HP Compaq TL881 User Manual

TL881 MiniLibrary System

Users Guide

First Edition (May 1999)
Part Number ER-TL881-UA. A01/138247-001
Compaq Computer Corporation

Notice

The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR

EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR

USE OF THIS MATERIAL. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND COMPAQ
COMPUTER CORPORATION DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR
STATUTORY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, GOOD TITLE AND AGAINST
INFRINGEMENT.

This publication contains information protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be
photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Compaq Computer
Corporation.

© 1999 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement.

The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Compaq, Deskpro, Fastart, Compaq Insight Manager, Systempro, Systempro/LT, ProLiant, ROMPaq,

QVision, SmartStart, NetFlex, QuickFind, PaqFax, ProSignia, registered United States Patent and
Trademark Office.

Neoserver, Netelligent, Systempro/XL, SoftPaq, QuickBlank, QuickLock are trademarks and/or service
marks of Compaq Computer Corporation.

Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Pentium is a registered trademark and Xeon is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their

respective companies.

Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide
First Edition (May 1999)
Part Number ER-TL881-UA. A01/138247-001

Contents

About This Guide

Text Conventions.........................................................................................................xi

Symbols in Text..........................................................................................................xii

Symbols on Equipment...............................................................................................xii

Rack Stability............................................................................................................ xiii

Getting Help.............................................................................................................. xiii

Compaq Technical Support............................................................................... xiii

Compaq Website.................................................................................................xiv

Compaq Authorized Reseller .............................................................................xiv

Chapter 1

Introduction

The TL881 MiniLibrary............................................................................................ 1-1

Modules ............................................................................................................. 1-1

The Expansion Unit........................................................................................... 1-2

The MiniLibrary Base Module.......................................................................... 1-3

The Data Unit .................................................................................................... 1-4

SCSI Interface Configurations .......................................................................... 1-5

SCSI Bus Performance Considerations............................................................. 1-5

Physical Configuration...................................................................................... 1-5

System Expansion.............................................................................................. 1-6

Features.............................................................................................................. 1-6

Advanced Design Features.............................................................................. 1-10

iv Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Chapter 2

Operation

Operation Overview ..................................................................................................2-1

Expansion Unit...................................................................................................2-1

MiniLibrary Base Module..................................................................................2-5

Data Unit ............................................................................................................2-7

Starting the System...........................................................................................2-10

The MiniLibrary Menu Structure.....................................................................2-13

Inserting and Removing Cartridges..................................................................2-26

Inserting a Magazine ........................................................................................2-31

MiniLibrary Base Module................................................................................2-32

TL881 Components.................................................................................................2-35

Storage Architecture.........................................................................................2-35

The Expansion Unit..........................................................................................2-36

The MiniLibrary Base Module.........................................................................2-36

The Data Unit...................................................................................................2-36

SCSI Interface Configurations .........................................................................2-36

SCSI Bus Performance Considerations............................................................2-37

Drives ...............................................................................................................2-37

Internal Cabling Configuration ........................................................................2-37

Bus Length Limitations....................................................................................2-37

Physical Configuration.....................................................................................2-37

System Expansion ............................................................................................2-38

Free-Standing MiniLibrary Base Modules Conversion...................................2-38

Features.............................................................................................................2-38

Control Panel....................................................................................................2-39

Display..............................................................................................................2-39

Magazine Security Lock...................................................................................2-39

Power Supply....................................................................................................2-40

Tape Cartridge Magazines................................................................................2-40

Integral Fan Cooling.........................................................................................2-42

Library Robotics...............................................................................................2-42

Bar Code Reader...............................................................................................2-42

Chapter 3

Installation

Installation Overview ................................................................................................3-1

Introduction ........................................................................................................3-1

Planning Your Installation..................................................................................3-3

Mechanical Installation ......................................................................................3-4

Chapter 4

Configuration

Configuration Overview........................................................................................... 4-1

Customizing Your Configuration...................................................................... 4-1

Descriptions of Configuration Options ............................................................. 4-4

