What is the best way to connect an old Tandberg QIC tape drive using today's computers?

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I currently have a ton of QIC-250MB tapes that I would like to read from (its been 30 years). I have a Tandberg TDC 3600 SCSI interfaced tape drive but I am lost how to connect it. In the past, with the computers then, they had a SCSI port where I could directly connect it. However, with computers today, SCSI interfaces appear to be obsolete. To be more specific, this is how it looks from the front:

enter image description here

and from the back:

enter image description here

The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated! I am essentially starting from scratch, and would be interested in purchasing an old computer unit, if necessary.
Finally, I have one of these iomega SCSI to USB adapters that were made back in the day. The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?

enter image description here

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enter image description here

and from the back:

enter image description here

edited 4 hours ago

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

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enter image description here

and from the back:

enter image description here

edited 4 hours ago

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

1063

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enter image description here

and from the back:

enter image description here

scsi magnetic-tape

edited 4 hours ago

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

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edited 4 hours ago

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

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New contributor

edited 4 hours ago

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

1063

New contributor

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

1063

asked 4 hours ago

user321627

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The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!

Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.

Jup, it's as easy as that, as there are SCSI cards are well in production, just nowadays for PCIe. I will not add any sellers, but just key in SCSI PCIe into your favorite search engine. Similarly, there are controllers for USB (try SCSI USB) or SATA (SCSI SATA).

Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.

Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.

The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?

SCSI-2 is exactly like SCSI-1, just with a double width data bus (*1). SCSI-2 introduced Wide SCSI with doubling the data path (thus needing more pins) and Fast SCSI which doubles the data rate - or both, Fast Wide SCSI, quadrupling the data rate.

In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.

So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).

You may want to check the manual for the adaptor, as it may as well be an Ultra SCSI one (also 68 pin). Not all SCSI-1 drives will be compatible, but more important, you may need a converting cable, as Ultra is using twisted pair cableing - and no terminators.

*1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.

edited 3 hours ago

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Got it, I had thought the adaptor had 50 pins. Just curious about termination. If the drive itself has terminators, is this sufficient or do I need to add termination?
â€“Â user321627
2 hours ago

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1 Answer
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up vote
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The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!

Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.

Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.

Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.

The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?

In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.

So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).

*1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.

edited 3 hours ago

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Got it, I had thought the adaptor had 50 pins. Just curious about termination. If the drive itself has terminators, is this sufficient or do I need to add termination?
â€“Â user321627
2 hours ago

add a commentÂ |Â

up vote
3
down vote

The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!

Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.

Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.

Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.

The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?

In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.

So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).

*1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.

edited 3 hours ago

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Got it, I had thought the adaptor had 50 pins. Just curious about termination. If the drive itself has terminators, is this sufficient or do I need to add termination?
â€“Â user321627
2 hours ago

add a commentÂ |Â

up vote
3
down vote

The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!

Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.

Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.

Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.

The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?

In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.

So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).

*1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.

edited 3 hours ago

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

The back looks like a 50 Pin Centronics. I am just not sure how I can connect such a device using modern computers, if at all. Any suggestions or guidances would be much appreciated!

Well, it seems to be a classic 50 Pin SCSI-1 interface - or at least compatible. So do it the same way it always has been done: Get yourself an SCSI interface card.

Whatever fits your machine best. Costwise they are all in the 50 USD region. Well, brand new ones may be more than that, but then there is still the used market.

Edit, since you already found an USB to SCSI one.

The interface on this looks like a SCSI-2 interface. Is there a way to perhaps convert the 50 pin HD to the SCSI-2 then to USB?

In any case, they are all compatible, even different devices operating in either mode (Standard, Fast, Wide, Fast-Wide) can be combined at the same controller.

So all you now need is a 68 pin to 50 pin header (not Centronics) cable. More likely this will be two cables, 68 to 50 (Centronics) and 50 (Centronics) to 50 (Pin header).

*1 - The wide part wasn't as often used, despite the connector.

edited 3 hours ago

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

edited 3 hours ago

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

answered 3 hours ago

Raffzahn

40.9k594168

Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Got it, I had thought the adaptor had 50 pins. Just curious about termination. If the drive itself has terminators, is this sufficient or do I need to add termination?
â€“Â user321627
2 hours ago

add a commentÂ |Â

Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Got it, I had thought the adaptor had 50 pins. Just curious about termination. If the drive itself has terminators, is this sufficient or do I need to add termination?
â€“Â user321627
2 hours ago

Thanks for the answer. I have several SCSI to USB adapters (like the one above). Do you think there is a remote chance it could connect to a modern Linux or even Mac OSX computer via usb?
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Sure, in most cases it should be a fairly automated process - ofc, depending on having the right USB driver - and you still need some driver for the tape itself. Linux might be a good choice to find some. On Mac Id rather go the way via an supported PCIe card.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Thanks again. This is some great information you are imparting here. Just two quick questions, I am a bit confused where the 68 pin comes in, is it to connect the adapter or is it separate? Secondly, is termination an issue to be considered or should I try without worrying about it first? Thanks again, much appreciated!
â€“Â user321627
3 hours ago

Not sure what your confusion here is. The above USB adaptor has a 68 pin connector, so its SCSI-2. The Device is SCSI-1 with a 50 pin connector, so you need an SCSI cable that connects the 50 pin from the drive to the same 50 on the adaptor side, leaving the other 18 untouched. And yes, the last drive always need to be terminated. You may want to check the adaptors documenttion.
â€“Â Raffzahn
3 hours ago

Got it, I had thought the adaptor had 50 pins. Just curious about termination. If the drive itself has terminators, is this sufficient or do I need to add termination?
â€“Â user321627
2 hours ago

add a commentÂ |Â

user321627 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.

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