Hello,

I was attempting to set up amanda on a new system.  The tape drive is
an external Quantum SDLT 320.

mt reports it as:

[root@]# mt -f /dev/nst0 status
SCSI 2 tape drive:
File number=1, block number=11983, partition=0.
Tape block size 0 bytes. Density code 0x49 (Quantum SDLT320).
Soft error count since last status=0
General status bits on (1010000):
 ONLINE IM_REP_EN

The closest thing I have found in the faq for type is:
http://amanda.sourceforge.net/cgi-bin/fom?_highlightWords=quantum%20sdlt320&file=411

I have attempted to run amtapetype a number of times, I always receive
the error below during Estimate phase 2:

[root@]# amtapetype -f /dev/nst0
Writing 512 Mbyte   compresseable data:  35 sec
Estimate phase 2...amtapetype: could not write any data in this pass:
short write

[root@]# amtapetype -f /dev/nst0 -e 160g
Writing 512 Mbyte   compresseable data:  35 sec
Estimate phase 2...amtapetype: could not write any data in this pass:
short write

The only similar error I can find is here:
http://www.mail-archive.com/amanda-users AT amanda DOT org/msg19904.html
relating a bad SCSI cable.  I have tried a new SCSI cable, and also a
new terminator, but with no success.  Any suggestions of what I might
try next?

-- 
-Keith
howanitz AT gmail DOT com