Description
Sun Microsystems 599-2072-04 8mm External SCSI Tape Drive Exabyte EXB-8050 611
The Sun Microsystems 599-2072-04 is a desktop external 8mm tape drive built around the Exabyte EXB-8050 mechanism, sold under Sun's Model 611 designation. It connects to Sun workstations and servers via a standard 50-pin Centronics SCSI interface and uses 8mm tape cartridges — the same format used in consumer 8mm video camcorders — to deliver high-capacity sequential data storage and backup. The universal 100-240V power supply makes it compatible with both North American and international systems.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Sun Microsystems
- Sun Part Number: 599-2072-04
- Sun Model Number: 611
- Drive Mechanism: Exabyte EXB-8050
- Tape Format: 8mm (Exabyte format)
- Interface: SCSI
- Connector: 50-pin Centronics SCSI (2 ports — daisy-chain pass-through)
- Power Input: 100-240V AC, 0.6A, 47-63Hz (universal)
- Form Factor: External desktop enclosure
- FCC ID: GWV611-T (Class B)
- Certifications: UL, GS, VCI, CE, FCC Class B
- Copyright / Date: 1995, Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation
Applications
External 8mm tape drives of this type were the primary high-capacity backup and data archiving solution for Sun Microsystems SPARC workstations and servers — including SPARCstation, SPARCserver, and Ultra series systems — throughout the 1990s. The Exabyte EXB-8050 mechanism is capable of storing up to 5GB native (10GB compressed) per tape cartridge, making it well-suited for full system backups and off-site data archiving in engineering, scientific, and corporate computing environments. The 8mm tape format was widely adopted in the Unix workstation world during this era because it offered significantly higher capacity than the 4mm DAT and QIC formats that were common on PC platforms at the same time. Many legacy Sun environments, university computing labs, and research institutions still maintain these drives to read archival tapes created on original Sun systems. The dual SCSI port configuration allows the drive to be chained with other SCSI devices on the same bus.
This Sun Microsystems 599-2072-04 external 8mm SCSI tape drive (Model 611, Exabyte EXB-8050 mechanism) has been pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use. The unit has been visually inspected and photographed. The enclosure appears to be in good used condition overall — the beige plastic housing shows the yellowing and light surface wear typical of equipment from the mid-1990s. Both rear SCSI connectors and the IEC power inlet appear intact and undamaged. This unit has not been powered up or tested at our facility. Please review all photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Sun Microsystems |
Model: |
611 |
MPN: |
599-2072-04 |
Secondary Model: |
EXB-8050 |
Type: |
External 8mm SCSI Tape Drive |
SKU: |
23875 |
Tape Format: |
8mm (Exabyte) |
Drive Mechanism: |
Exabyte EXB-8050 |
Interface: |
SCSI |
Connector Type: |
50-pin Centronics SCSI |
Number of SCSI Ports: |
2 (daisy-chain pass-through) |
Power Requirements: |
100-240V AC, 0.6A, 47-63Hz |
Form Factor: |
External Desktop |
FCC ID: |
GWV611-T |
Certifications: |
UL, GS, VCI, CE, FCC Class B |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Japan |
Compatible With: |
Sun Microsystems workstations and servers |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only — no tapes or additional accessories confirmed included. |
Condition Notes: |
Sun Microsystems 599-2072-04 8mm SCSI tape drive (Model 611, Exabyte EXB-8050) pulled from a working environment. Visually inspected; housing shows typical mid-1990s yellowing and light wear. Not tested at our facility. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |