From: Andrew F. Gunnesch (afgun@engin.umich.edu)
Date: 09/08/92


From: afgun@engin.umich.edu (Andrew F. Gunnesch)
Subject: Re: QIC 40 / QIC 80 ?
Date: 8 Sep 1992 20:16:29 GMT

In article <1992Sep8.152935@tiger1.prime.com> cummings@tiger1.prime.com (Kevin J. Cummings) writes:
>In article <colin.715839336@marsh>, colin@marsh.cs.curtin.edu.au (Colin Manning) writes:
>> You can get the QIC documents from
>> QIC Drive Standards, Inc.
>> 311 East Carrillo Street
>> Santa Barbara, Cal. 93101
>> Tel: 805-963-3853
>> Fax: 805-962-1541
>
>Are the QIC 40/80 standards specs for the recording on the media, or do they
>include the floppy interface specs as well?

From QIC, the QIC-40/80 specs. are the recording formats.
QIC-107 is the basic interface for Flexible-disk-controller-compatible 1/4"
mini data cartridge tape drives.
QIC-115 is the basic interface for PS/2 controllers, and
QIC-117 is the common command set interface specification for
flexible disk controller based mini data cartridge tape drives.

So.... if a vendor (CMS ?) manufactures their drives to be truly
QIC-compatible, then getting (I belive) 117 should be what's necessary
to begin serious work on a driver, though 107 would probably also be
necessary. QIC will send you the standards you require for free via
first-class mail (that's how I got my QIC-02 and QIC-36, anyhow... THANKS!).

However, the vendor has most likely implemented some sort of proprietary
intelligent interface that they would be loathe to give out. Who knows. IDK.
Getting the specs should give you a leap in the right direction to hacking out
a driver, though. If someone sends me a drive and a tape or two, I'll work on
it! <grin>

-- 
Andrew F. Gunnesch           /-\     "I disapprove of what you say, but I will
afgun@caen.engin.umich.edu  |   |  __   __           __    defend to the death
==> Evil CAEN sysadmin <==  |===| |__| |  | |   |   |  |   your  right to  say
 What?  I just work here    |   | |    |__| |__ |__ |__|   it."     --Voltaire