  SCSI Tape Hardware Support? 
 The Question is:
 
I have a VAX 4105 (4000-105) running VMS v6.1
I have a TX86 external tape unit that is failing me.  Can I replace the TZ86
 with a TZ87?  They seem to be more available, but I don't know if VMS 6.1 will
 recognize the device.
 
The wizard should note that VMS 6.1 isn't listed on the pull-downs of Open VMS
 versions on the "Ask the Wizard a Question" web form, but I've got it running,
 so it must be valid!
 
Thanks for your help.
 
 The Answer is :
 
  Please contact your prefered hardware support vendor for assistance
  in this area.
 
  For information on supported hardware for particular VAX and Alpha
  systems, please see the archived-systems links available at the
  HP AlphaServer website, and particularly the hardware support matrix.
  This information is referenced in the FAQ, as well.
 
  Depending on the model of TZ87, the device is formally supported in
  V5.5-2H4 and later, or in V6.2 and later.
 
  As a general rule, the OpenVMS Wizard would expect an arbitrary SCSI
  tape device to show up correctly, or as a Generic SCSI tape device
  identification.  Some features of SCSI tapes may not be available
  on older releases, but the default behaviour and operations of the
  tape are generally likely to operate.
 
  OpenVMS V6.1 is no longer supported, and has not been supported
  for quite some time now -- the prefered release in the V6.* range
  of OpenVMS VAX V6.* releases is V6.2.  Germaine to this case, V6.2
  and later contain SCSI device driver enhancements around arbitrary
  SCSI device support; V6.2 will better recognize and report and react
  to arbitary SCSI devices.
 
  OpenVMS VAX V7.3 is the current release, as of this writing.
 
  Again, please contact your prefered hardware support vendor for
  assistance with this and other hardware configuration or hardware
  support questions.
 
  Please seriously consider an upgrade to a supported release, and
  please seriously consider applying all current mandatory ECO kits.
 
 Answer written or last revised on  23-SEP-2004 
