Dell PowerVault 110T LTO2 User Manual
DellTM PowerVaultTM 110T LTO-2 Tape Drive User's Guide
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
(C) 2003 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
(C) International Business Machines Corporation, 1999, 2003. All rights reserved.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, PowerVault and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation. Linear Tape-Open, LTO, LTO Logo, Ultrium and Ultrium Logo
are U.S. trademarks of HP, IBM and Seagate. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model Number LTO2-EX1
Initial release: May 2003
Introduction
Setting Up the Tape Drive
Using the Tape Drive
Using the Tape Backup Software
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Glossary
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
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Glossary: DellTM PowerVaultTM 110T LTO-2 Tape Drive User's Guide
- A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - L - M - N - O - P - R - S - T - U - V - W
A
A. See ampere.
ampere (A). A unit of measure for electric current that is equivalent to a flow of one coulomb per second, or equivalent to the current produced by one volt applied across a
resistance of one ohm.
adapter. See adapter card.
adapter card. A circuit board that adds function to a computer.
B
backups. The short-term retention of records used for restoring essential business and server files when vital data has been lost because of program or server errors or
malfunctions.
backward compatible. Capable of being used with a previous product that was designed for a similar purpose. For example, a tape cartridge that is designed to be used
with a modern tape drive but can also be used with certain older tape drives. Synonymous with downward compatible.
bezel. The removable frame that fits over the front of the tape drive.
byte. A string that consists of a certain number of bits (usually 8) which are treated as a unit and represent a character. A byte is a fundamental unit of data.
C
C. See Celsius.
capacity. The amount of data that can be contained on storage media and expressed in bytes.
cartridge. See tape cartridge.
cartridge door. On a tape cartridge, the hinged barrier that can be opened to access, or closed to protect, the magnetic tape within the cartridge.
cartridge memory. See LTO cartridge memory.
Celsius (C). Having a thermostatic scale on which the interval between the freezing point and the boiling point of water is divided into 100 degrees, with 0 degrees representing
the freezing point and 100 degrees representing the boiling point.
cleaning cartridge. A tape cartridge that is used to clean the heads of a tape drive. Contrast with data cartridge.
clockwise. In the direction that the hands of a clock rotate, as viewed from the front.
compression. The process of eliminating gaps, empty fields, redundancies, and unnecessary data to shorten the length of records or blocks.
configure. To describe to a server the devices, optional features, and programs installed on the system.
counterclockwise. In a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate, as viewed from the front.
current. The quantity of charge per unit of time. Current is measured in amperes.
cycle power. To apply and remove electrical power to a device within a short time span.
D
data. Any representations such as characters or analog quantities to which meaning is, or might be, assigned.
data cartridge. A tape cartridge that is dedicated to storing data. Contrast with cleaning cartridge.
data compression. See compression.
data transfer rate. The average number of bits, characters, or blocks per unit of time that pass between corresponding equipment in a data transmission system. The rate is
expressed in bits, characters, or blocks per second, minute, or hour.
dc. See direct current.
degauss. To make a magnetic tape nonmagnetic by exposing the tape to electrical coils which carry currents that neutralize the magnetism of the tape.
device. Any hardware component or peripheral, such as a tape drive or tape library, that can receive and send data.
device driver. A file that contains the firmware that is needed to use an attached device.
diagnostic. A software program that is designed to recognize, locate, and explain faults in equipment or errors in programs.
direct current (dc). An electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value.
drive. A data-storage device that controls the movement of the magnetic tape in a tape cartridge. The drive houses the mechanism (drive head) that reads and writes data to
the tape.
drive dump. The recording, at a particular instant, of the contents of all or part of one storage device into another storage device, usually as a safeguard against faults or
errors, or in connection with debugging.
drive head. The component that records an electrical signal onto magnetic tape, or reads a signal from tape into an electrical signal.
drive sense data. See SCSI drive sense data.
dump. See drive dump.
E
eject. To remove or force out from within.
enclosure. A device, such as a desktop unit, tape cartridge autoloader, or tape library, into which you can install the tape drive.
error log. Maintained by the tape drive, a list that contains the ten most recent error codes. The codes identify errors that pertain to the drive.