Chapter 5

Regular Maintenance

Maintenance Overview............................................................................................. 5-1

Cleaning Cartridge............................................................................................. 5-2

Chapter 6

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Overview ............................................................ 6-1

Diagnosing Problems......................................................................................... 6-1

Error Recovery .................................................................................................. 6-2

Fault Symptom Codes (FSC)............................................................................. 6-5

Using CE Diagnostics...................................................................................... 6-25

Using the Demo Submenu............................................................................... 6-26

About This Guide v

Appendix A

Specifications

Introduction...............................................................................................................A-1

Safety.................................................................................................................A-5

Electromagnetic Emission.................................................................................A-6

Statement for Equipment Meeting FCC Class A Requirements.......................A-8

Equipment Meeting VDE Class B Requirements .............................................A-9

(VFG 1046/84 and VFG 243/91 for Germany).................................................A-9

VCCI Notice for Japan Class I Equipment .....................................................A-10

Appendix B

Accessories

Supplies and Accessories..........................................................................................B-1

Data and Cleaning Cartridge Ordering Information..........................................B-1

Bar Code Label and Magazine Ordering Information.......................................B-2

Appendix C

Product Notes for Windows NT and Novell Netware

Overview...................................................................................................................C-1

Host SCSI Interface...........................................................................................C-1

vi Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Appendix D

Adding a Second Tape Drive

Parts Location...........................................................................................................D-1

Overall Procedure.....................................................................................................D-2

Removing and Replacing the Skin Cover (Desktop Models Only)..................D-2

Removing and Replacing the Cover Plate.........................................................D-3

Removing and Replacing the Drive Caddy Assembly......................................D-5

Installing the Second Tape Drive......................................................................D-7

Appendix E

Information on Pass-Through Section Covers

Introduction...............................................................................................................E-1

Pass-Thru Mechanism Section Covers.............................................................. E-1

Appendix F

Tape Drives and Cartridges

Overview................................................................................................................... F-1

Care and Handling of Cartridges....................................................................... F-1

Checking a Cartridge for Damage..................................................................... F-3

Archival Guidelines.................................................................................................. F-4

Transportation Guidelines................................................................................. F-5

Cleaning Guidelines .......................................................................................... F-6

Cleaning the Tape Drive Heads......................................................................... F-8

Preparing Cartridges for Use............................................................................. F-9

Index

About This Guide vii

List of Figures

Figure 1-1. Expansion Unit Front View.................................................................. 1-3

Figure 1-2. MiniLibrary Base Module Front View................................................. 1-4

Figure 1-3. Data Unit Front View............................................................................ 1-5

Figure 1-4. MiniLibrary Base Module 10-Cartridge Magazine ............................ 1-9

Figure 1-5. Expansion Unit Rear View ................................................................... 1-9

Figure 1-6. MiniLibrary Base Module Rear View ................................................ 1-10

Figure 1-7. Data Unit Rear View........................................................................... 1-10

Figure 2-1. Expansion Unit Front Panel.................................................................. 2-2

Figure 2-2. Expansion Unit Control Panel .............................................................. 2-3

Figure 2-3. MiniLibrary Base Module Front Panel................................................. 2-5

Figure 2-4. MiniLibrary Base Module Control Panel ............................................. 2-7

Figure 2-5.................................................................................................................. 2-8

Figure 2-6. Data Unit Front Panel ........................................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-7. Data Unit Control Panel........................................................................ 2-9

Figure 2-8. POST Screen....................................................................................... 2-11

Figure 2-9. Initialization Screen ............................................................................ 2-11

Figure 2-10. Default Screen................................................................................... 2-11

Figure 2-11. Fault Screen ...................................................................................... 2-12

Figure 2-12. MiniLibrary Base Module Default Screen........................................ 2-12

Figure 2-13. MiniLibrary Menu Structure............................................................. 2-15

Figure 2-14. Main Menu....................................................................................... 2-16

Figure 2-15. Panel Locked Screen......................................................................... 2-16

