The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/Practical_Ad2464 on 2024-08-09 14:28:05.
Hi guys!
I'm working on a large and complex project, and I would like to ask you for some advice! I'm hoping you can help me ensure everything is set up correctly and running smoothly!
My goal is to connect my “Qnap TS-873A” with a “SymplyLTO Desktop SAS HH LTO-8” that I got at a great price on eBay.
To do this, I'm using an Atto “ESAS-H644” PCIe card to connect the LTO drive to my Qnap. However, it seems like drivers are needed for it to work, and I'm not very familiar with installing drivers on a Qnap NAS. Could anyone provide me a guide on how to install the necessary drivers on my NAS and which specific drivers I need?
I’ve already attempted to connect the LTO drive to a server running Windows 10, and I had to install SAS and PCIe drivers before the LTO drive could be detected by the software. I used Archiware and the IBM Diagnostic Tool to verify everything.
I’m also looking for alternative software to Archiware for my NAS, as its cost is quite high. The software needs to be approved for commercial use and can be a non-native app that runs on Linux or Python.
I’ve read that LTFS should be compatible since my LTO drive is newer than Gen.5, but the cartridge needs to be formatted to this format from an external device before the use. If anyone can confirm that ,this is a viable option to use some software’s than support this technology, though I'd prefer to consider it as a last resort.
Additionally, I’m considering the “IBM 3573-L4U TS3200 Tape Library”, which should support LTO-8 and be compatible with the SymplyLTO drives since they are partnered with IBM. I’m thinking about unmounting the case from the SymplyLTO drive and mounting the drive into the tape library with a sled. Please let me know if this is a possible option. If so, I’m also considering using a Raspberry Pi 5 to control the tape library, allowing me to mount and unmount the tape cartridges and transfer data directly from and to my NAS.
Any advice or suggestions would mean the world to me! I’ve been brainstorming solutions non-stop and would really need some help.
Thanks in advance! Byeeee :)