F
file. A named set of records that are stored or processed as a unit.
firmware. The proprietary code that is usually delivered as part of an operating system. Firmware is more efficient than software that is loaded from an alterable medium, and
is more adaptable to change than pure hardware circuitry. An example of firmware is the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) in read-only memory (ROM) on a PC
motherboard.
G
GB. See gigabyte.
Generation 1. The informal name for the Ultrium tape drive, which is the predecessor of the tape drive (Generation 2). The Generation 1 drive has a native storage capacity of
up to 100 GB per cartridge and a native sustained data transfer rate of 15 MB per second.
Generation 2. The informal name for the Ultrium 2 Tape Drive, which is the second-generation version of the Ultrium tape drive (Generation 1). The Generation 2 drive has a
native storage capacity of up to 200 GB per cartridge and a native sustained data transfer rate of 35 MB per second.
gigabyte. 1 000 000 000 bytes.
ground. An object that makes an electrical connection with the earth.
H
hardware. The physical equipment or devices that form a computer.
head. See drive head.
Head Resistance Measurements test. Part of the Test Head diagnostic, a procedure that determines whether the tape drive's head works correctly. The test measures the
head's ability to withstand cracks and other defects.
host. The controlling or highest-level system in a data communication configuration. Synonymous with server.
I
ID. Identifier.
in. See inch.
inch. A unit of length equal to 1/36 yard or 25.4 mm.
input/output (I/O). Data that is provided to a computer or data that results from computer processing.
insertion guide. On the surface of the tape cartridge, a large, notched area that prevents you from inserting the cartridge incorrectly.
install. (1) To set up for use or service. (2) The act of adding a product, feature, or function to a server or device either by a singular change or by the addition of multiple
components or devices.
interposer. An adapter-like device that allows a connector of one size and style to connect to a mating connector of a different size and style. Data provided to the computer
or data resulting from computer processing.
I/O. See input/output.
J
jumper. (1) A tiny connector that fits over a pair of protruding pins in a connector. A jumper can be moved to change electrical connectors. When in place, the jumper
connects the pins electrically.
(2) To place a jumper on a connector pin.
L
label. A slip of paper with an adhesive backing that can be written on and affixed to a tape cartridge as a means of identification or description.
label area. On the LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridge, a recessed area next to the write-protect switch where a bar code label must be affixed.
leader block. Located within the tape drive, the part that engages the steel pin which is attached to the tape in an LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridge. Once engaged, the leader-pin
block pulls the tape from the cartridge into the drive.
leader pin. On the tape cartridge, a small metal column that is attached to the end of the magnetic tape. During tape processing the leader pin is grasped by a threading
mechanism, which pulls the pin and the tape out of the cartridge, across the drive head, and onto a takeup reel. The head can then read or write data from or to the tape.
LED. See light-emitting diode.
light-emitting diode. A semiconductor diode that emits light when subjected to an applied voltage and that is used in an electronic display.
Linear Tape-Open (LTO). A type of tape storage technology developed by the IBM Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, and Seagate. LTO technology is an "open format"
technology, which means that its users have multiple sources of product and media. The "open" nature of LTO technology enables compatibility between different vendors'
offerings by ensuring that vendors comply with verification standards.
load. Following the insertion of a tape cartridge into the tape load compartment, the act of positioning the tape (performed by the tape drive) for reading or writing by the drive's
head.
log sense data. See SCSI log sense data.
loop. (1) A series of instructions that is repeated until a terminating condition is reached.
(2) To connect so as to complete a loop.
Low Voltage Differential (LVD). A low-noise, low-power, and low-amplitude electrical signaling system that enables data communication between a supported server and
the tape drive. LVD signaling uses two wires to drive one signal over copper wire. The use of wire pairs reduces electrical noise and crosstalk.
LTO. See Linear Tape-Open.
LVD. See Low Voltage Differential.
M
magnetic tape. A tape with a magnetizable surface layer on which data can be stored by magnetic recording.
maintenance mode. The state of operation in which the tape drive must be before it can run diagnostics, verify write and read operations, verify a suspect tape cartridge,
update its own firmware, and perform other diagnostic and maintenance functions.
MB. See megabyte.
media. The plural of medium.
medium. A physical material in or on which data may be represented, such as magnetic tape.
megabyte (MB). 1 000 000 bytes.
N
network. A configuration of data processing devices and software that is connected for information interchange.