Figure 2-16. Code Entry Submenu........................................................................ 2-17

Figure 2-17. Show Status Menu ............................................................................ 2-18

Figure 2-18. Library Status Submenu.................................................................... 2-18

Figure 2-19. Drive Status Menu ............................................................................ 2-19

Figure 2-20. Map Info Submenu ........................................................................... 2-20

Figure 2-21. Security Menu................................................................................... 2-21

Figure 2-22. Code Select Submenu....................................................................... 2-21

Figure 2-23. Code Accept Submenu...................................................................... 2-22

Figure 2-24. Panel Locked Screen......................................................................... 2-22

Figure 2-25. Code Entry Submenu........................................................................ 2-22

Figure 2-26. Code Validate Submenu ................................................................... 2-23

Figure 2-27. Error History Screen......................................................................... 2-23

Figure 2-28. Default Screen................................................................................... 2-24

Figure 2-29. Main Menu........................................................................................ 2-24

Figure 2-30. Load/Unload Initial Screen............................................................... 2-24

Figure 2-31. Load/Unload ‘From‘ Entry Screen ................................................... 2-25

Figure 2-32. Load/Unload ‘To’ Entry Screen ....................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-33. Confirmation Screen......................................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-34. Load/Unload ‘In Progress’ Screen.................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-35. Magazine In Place............................................................................. 2-28

Figure 2-36.............................................................................................................. 2-28

Figure 2-37. Main Menu........................................................................................ 2-28

Figure 2-38. Main Menu, Scrolled ........................................................................ 2-29

viii Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Figure 2-39. Security Menu....................................................................................2-29

Figure 2-40. Unlock All Media Screen ..................................................................2-29

Figure 2-41. 10-Slot Tape Magazine with Cartridges Installed.............................2-30

Figure 2-42. Main Menu.........................................................................................2-30

Figure 2-43. Main Menu, Scrolled .........................................................................2-30

Figure 2-44. Security Menu....................................................................................2-31

Figure 2-45. Unlock All Media Screen ..................................................................2-31

Figure 2-46. Lock All Media Screen......................................................................2-31

Figure 2-47. MiniLibrary Base Module Front Panel

Figure 2-48. DLT Tape Cartridge...........................................................................2-34

Figure 2-49. Expansion Unit and Data Unit Front View .......................................2-38

Figure 2-50. MiniLibrary Base Module Front View..............................................2-39

Figure 2-51. MiniLibrary Base Module 10-Cartridge Magazine...........................2-41

Figure 2-52. Expansion Unit Rear View................................................................2-41

Figure 2-53. MiniLibrary Base Module Rear View...............................................2-42

Figure 2-54. Data Unit Rear View..........................................................................2-42

Figure 3-1. Pass-Thru Mechanism External Parts

Figure 3-2. Pass-Thru Mechanism Car (Front View)...............................................3-5

Figure 3-3. Car Rear View Showing Belt Block......................................................3-6

Figure 3-4. Pass-Thru Mechanism Assembled.........................................................3-8

Figure 3-5. Threading the Belt through the Drive Section.....................................3-10

Figure 3-6. Threading the Belt through the Base Section......................................3-11

Figure 3-7. Checking Belt Length..........................................................................3-12

Figure 3-8. Belt Block With Belt In Place .............................................................3-12

Figure 3-9. Aligning the Captive Screws With the Block......................................3-13

Figure 3-10. Separating a Rack Slide.....................................................................3-16

Figure 3-11. Rack Slide Parts for Standard 19” EIA/RETMA

Rackmounting....................................................................................................3-18

Figure 3-12. Parts List for StorageWorks Metric Rackmounting ..........................3-20

Figure 3-13. Metric Rackmount Installation Layout..............................................3-23

Figure 3-14. Installing the Pass-Thru Mechanism in the Rack..............................3-24

Figure 3-15. Expansion Unit SCSI Connectors and Cables

(Fast/Wide SCSI Shown)...................................................................................3-26

