SyQuest SparQ external parallel-port drive

Low-Cost High-Performance Removable Storage

Buyer's Guide

SyQuest SparQ external parallel-port drive

This page is still under construction. You may need to reload it to get the most recent version.

System requirements

This drive is for use with a '386, '486, or Pentium-class PC with a parallel port. Compatible operating systems include:

DOS/Windows 3.1 or later
Windows NT 4.0 or later
Windows 95/98/98se/2000

The parallel-port version of the Sparq drive is not supported under OS/2 by the manufacturer. SparQ drives are NOT Mac-compatible, and connecting a parallel-port drive to a Mac can damage the drive and computer system.

Technical summary

Manufacturer: SyQuest Technology, now called SYQT
Manufacturer's product information: http://www.syqt.com/products/m_sparq.html
Cartridge type: 3.5-inch 1.0 GB SyQuest SparQ cartridges (available separately)
Interface: parallel with a male DB25 connector on the back of the drive, plus a female DB25 connector for use as a printer pass-through port
Sustained data transfer rate: depends on host system; approx. 0.9 MB/s
Average seek time: 12 milliseconds

Software

Software can be downloaded from SyQuest's Driver/Utilities Download page.

Documentation

Installation Guide
Installation Help for DOS/Windows 3.1x and Windows 95
User Guide (SyQuest Part Number 113812-001) -- a comprehensive guide to using (but not installing) both internal and external SparQ drives
miniature User's Guide (SyQuest Part Number 113145-001) -- an 8-page booklet that's little more than an advertisement
Online Manual (??? KB) -- included with the software referred to above?
Care and Operation of SyQuest Drives/Cartridges
On-line Support and Troubleshooting

Availability

I have only one external SparQ drive (a black one) in stock. It is new in bulk packaging (that's just a factory-sealed plastic wrapper, with no accessories) and is available for $49.50, on a first-come first-served basis to buyers with a U. S. shipping address. Please be sure to check the accessories page for information on related items that you might need unless you are replacing a drive already in service.

For more information, send e-mail to eBay member hellogoodbuy (click here to view comments in seller's Feedback Profile).

This page is maintained by eBay member hellogoodbuy.

Back to Buyer's Guide Contents.