Description
Irwin Magnetics 445 40MB External Tape Drive QIC Desktop w/ Cable
The Irwin Magnetics 445 is a desktop external tape drive with a 40 MB capacity, designed for data backup using QIC-format tape cartridges. Manufactured by Irwin Magnetics of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the 445 connects to a host computer via a 25-pin parallel interface cable. The drive is housed in a compact desktop enclosure and requires a dual-voltage DC power input (12V and 5V), typically supplied by an external power adapter or pass-through connection.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Irwin Magnetics (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Model Number: 445
- Storage Capacity: 40 MB
- Drive Type: External QIC tape drive
- Form Factor: Desktop / external enclosure
- Power Requirements: 12V DC 1.0A / 5V DC 1.0A
- Interface: Parallel – 25-pin D-sub connector (proprietary cable included)
- Country of Manufacture: USA
- Included: Drive unit and interface cable (25-pin D-sub to secondary connector)
- Power adapter: Not included (not visible in photos)
Applications
The Irwin Magnetics 445 was designed for data backup on late-1980s to early-1990s personal computers, particularly IBM PC-compatible systems running MS-DOS. Irwin Magnetics was a well-known producer of QIC (Quarter Inch Cartridge) tape drives during this era, and the 445 was commonly used with home and small-business PCs to back up hard disk data to tape cartridges. Today, units like this are primarily sought by vintage computing collectors, retrocomputing enthusiasts, and owners of legacy systems who need period-correct backup hardware or spare parts for compatible setups.
Please note: We may have multiple units of this item in stock. The unit you receive may vary slightly from the one shown in the photos. All units are functionally equivalent and inspected to the same standard.
This Irwin Magnetics 445 40MB External Tape Drive has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The beige plastic housing shows light surface scuffing and age-related discoloration consistent with its vintage, which is typical for equipment of this era. The front tape bay door and Irwin badge are intact. The unit includes its original interface cable, which features a 25-pin D-sub connector on one end and a smaller secondary connector on the other; the cable shows some yellowing but connectors appear intact with no obviously bent or missing pins. The unit has not been powered up or tested at our facility but was pulled from a stored surplus environment. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Irwin Magnetics |
Model: |
445 |
MPN: |
445 |
Type: |
External Tape Drive |
SKU: |
8033 |
Storage Capacity: |
40 MB |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / External |
Power Requirements: |
12V 1.0A, 5V 1.0A |
Interface: |
Parallel / Proprietary (25-pin D-sub) |
Included Items: |
Tape drive unit and interface cable |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected |
Condition Notes: |
This Irwin Magnetics 445 40MB External Tape Drive is in good used cosmetic condition with light age-related scuffing. Includes interface cable. Not powered or tested at our facility. Pulled from surplus storage. Contact us with questions. |
