=== Release notes for ftape-0.9.10 === So here's another release of the QIC-117 floppy tape driver. Two reasons prevented me of calling this code BETA yet: - Implementing new features, improving the error recovery and removing bugs I've changed a lot of code again (I hope this was the last time, can't promise anything though ;-). - I haven't got the slightest idea of how many people are using the driver successfully (I mostly get problem reports) :-( I reckon this version will trigger a new flood of problem reports. Beside knowing about these and working on them, I would like to know how many of you are successfully using the driver (so I can see if it's worth the effort ;-). So if you're happy with the driver, send me a postcard saying so and mention the driver version and tape drive you're using. Bas. ---- email: Bas Laarhoven smail: Bas Laarhoven, Mr. v. Boemellaan 39, 5237 KA 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands -------------------- New features: o Full support for file marks while remaining QIC-40/80 compatible. All (?) mtio options are implemented so it's possible to store multiple (e.g. tar) files on one tape and read them back at random. o The tape is stopped when the dataflow stagnates. This allows creation of compressed tapes with much less overhead (and tape wear). Other changes: o The tracing level is no longer set with `mt fsf' but with `mt fsr' now! o If using the gcc-2.4.5 compiler, due to a bug in the compiler you'll need to set a flag in the Makefile! o Distributed the code over a new set of files. o Rewritten Makefile using dependency file (need `make dep')! o Improved trace readability although less efficient now. o Tape unreferenced status doesn't abort ftape_open anymore. This allows formatting and other non-read/write commands on a unformatted tape. o Prepared code for single sector read/write. o Rewritten interrupt service routine from scratch. o Extended report_vendor_id code to recognize Iomega drives. o Fixed bug in fdc-io.c incorrectly handling overrun errors. o Increased retry count for writes. Still to do: o Integrate faster ecc code. o Integrate high-speed-controller code. o Support for 1 Mbps floppydisk controllers. o Handle my mail backlog ;-) --------------------