I would like to purchase a 4mm. tape drive identified as an Archive
Python 00095-001, while I can find a Google reference, I suspect this
corresponds to
a model name that I don't know. I need a reference to that name or a
site where I could purchase the Archive drive using only the info.
that I supplied.

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Request for Question Clarification by brightshadow-ga on 29 Oct 2002 14:25 PST

Is this to replace a failed component in a system you currently are
operating? (What kind of a system is it, if so? I've found some
information, but from what I've seen so far, it's an OEM part.)

According to a post in the linux-hardware mailing list from June 22,
2000, the Seagate Peregrine CTD8000R-S identifies itself as an Archive
Python 00095-001:

"I just acquired a Seagate Peregrine CTD8000R-S DDS2 4mm tape drive
(detected as an Archive Python 00095-001 by dip switch setting)"
http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-hardware@senator-bedfellow.mit.edu/msg03019.html

Seagate addresses this brand discrepancy as follows: "A Peregrine
drive can be identified by the firmware version level of 5.xx, but the
firmware identifier string will still read 'Archive Python'."
http://www.seagate.com/support/kb/tape/w4m_pere.html

These drives are still available new for about $200:
http://www.encoreshop.com/bkp-ctd8000r-s-bk.html

However, if cost is a concern, you can do a lot better by getting one
on eBay, where the typical sale price is $20-$30:
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?query=CTD8000R-S

(Some of these drives are Conner branded, as Conner merged with
Seagate)

HOWEVER, bear in mind that this may not be the exact drive you're
looking for, as there is some evidence that the "Archive Python
00095-001" designation may be reported by more than one drive model.
The following page implies that this code only refers to a drive in
the Python FAMILY, and with a specific firmware configuration (which
may be shared across drives):

"A Python drive is identified during system boot up as an "Archive
Python xxxxx-xxx" (xxxxx-xxx indicating firmware part number) and if
the system allows the firmware version will also be listed. Python
drives use 2.xx or 4.xx firmware. The python family encompasses
approximately 80 different models which have been sold under different
marketing skews and configuration."
http://www.seagate.com/support/kb/tape/w4m_diff.html

If you are searching for an exact replacement of a previous drive, you
would be much better off examining the physical drive itself for brand
and model number. I can't figure out why you would know the
identification string of a drive but not its model number -- was the
physical label removed?