O
oersted. The unit of magnetic field strength in the unrationalized centimeter-gram-second (cgs) electromagnetic system. The oersted is the magnetic field strength in the
interior of an elongated, uniformly wound solenoid that is excited with a linear current density in its winding of one abamper per 4 pi centimeters of axial length.
offline. The operating condition that the tape drive is in when the server's applications cannot interact with it.
online. The operating condition that the tape drive is in when the server's applications can interact with it.
Open Systems. Computer systems whose standards are not proprietary.
operating environment. The temperature, relative humidity rate, and wet bulb temperature of the room in which the tape drive routinely conducts processing.
P
parity. The state of being even-numbered or odd-numbered. A parity bit is a binary number that is added to a group of binary numbers to make the sum of that group always
odd (odd parity) or even (even parity).
parity error. A transmission error that occurs when the received data does not have the parity that is expected by the receiving system. This usually occurs when the
sending and receiving systems have different parity settings.
port. (1) A system or network access point for data entry or exit.
(2) A connector on a device to which cables for other devices such as display stations and printers are attached.
(3) The representation of a physical connection to hardware. A port is sometimes referred to as an adapter; however, there can be more than one port on an adapter.
power connector. Located at the rear of the tape drive, the connector to which the internal power cable of an enclosure connects.
power cord. A cable that connects a device to a source of electrical power.
power-off. To remove electrical power from a device.
power-on, powered-on. (1) To apply electrical power to a device.
(2) The state of a device when power has been applied to it.
R
read. To acquire or interpret data from a storage device, from a data medium, or from another source.
reboot. To reinitialize the execution of a program by repeating the initial program load (IPL) operation.
record. The smallest distinct set of data bytes that is supplied from a server for processing and recording by a tape drive, and the smallest distinct set of data to be read from
tape, reprocessed, and made available to a server by a tape drive.
relative humidity. The ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature.
reset. To return a device or circuit to a clear state.
S
s. See second.
scratch cartridge. A data cartridge that contains no useful data, but can be written to with new data.
SCSI. See Small Computer Systems Interface.
SCSI bus. (1) A collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to another.
(2) A generic term that refers to the complete set of signals that define the activity of the Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI).
SCSI connector. Located at the rear of the tape drive, the connector that facilitates commands to and from the server, and to which the internal SCSI cable of an enclosure
connects.
SCSI device. Anything that can connect into the SCSI bus and actively participate in bus activity.
SCSI drive sense data. In response to inquiry from the server about an error condition, a packet of SCSI sense bytes that contains information about the error and that is
sent back to the server by the drive.
SCSI ID. The unique address (from 1 to 15) that you assign to a tape drive that uses a SCSI interface.
SCSI ID connector. Located at the rear of the tape drive, the connector that enables the drive's SCSI address to be set. Addresses are determined by the placement of
jumpers on the pins.
SCSI interface. See Small Computer Systems Interface.
SCSI log sense data. In response to inquiry from the server about the tape drive's error logs and counters, a packet of SCSI sense bytes which contains that information and
which is sent back to the server by the drive. Log sense data is used to diagnose problems, especially if the problems are intermittent.
second. One sixtieth of a minute.
sense data. Data that describes an I/O error. Sense data is presented to a server in response to a Sense I/O command.
server. A functional unit that provides services to one or more clients over a network. Examples include a file server, a print server, or a mail server. The IBM pSeries, IBM
iSeries, HP, and Sun are servers. Synonymous with host.
single-character display. Located at the front of the tape drive, an LED that presents an alphabetical or numeric code which represents a diagnostic or maintenance
function, error condition, or informational message.
sleep mode. A power-management function that causes the tape drive's electronics to automatically enter a low-power mode by which to conserve energy.
Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI). A standard used by computer manufacturers for attaching peripheral devices (such as tape drives, hard disks, CD-ROM
players, printers, and scanners) to computers (servers). Pronounced "scuzzy." Variations of the SCSI interface provide for faster data transmission rates than standard serial
and parallel ports (up to 160 megabytes per second). The variations include:
l Fast/Wide SCSI: Uses a 16-bit bus, and supports data rates of up to 20 MBps.
l SCSI-1: Uses an 8-bit bus, and supports data rates of 4 MBps.
l SCSI-2: Same as SCSI-1, but uses a 50-pin connector instead of a 25-pin connector, and supports multiple devices.
l Ultra SCSI: Uses an 8- or 16-bit bus, and supports data rates of 20 or 40 MBps.
l Ultra2 SCSI: Uses an 8- or 16-bit bus and supports data rates of 40 or 80 MBps.
l Ultra3 SCSI: Uses a 16-bit bus and supports data rates of 80 or 160 MBps.
l Ultra160 SCSI: Uses a 16-bit bus and supports data rates of 160 MBps.
software. Programs, procedures, rules, and any associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system.
speed matching. A technique used by the tape drive to dynamically adjust its native (uncompressed) data rate to the slower data rate of a server. Speed matching improves
system performance and reduces backhitch.
status light. Located at the front of the tape drive, an LED that can be green or amber, and (when lit) solid or flashing. The condition of the light represents the state of the
drive.
T
TapeAlert. A patented technology and ANSI standard that defines conditions and problems that are experienced by tape drives.
TapeAlert flags. Status and error messages that are generated by the TapeAlert utility and display on the server's console.
tape cartridge. A removable storage case that houses belt-driven magnetic tape that is wound on a supply reel and a takeup reel.
tape drive. A data-storage device that controls the movement of the magnetic tape in a tape cartridge. The drive houses the mechanism (drive head) that reads and writes
data to the tape. Its native data capacity is 100 GB per cartridge; with 2:1 compression, its capacity is up to 200 GB.
tape path. Within a tape drive, the channel in which the media moves.
terminate. To prevent unwanted electrical signal reflections by applying a device (known as a terminator) that absorbs the energy from the transmission line. terminator. (1)
A part that is used to end a SCSI bus.
(2) A single-port, 75-&Omega. device that is used to absorb energy from a transmission line. Terminators prevent energy from reflecting back into a cable plant by absorbing
the radio frequency signals. A terminator is usually shielded, which prevents unwanted signals from entering or valid signals from leaving the cable system.
Test Head diagnostic. A test that determines whether the heads of the tape drive are operating properly and whether the drive can correctly read from and write to tape.
transfer rate. See data transfer rate.
U
Ultra160 LVD SCSI interface. See Small Computer Systems Interface.
unload. The act (performed by the drive) of unthreading tape from the drive's internal tape path and returning it (with the leader block) to the tape cartridge.
utility. See utility program.
utility program. A computer program that supports computer processes. For example, a diagnostic program, a trace program, or a sort program.
V
Vdc. Volts dc (direct current).
volt. The SI (international) unit of potential difference and electromotive force. Formally defined as the difference of electric potential between two points of a conductor that
carries a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between these points is equal to one watt.
W
wet bulb temperature. The temperature at which pure water must be evaporated adiabatically at constant pressure into a given sample of air in order to saturate the air
under steady-state conditions. Wet bulb temperature is read from a wet bulb thermometer.
write. To make a permanent or transient recording of data in a storage device or on a data medium.
write protected. Applicable to a tape cartridge, the condition that exists when some logical or physical mechanism prevents a device from writing on the tape in that
cartridge.
write-protect switch. Located on the tape cartridge, a switch that prevents accidental erasure of data. Pictures of a locked and unlocked padlock appear on the switch.
When you slide the switch to the locked padlock, data cannot be written to the tape. When you slide the switch to the unlocked padlock, data can be written to the tape.
Write/Read test. Part of the Test Head diagnostic, a procedure that determines whether the tape drive can correctly read from and write to tape.
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Introduction: DellTM PowerVaultTM 110T LTO-2 Tape Drive User's Guide
- Overview - SCSI Bus Interface - Features - Tape Backup Software - The Front Panel - The Rear Panel
Overview
The DellTM PowerVaultTM 110T LTO-2 tape drive is a high-performance, high-capacity data-storage device that is designed to perform unattended backups, restore Open
Systems applications, and retrieve and archive files. The drive can be integrated into a server (internal model) or can be provided as a separately packaged desktop unit
(external model). The Dell PowerVault 110T LTO-2 tape drive (called Generation 2) is the second-generation tape drive in the LTO-2 series of products.
The Dell PowerVault 110 LTO-2 tape drive offers a formatted cartridge capacity of up to 200 GB (400 GB assuming 2:1 compression ratio) and a sustained data transfer rate of
35 MB per second (70 MB per second assuming 2:1 compression ratio).
Figure 1 shows a front view of the internal model of the tape drive. Figure 2 shows a front view of the separately purchased external model of the tape drive.