Figure 3-16. MiniLibrary Base Module SCSI Connectors, Terminators and

Cables (Fast/Wide Interface, Independent Bus Connection Shown) ................3-30

Figure 3-17. MiniLibrary Base Module SCSI Connectors, Terminator,

Jumpers and Cables (SCSI-2 Interface, Daisy-chained Connection

Shown)...............................................................................................................3-31

Figure 3-18. MiniLibrary Base Module Default Screen ........................................3-32

Figure 3-19. MiniLibrary Base Module Main Menu..............................................3-32

Figure 3-20. Configure Submenu...........................................................................3-33

Figure 3-21. Configure Submenu, Scrolled............................................................3-33

Figure 3-22. Special Config Submenu ...................................................................3-33

Figure 3-23. Special Config Submenu, Scrolled....................................................3-33

Figure 3-24. Acknowledgment Screen...................................................................3-34

Figure 3-25. Default Screen....................................................................................3-34

..........................................2-32

................................................3-4

About This Guide ix

Figure 3-26. Main Menu........................................................................................ 3-34

Figure 3-27. Configure Submenu .......................................................................... 3-35

Figure 3-28. Set SCSI Submenu............................................................................ 3-35

Figure 3-29. Set SCSI Submenu Scrolled ............................................................. 3-36

Figure 3-30. Set Mail Slot Submenu ..................................................................... 3-37

Figure 3-31. Set Mail Slot Submenu Enabled....................................................... 3-37

Figure 3-32. Set Reserved Slots Submenu ............................................................ 3-38

Figure 4-1. Default Screen....................................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2. Main Menu............................................................................................ 4-2

Figure 4-3. Configure Submenu .............................................................................. 4-2

Figure 4-4. Drive Selection Submenu ..................................................................... 4-3

Figure 4-5. Set Data Format Submenu .................................................................... 4-3

Figure 4-6. Main Menu............................................................................................ 4-5

Figure 4-7. Configure Submenu .............................................................................. 4-5

Figure 4-8. Library Mode Selection Menu.............................................................. 4-5

Figure 4-9. Configure Submenu .............................................................................. 4-6

Figure 4-10. Special Config Submenu..................................................................... 4-6

Figure 5-1. Main Menu............................................................................................ 5-3

Figure 5-2. Maintenance Submenu.......................................................................... 5-3

Figure 5-3. Cleaning Submenu................................................................................ 5-3

Figure 5-4. Cleaning Confirmation Screen.............................................................. 5-4

Figure 5-5. Cleaning In Progress Screen................................................................. 5-4

Figure 6-1. Troubleshooting Flow Chart................................................................. 6-3

Figure 6-2. Main Menu.......................................................................................... 6-25

Figure 6-3. Maintenance Submenu........................................................................ 6-25

Figure 6-4. Diagnostic Submenu........................................................................... 6-25

Figure D-1. Parts Location ......................................................................................D-2

Figure D-2. Removing the Skin Cover....................................................................D-3

Figure D-3. Removing the Cover Plate ...................................................................D-5

Figure D-4. Drive Caddy.........................................................................................D-6

Figure E-1. Cover Assembly Side Plate ..................................................................E-2

Figure E-2. Mechanism Section Cover................................................................... E-2

Figure F-1. Opening the cartridge door................................................................... F-3

Figure F-2. Correct and incorrect cartridge (takeup) leader positions .................... F-4

Figure F-3. Applying a bar code label..................................................................... F-9

Figure F-4. Write-protecting a cartridge................................................................ F-10

Figure F-5. Tape Drive Control Panel................................................................... F-11

List of Tables

Table 1-1 MiniLibrary system Tape Capacity........................................................ 1-11

Table 2-1 Control Panel Button Functions............................................................... 2-4

Table 3-1 Belt Length for Various System Sizes ................................................... 3-10

Table 3-2 MiniLibrary Configuration Options....................................................... 3-41

Table 3-3 MiniLibrary Special Configuration Options.......................................... 3-46

