Back-up Tape?

[kinky]

My mum was given a tape from one of her friends which might have possible critical data on it.

I've never seen this type of tape before, but I'm wondering if anyone here could help.

Firstly, I need to identify the type of tape it is, and then what would I need to be able to read what's on it.

I do understand that the data on the tape may required specific software - but at least I can cross that bridge as and when the time comes (hopefully).

The tape is like like a large casette tape, but has an aluminium back to it.

It measures 8cm in width, 6cm in height and 1.5cm depth. The actual tape itself is approximately 0.75cm in width.

I'd be really grateful if anyone could help me in identifying what it is and what I would need to be able to read the data.

Many thanks in advance,

K

[UpTheIron]

So somewhere between DAT and DLT in terms of physical size?

Any identifying marks / brand names?

[agent006]

Sounds like travan tr4.

edit: anything like this?


>> Edited by agent006 on Sunday 11th April 21:59

[kinky]

It looks 99% just like this below. I say only 99% - the 1 difference being on the top-left corner instead on the round-lock for recording - the one I'm referring to has a slide with the word 'Record' on it.

The image below is a QIC 5.25 Tape Cartridge - but there's no reference to dimensions or pic of the back - but I would 'assume' it's the item below.

There's no other identifying marks on it - other than a number stamped on the back - which I doubt is a part number - but is more of a serial number.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

[kinky]

The only other possible relevant bit is that on the blank label on the tape is has a date written by the then owner (now deceased) of Feb 1996.

Therefore the tape was available then.

I'm aware that the tape may be unusable as it's 8 years+ old - but again - cross that bridge as and when.

K

[zumbruk]

It's a DC6150, 150Mb, 1/4" cassette.

I have a drive for these (somewhere), although I've not used it for some time.Providing you're in no hurry I could have a go at reading it for you.

[kinky]

Zumbruk,

Thanks for the offer - I may well take you up on that.

I've since spoken to my mum, and apparantly there is another tape with a label on it - so I've asked her to find out what's on the label - as it may give a specific indicator as to what the tape actually.

Hopefully I'll get this tomorrow ... as soon as I do - I'll post it here.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Regards,

K

[zumbruk]

I've found the drive. It worked OK when I put it on the shelf, so it should still be OK. Let me know of you want me to try and recover anything off the tapes....

[kinky]

Drawn a blank on the 2nd tape .... except that it has a Verbatim sticker on it - but the bottom half of it is ripped - so can't tell you a part number/storage size/etc ....

I'll speak to my mum again tomorrow and take it from there.

Many thanks again,

K