DEC RZ28-E SCSI Hard Disk Drive – StorageWorks RZ Series
When a legacy VAX workstation, Alpha server, or industrial control system loses its primary storage drive, the entire production line can grind to a halt. Proprietary SCSI interfaces, discontinued firmware, and platform-specific geometry settings mean that a generic replacement simply will not work — only the exact OEM part will restore full system functionality. The DEC RZ28-E is that irreplaceable component: a genuine Digital Equipment Corporation SCSI hard disk drive engineered to integrate seamlessly into DEC-native environments where no substitute is acceptable.
Within the StorageWorks RZ Series lineup, the RZ28-E occupies a critical mid-to-high capacity tier, offering a balance of storage density and SCSI bus compatibility that made it the go-to drive for VAX 4000, VAX 6000, AlphaServer, and DECstation platforms throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. Today, with DEC hardware still actively running mission-critical processes in manufacturing, defense, telecommunications, and scientific research facilities worldwide, the RZ28-E remains one of the most sought-after legacy storage components in the global industrial automation aftermarket.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number / SKU: RZ28-E
- Manufacturer: Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)
- Series: StorageWorks RZ Series
- Interface: SCSI (Single-Ended / Differential — confirm variant)
- Form Factor: 3.5-inch Full Height / Half Height
- Capacity: ~2.1 GB (nominal, subject to firmware revision)
- Rotational Speed: 5,400 RPM
- Compatible Bus: SCSI-2 / Fast SCSI
- Operating Temperature: 5°C – 50°C
- Compatible Systems: VAX 4000/6000, AlphaServer 1000/2000/4000, DECstation, DEC 3000
Note: All specifications are based on published OEM documentation. Konmask.com does not fabricate or alter technical parameters. Please contact us to confirm exact revision details for your application.
Key Features & Benefits
- OEM-Grade Compatibility: Designed and manufactured by DEC to exact platform tolerances — no firmware patching or geometry workarounds required.
- SCSI Bus Integrity: Maintains proper bus termination and ID addressing for multi-device SCSI chains in VAX/Alpha environments.
- Drop-In Replacement: Physically and electrically compatible with original drive bays, power connectors, and SCSI cabling.
- Proven Reliability: Industrial-grade construction rated for continuous 24/7 operation in demanding environments.
- Legacy System Continuity: Enables continued operation of DEC-based control systems without costly platform migrations.
- Globally Sourced Stock: Konmask.com maintains access to verified surplus and refurbished RZ28-E units through a vetted international supply network.
Industry & Equipment Applications
- Manufacturing & Process Control: VAX-based SCADA and DCS systems in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants.
- Defense & Aerospace: Legacy DEC platforms in radar, communications, and simulation systems with long service-life requirements.
- Telecommunications: AlphaServer-based switching and network management infrastructure.
- Scientific Research: Data acquisition systems in laboratories and universities running OpenVMS or Tru64 UNIX.
- Utilities & Energy: Power grid management and substation automation systems built on DEC hardware.
- Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing: Wafer inspection and test equipment with embedded DEC storage subsystems.
System Integration & Compatible Parts
The RZ28-E is designed to work within DEC StorageWorks enclosures and direct-attach SCSI configurations. Compatible and frequently co-ordered components include:
- DEC StorageWorks BA356 / BA350 enclosures
- DEC KZPSA / KZPAA SCSI host adapters
- DEC RZ26, RZ29, RZ1CB series drives (for multi-drive arrays)
- DEC SCSI cables and terminators (H8574-A, H8575-A)
- OpenVMS and Tru64 UNIX compatible SCSI controllers
Contact our technical team to verify compatibility with your specific system configuration before ordering.
Our Quality Assurance Process
Every DEC RZ28-E unit sourced by Konmask.com undergoes a structured evaluation process before shipment:
- Visual Inspection: PCB, platters, and connector integrity checked for physical damage.
- Power-On Test: Drive spindle, seek, and read/write head functionality verified.
- SCSI Bus Test: Device ID response and bus communication confirmed.
- Surface Scan: Bad sector mapping performed where applicable.
- Packaging: Anti-static shielding and foam-padded export carton for safe international transit.
How to Order
- Submit an inquiry via the Contact / Request a Quote form on this page.
- Provide your system model, required quantity, and any revision or firmware preferences.
- Our team will confirm availability, lead time, and pricing within 1 business day.
- Upon agreement, we issue a proforma invoice and arrange secure payment.
- Units are shipped with full tracking and export documentation.
Why Choose Konmask.com?
- Industrial Automation Specialists: We focus exclusively on legacy and current-generation industrial control hardware — not consumer electronics.
- Global Supply Network: Access to verified surplus stock from decommissioned data centers and OEM channels worldwide.
- Technical Expertise: Our team includes engineers with hands-on DEC VAX/Alpha platform experience.
- Fast Response: Inquiry-to-quote turnaround within 24 hours for most legacy parts.
- Secure Export Compliance: All shipments handled in accordance with applicable export regulations.
- After-Sales Support: Technical guidance available post-delivery to assist with installation and integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the DEC RZ28-E new, refurbished, or used?
A: We source both tested-refurbished and new-old-stock (NOS) units depending on availability. Condition is clearly stated in the quotation. All units pass our QA process before shipment.
Q: What is the difference between RZ28-E and RZ28-B or RZ28-L?
A: The suffix letter denotes the interface variant and form factor revision. The “-E” suffix typically indicates a specific SCSI interface configuration. Please contact us with your system details so we can confirm the correct variant.
Q: Can this drive be used with modern SCSI controllers?
A: The RZ28-E uses SCSI-2 / Fast SCSI protocol. It is compatible with most SCSI-2 and SCSI-3 host adapters that support legacy device negotiation. Compatibility with Ultra SCSI or SAS controllers is not guaranteed without an adapter.
Q: Do you provide a warranty?
A: Yes. We offer a standard 90-day functional warranty on all tested-refurbished units. Terms are detailed in the quotation.
Q: How long does international shipping take?
A: Typical transit time is 5–10 business days via DHL/FedEx express. Expedited options are available upon request.
Q: Can you supply multiple units for a large project?
A: Yes. We handle both single-unit inquiries and bulk orders. Contact us with your project requirements for volume pricing.
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