Table 4-1 MiniLibrary Configuration Options......................................................... 4-8

x Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Table 4-2 MiniLibrary Special Configuration Options...........................................4-12

Table 4-3 MiniLibrary Special Configuration Options...........................................4-13

Table 6-1 Error Recovery Procedures.......................................................................6-4

Table 6-2 Fault Symptom Codes...............................................................................6-5

Table A-1 Operational Performance Specifications.................................................A-1

Table A-2 Reliability Specifications (Drives)..........................................................A-2

Table A-3 Power Specifications...............................................................................A-2

Table A-4 Reliability Specifications (Library Robotics) .........................................A-3

Table A-4 Mechanical Specifications.......................................................................A-3

Table A-5 Mechanical Specifications.......................................................................A-3

Table A-7 Environmental Specifications (Operating)..............................................A-4

Table A-7 Environmental Specifications (Packed or Unpacked) ............................A-4

Table A-7 Environmental Specifications (Storage/Transit).....................................A-4

Table A-7 Acoustic Emission Level.........................................................................A-5

Table A-11 Regulatory Agency Product Safety Certifications................................A-5

Table A-11 Regulatory Agency Product Safety Certifications................................A-7

Table A-11 Regulatory Agency Product Safety Certifications................................A-7

Table B-1 Compaq Tape Data or Cleaning Cartridges Part Numbers .....................B-1

Table B-1 Bar Code Label and Magazine Part Numbers.........................................B-2

Table F-1 Cartridge Environmental Guidelines ....................................................... F-5

Table F-2 Cleaning Cartridge Guidelines................................................................. F-7

Table F-3 Tape Drive Control Panel ...................................................................... F-12

This guide is designed to be used as step-by-step instructions for installation
and as a reference for operation, troubleshooting, and future upgrades.

Text Conventions

This document uses the following conventions to distinguish elements of text:

Keys Keys appear in boldface. A plus sign (+) between

USER INPUT User input appears in a different typeface and in

FILENAMES File names appear in uppercase italics.

About This Guide

two keys indicates that they should be pressed
simultaneously.

uppercase.

Menu Options,
Command Names,
Dialog Box Names

COMMANDS,
DIRECTORY NAMES,
and DRIVE NAMES

Type When you are instructed to type information, type

Enter When you are instructed to enter information, type

These elements appear in initial capital letters.

These elements appear in uppercase.

the information without pressing the Enter key.

the information and then press the Enter key.

xii Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Symbols in Text

These symbols may be found in the text of this guide. They have the following
meanings.

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions
in the warning could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions
could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.

IMPORTANT: Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information or specific
instructions.

NOTE: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points
of information.

Symbols on Equipment

These icons may be located on equipment in areas where hazardous conditions
may exist.

Any surface or area of the equipment marked with these symbols
indicates the presence of electrical shock hazards. Enclosed area
contains no operator serviceable parts.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock hazards,
do not open this enclosure.

Any RJ-45 receptacle marked with these symbols indicates a Network
Interface Connection.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or damage to
the equipment, do not plug telephone or telecommunications
connectors into this receptacle.

Rack Stability

About This Guide xiii

Any surface or area of the equipment marked with these symbols
indicates the presence of a hot surface or hot component. If this
surface is contacted, the potential for injury exists.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from a hot component, allow
the surface to cool before touching.

Power Supplies or Systems marked with these symbols
indicate the equipment is supplied by multiple sources of
power.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock,
remove all power cords to completely disconnect power from
the system.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to the equipment,
be sure that:

■

The leveling jacks are extended to the floor.

■

The full weight of the rack rests on the leveling jacks.

■

The stabilizing feet are attached to the rack if it is a single rack

installations.

■

The racks are coupled together in multiple rack installations.

■

A rack may become unstable if more than one component is extended for

any reason. Extend only one component at a time.

Getting Help

If you have a problem and have exhausted the information in this guide, you
can get further information and other help in the following locations.

