Sony SDT-9000 Hangs Machine

[Matthew G Newcomb]

G'day,
    I have a Sony SDT-9000 attached to my linux box with an ah2940AU. 
When I try to use the tape drive ->
    tar -cvf /dev/st0 /data
a few filenames scroll by, and then the machine hangs.  Nothing will
bring it out of it.  Anyone have any ideas?
                                                        Matt

				*In the future*
Chickens will run on gasoline and many of them will get surprisingly good
gas milage - George Carlin