my Fujitsu 2513A (available as a bare drive for
around Y44,000 in Akihabara).  It will handle 640MB media, including
the "overwrite" variety... although I usually use the cheaper 230MB
disks.  :-)

http://www.fujitsu.co.jp/hypertext/storage/catalog/m2513/em2513.html

Jim
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