PE 2300: Python 04106-XXX tape backups

[Brian E. Seppanen]

Hi Folks:

I have a 2300 PE, with a Python 04106-XXX tape drive, that supports 12GB 
to 24GB Compressed.   I have some new DDS3 tapes that I'm using on the 
device.   At this time I am using tar to do a backup of some critical 
files on a daily basis, but I'm routinely only getting 8GB of data at 
which point the backup ends.   I'm doing a tar zcvpf /dev/st0 
/critical-file-locations.   A) How do I squeeze more out of the tape i.e. 
12GB instead of 8GB?   B) Recommendations for backing up in a different 
fashion that may allow me to utilize all 24GB or as close as possible on 
the device.   

Any insight appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian Seppanen
seppy at chartermi.net
906-475-0107 ext 1040