Compaq 29908-002 DAT Magazine 4-Slot DDS Autoloader Cartridge Holder

Compaq 29908-002 DAT Magazine 4-Slot DDS Autoloader Cartridge Holder

The Compaq 29908-002 is a 4-slot DAT magazine designed for use with Compaq DAT tape autoloader systems. It holds up to four DDS-format data cartridges in a rigid multi-slot tray, enabling the autoloader mechanism to robotically select, load, and eject tapes without manual intervention. This is a standard component for automated tape backup and archival workflows in enterprise and mid-market environments.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer Part Number: 29908-002
• Tape Format Compatibility: DAT / DDS
• Number of Cartridge Slots: 4
• Type: Magazine / cartridge tray for tape autoloader systems
• Compatible With: Compaq DAT tape autoloader drives
• Form Factor: Rigid multi-slot magazine tray
• Cartridge Orientation Diagram: Printed on top face for loading reference
• Included: Magazine cartridge holder and original cardboard box

Applications

DAT magazine autoloaders were widely adopted throughout the 1990s and early 2000s for server backup, nearline archival storage, and data protection in small-to-medium business and enterprise computing environments. Compaq offered these autoloader units as part of its StorageWorks product line, which was designed to provide cost-effective automated backup and long-term data retention for networked systems. The 29908-002 magazine is the consumable cartridge holder component that enables the autoloader mechanism to store and manage up to four DDS tape cartridges, allowing robotic selection and loading without manual intervention. These tape backup systems were standard equipment in data centers and server rooms before modern disk-based and cloud backup technologies became prevalent. Magazine-style cartridge holders like this remain useful for legacy system maintenance, archival access, and organizations maintaining historical tape storage infrastructure.