Figure 1. Front View (Internal Model)
Figure 2. Front View (External Model)
SCSI Bus Interface
These tape drives are designed to operate on an Ultra160 low voltage differential SCSI bus (LVD) with a burst transfer rate of 160 MB/sec. The interface is backward
compatible with older SCSI technology.
The tape drives contains a high density, 68-pin, D-Shell (HD-68) connector for attachment to the server. The drive supports LVD SCSI cables with HD-68 connectors.
Features
The tape drive has the following features:
l Capacity of 200GB (native), 400GB (compressed*) on a single LTO tape
l Built-in read-after-write verification for a high level of data integrity
l Sustained transfer rate of 35MB/s (native), 70MB/s(compressed*)
l Intelligent LTO-DC dual-mode compression algorithm
l Failsafe leader capture mechanism
l LTO-Cartridge Memory
l TapeAlert support for worry-free backup
l Ultra 160 Low Voltage Differential (LVD) SCSI interface
l Backward Read and Write Compatibility with Generation 1 Cartridges
l Speed matching (The tape drive can slow down to match the system data rate.)
l Sleep mode for energy conservation
l Compatible with all cartridges that bear the official Ultrium LTO-2 logo
l Will interchange tapes with other LTO-2 tape drives that bear the official Ultrium LTO-2 logo
* Assumes 2:1 compression ratio. The capacity you realize in practice depends on the data set, which affects the actual compression ratio.
Tape Backup Software
You need backup software that supports the DELL PowerVault 110T LTO-2 tape drive. As a general rule, native backup applications (such as NTBackup and tar) do not
provide the required data streaming rate to get the full performance of your tape drive. We recommend using a backup application, which provides better memory management
as well as other useful features, such as TapeAlert. For the latest supported software versions, go to http://www.support.dell.com or visit the support site of your backup
software vendor.
The Front Panel
Figure 3. Front Panel
1. Single-character display
2. Single red dot
3. Status light
4. Eject button
1. Single-character display. This LED presents a single-character code for diagnostic/maintenance functions, error conditions, and informational messages.
2. Single red dot. This single-character display is blank during normal operation. When a single red dot illuminates the display, the drive has created a dump of vital
technical data to drive memory.
3. Status Light. The front panel of your Dell PowerVault 110T LTO-2 tape drive has a status light that provides information about the state of the tape drive. The light can be
green or amber, and (when lit) solid or flashing. See Table 2 for descriptions.
Table 2. Status Light Descriptions
Color or Condition of
Status Light
Meaning
Off
The tape drive has no power or is powered off.
Green/Solid
The tape drive is powered on.
Green/Flashing
One of the following applies:
l If the light flashes less than once per second, the tape drive is in sleep mode.
l If the light flashes once per second, the tape drive is reading from the tape, writing to the tape, rewinding the tape, or locating data on
the tape.
Amber/Solid
One of the following applies:
l The tape drive is performing a selected operation.
l The tape drive is displaying the drive error code log.
l The tape drive is in maintenance mode or is exiting maintenance mode.
Amber/Flashing
One of the following applies:
l If the light flashes less than once per second, the tape drive is updating firmware through the field microcode replacement (FMR) tape,
or the SCSI, Fibre Channel, or RS-422 interface, or the drive has exceeded the recommended temperature.
l If the light flashes once per second, an error occurred and the tape drive or media may require service. Note the code on the single-
character display, then go to Table 16 on page 63 to determine the action that is required.
l If the light flashes once per second and a C displays in the character display, the tape drive needs to be cleaned.
l If the light flashes twice per second, the tape drive detected an error and is performing a firmware recovery. It resets automatically.
4. Eject button. The eject button enables you to perform several functions. These functions are described in detail in Using the Tape Drive.
The Rear Panel
Figure 4. Rear Panel of Internal Tape Drive
The rear panel (see Figure 4) of your drive has the following features.
1. SCSI connector
2. SCSI ID connector
3. Power connector
Figure 5. Rear Panel of External Tape Drive
The rear panel (see Figure 5) of your drive has the following features.
1. SCSI address switch
2. Power receptacle
3. External SCSI connectors
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