How to set tape parameters on freebsd?

[Attila Bogár]

Dear FreeBSD list,

I'm currently using FreeBSD on my backup server (w/ Amanda).

I'm wondering if exists out there a utility for setting tape parameters 
(during boot).

Linux had /sbin/stinit and /etc/stinit.def.
Is there something similar for FreeBSD?

Another problem I'm experiencing is:
During power cycling, the controller resets the tape drives the drives 
eject the tape.
If I use 'mt -f /dev/nsa0 comp off' in a boot script it fails with an 
error tape drive not configured.
Is there a pretty solution for this or you just put mt into a loop until 
it succeeds?

Is there a way pushing compression and block size parameters to the sa 
driver?
I've already RTFM sa(8) and checked sysctl settings and I couldn't find 
the answer.

Thanks for your constructive comments in advance,

    Attila