Thanks Bob,

It sounds like we should check out the capstans on the other 7974 tape drives.

Another question:
Does anyone know if it is possible to order the capstan for the 7974 and if
so, can someone with reasonable experience (like a Navy electronic tech)
replace it on site?

I'm asking the above question because (1) the remote site is more than just
"away from here", it is at a very remote location and getting equipment
repaired by HP means shipping the equipment stateside, having HP work on
it, then shipping it back to "the sticks", and (2) while I haven't checked
the capstan on an old 7974 I have in my basement, if its capstan hasn't yet
developed the problem, at its age, it could do so at any time.

Thanks!

John

>> Question 1.  Has anyone heard of the coating on the capstan turning
>sticky
>> and gooey and coming off onto a tape?
>
>Yes. The soft rubbery compound used for most tape capstans turns to
>sticky mush with age. This goo used to be the capstan and is not
>caused by the tape. A perfectly good capstan becomes chewing gum
>after a decade or so whether it is in use or simply in storage.
>Your 7980 doesn't have a capstan.... but the fingers used for
>gripping the supply reel will go away.
>
>
>> Question 2.  Has anyone had a similar problem where both the BOT and
>EOT
>> indicators are lit at the same time?
>
>This sounds like a description of the tape "odometer" and not actual
>EOT or BOT indications. The odometer depicts the EOT, the BOT, and
>tape between the two as a series of amber dashes. Actual EOT and
>BOT indications are spelled out in big blue-green flourescent
>letters in the same area where READY, LOADING, WRITING etc. appear.
>Also MISLOAD might be displayed in this area.
>
>
>> Question 4.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get the
>7980 to
>> unload the tape and open the door?
>
>Try pressing RESET then UNLOAD. If this fails cycle the STANDBY
>switch. If that fails open the top door and pull out the tape.
>
>
>
>                            Bob J. -- Ideal Computer Services
>                            http://www.icsgroup.com


At 9/16/98 09:12 AM , Bob J. wrote:
>> Thanks Rick, I'm not sure what they use to clean the tape drive, but my
>> guess is the HP tape head cleaning fluid (alcohol?).
>>
>
>Good point. Alcohol (possibly marked as IPA on the bottle) should
>never be used on rubber or plastic parts. Doing so will greatly
>accelerate the deterioration process. Only 91% isopropyl alcohol
>should be used on the heads which are metal and ceramic.
>
>
>
>                        Bob J. -- Ideal Computer Services
>                        http://www.icsgroup.com
>

--------------------------------------------------------------
John Korb                            email: [log in to unmask]
Innovative Software Solutions, Inc.

The thoughts, comments, and opinions expressed herein are mine
and do not reflect those of my employer(s), or anyone else.