🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Aug29.214608.3683@darwin.ntu.edu.au>, hoffmann@nutmeg.cs.ntu.edu.au (Arthur Hoffmann) writes:
|> Hi, 
|> I don't know if this is the right group to post this, but if it isn't could 
|> someone please give me the name of the right group?
|> 
|> The problem is: I wanted to buy a new HD for my computer, I was looking for a 
|> Quantum LPS240, when I came across those second hand Perkin Elmer MSM80 drives.
|> Now the thing is I don't know anything about them I only know they ar huge
|> and there are 5 packs of very large disk cartriges with them. They must have been
|> used on some mini or even mainframe computer. 

The MSM80 (Mass Storage Module - 80MB) was PE's name for the CDC 9762 (#?). It was used
on all of their 32 bit mini's and had an unformatted capacity of 80MB with a formated
capacity of ~ 67MB. The same disk drive was very popular throughout the industry, prior
to winchester technology.

|> And the most important thing to know is can I connect them
|> somehow to a 286 based PC or an Amiga with Scsi port, or is it plain impossible.
|> Any response would be appreciated.

Although it is possible to connect the drive to your PC through an SMD controller or an
SMD/SCSI controller, I wouldn't bother. The low capacity of the drive, the contamination/
head-crash potential, the power consumption, the noise, the space and the cost of the
removable packs all combine to make the drive unattractive for anything other than a
museum. Buy the Quantum.

Daryl