Description
HP C1553-20800 DDS2 DAT Tape Drive Loader 5.25" Full Height SCSI 4GB
The HP C1553-20800 is a 5.25" full-height DDS-2 (Digital Data Storage 2) DAT tape drive with an integrated loader mechanism, manufactured by Hewlett-Packard in Germany. It uses the SCSI interface and is designed to read and write DDS-2 format DAT tapes. The unit combines the HP drive assembly (C1553-20800) with a loader sub-assembly (C1553-24000) manufactured in the UK.
Specifications & What's Included
- HP Product ID: C1553-20800
- Loader Sub-Assembly: C1553-24000
- Intel P/N: 350407 005 203420
- Format: DDS-2 (DAT) — supports up to 4GB native / 8GB compressed
- Form Factor: 5.25" full-height
- Interface: SCSI (50-pin connector on rear)
- Drive Power: +5VDC max 1.2A, +12VDC max 0.8A
- Loader Power: +5VDC max 0.75A, +12VDC max 2.0A
- Front panel: LCD status display, status indicator LEDs, tape slot, Eject knob
- Rear: SCSI 50-pin connector, power header, DAT jumper settings for SCSI ID and termination
- Country of Manufacture: Germany (drive); UK (loader mechanism)
- Certifications: UL, TÜV, CSA, CE
- Manufacture date (loader): Week 15, 1996
- Drive unit only — no tapes, cables, or mounting hardware included
Applications
DDS-2 DAT tape drives were the standard removable backup storage solution for workstations and servers throughout the mid-to-late 1990s, offering significantly higher capacity than the original DDS-1 format. The HP C1553-20800 with its integrated loader was used in server environments, data centers, and high-end workstations — particularly HP-UX and compatible SCSI-based systems — for scheduled automated tape backup. DDS-2 drives read both DDS-1 and DDS-2 tapes, making them versatile across generations of media. By the early 2000s this format was largely superseded by DDS-3, DDS-4, and later LTO, but functioning DDS-2 drives remain sought after for restoring legacy tape archives from the era. The 5.25" full-height form factor and SCSI interface are characteristic of the mid-1990s server and high-end workstation generation.
This HP C1553-20800 DDS2 DAT tape drive loader appears to be in good physical condition — the chassis, front bezel, LCD window, and controls all look intact with no obvious damage. However, because of its age this unit is being sold strictly as-is with no functionality guarantee. It has not been powered or tested at our facility. Please review all photos carefully before purchasing and contact us with any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Hewlett-Packard |
Model: |
C1553-20800 |
MPN: |
C1553-20800 |
Secondary Model: |
C1553-24000 |
Type: |
DDS2 DAT Tape Drive Loader |
SKU: |
20657 |
Interface: |
SCSI |
Form Factor: |
5.25" Full Height |
Drive Power Requirements: |
+5VDC 1.2A, +12VDC 0.8A |
Loader Power Requirements: |
+5VDC 0.75A, +12VDC 2.0A |
Storage Format: |
DDS-2 (DAT) |
Tape Format: |
DAT / DDS2 |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Germany (drive); UK (loader mechanism) |
Intel P/N: |
350407 005 203420 |
Certifications: |
UL, TUV, CSA, CE |
Condition: |
As-Is / For Parts or Not Working |
Seller Notes: |
Sold as-is due to age. No functionality guaranteed. Drive unit only — no tapes or cables included. |
Condition Notes: |
HP C1553-20800 DDS2 DAT tape drive loader sold as-is due to age. Good physical condition. Not powered or tested at our facility. No functionality guaranteed. Please review photos before purchasing. |
