S/360 channel

[Brent Hilpert]

Brian Knittel wrote:
> 
> This is the at top of my list. It's going to be a USB-2 channel
> driver (talks to peripherals). Have the design done but have't
> started building it. Immediate goal is testing of channel interfaced
> devices to help cull the collection of big iron, secondary goal is
> operation of the devices from Hercules.

So if, for example, Sellam had one of these interfaces, would it be near to
'plug-and-go' for his 3803-controller/3420-drives combination, or would their be
a lot of 3803-specific software-driver development on the modern-host side (and
requiring the acquisition of 100 lbs. of 3803 manuals) ?

In other words, is the 'channel-command-set-protocol' (for lack of accurate
terminology) fairly generic for such tape controllers or very controller-specific?

(and device-specific cables/plugs?, or are channel plugs/pinouts somewhat generic?)