Compaq Technical Support

You are entitled to free hardware technical telephone support for your product
for as long you own the product. A technical support specialist will help you
diagnose the problem or guide you to the next step in the warranty process.

xiv Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

In North America, call the Compaq Technical Phone Support Center at
1-800-OK-COMPAQ

Outside North America, call the nearest Compaq Technical Support Phone
Center. Telephone numbers for world wide Technical Support Centers are
listed on the Compaq website. Access the Compaq website by logging on to
the Internet at http://www.compaq.com.

Be sure to have the following information available before you call Compaq:

■

Technical support registration number (if applicable)

■

Product serial number (s)

■

Product model name(s) and numbers(s)

■

Applicable error messages

■

Add-on boards or hardware

■

Third-party hardware or software

■

Operating system type and revision level

■

Detailed, specific questions

Compaq Website

1

. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Compaq website has information on this product as well as the latest
drivers and Flash ROM images. You can access the Compaq website by
logging on to the Internet at http://www.compaq.com.

Compaq Authorized Reseller

For the name of your nearest Compaq Authorized Reseller:

■

In the United States, call 1-800-345-1518.

■

In Canada, call 1-800-263-5868.

■

Elsewhere, see the Compaq website for locations and telephone
numbers.

1

For continuous quality improvement, calls may be recorded or monitored.

The TL881 MiniLibrary

This chapter describes the features of the MiniLibrary Expansion Unit, the
MiniLibrary Base Module, and the MiniLibrary Data Unit of the MiniLibrary
system, including storage architecture, SCSI interface, bus performance, and
physical configuration/expansion options.

The MiniLibrary system is an expandable, modular tape library system that
combines DLT technology drive with advanced robotics. The MiniLibrary
system is designed for high duty-cycle on-line and near-on-line applications,
such as hierarchical storage management (HSM). It is a superior performer in
high-volume backup and archival service as well.

Chapter

1

Introduction

Modules

The MiniLibrary system is based on three types of modules:

n Expansion Unit (Master)
n MiniLibrary Base Module
n Data Unit

The MiniLibrary system consists of one Expansion Unit and up to five
MiniLibrary Base Modules and Data Units in combination stacked in a rack.
The Expansion Unit can move media freely between itself, the MiniLibrary

Base Module, and the Data Unit by way of the system’s robotically controlled
Pass-Thru Mechanism.

1-2 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

In a MiniLibrary system, you can combine modules to provide the right
combination of capacity and performance to meet your present storage

requirements. Compaq’s MiniLibrary storage architecture lets you add
modules to optimize throughput and capacity as your needs change.

MiniLibrary Storage Architecture

When connected as a system, the robotics in the Expansion Unit act as
commanded by the host computer(s). The host(s) need no knowledge of the
internal geometry of the system, or of the actions or capabilities of the
MiniLibrary Base Modules or Data Units.

The Expansion Unit presents to the host(s) a single SCSI medium changer
device with a single SCSI Medium Transport element, several SCSI Storage
elements equal to the total number of cartridge magazine slots, a number of
SCSI Import/Export elements as specified by the user during configuration of
the Expansion Unit, and a number of SCSI Data Transfer elements equal to the
total number of drives in the system.

Flexibility

Compaq’s MiniLibrary storage architecture is uniquely suited to growing
storage needs. Its flexible library robotics system enables you to start with a
system configured to your present requirements, confident that as your storage
needs evolve, you can easily modify the MiniLibrary by adding modules and
extending the Pass-Thru Mechanism. Add drives for faster performance or
magazine space for greater capacity, as needed. Then just turn on the power,
and immediately the system updates the system map so the host is informed of
the expanded capability.

The Expansion Unit

The Expansion Unit (Figure 1–1) integrates the robotics in the individual
modules into a single, coordinated library robotics system. The Expansion
Unit performs and maintains an inventory of all media present in the system,
including bar code data. All necessary system control operations may be
performed from the control panel of the Expansion Unit, as well as from the
host via software. The SCSI interface for the library robotics is designed for
high-speed communication with the host, and Fast/Wide SCSI configurations.

Introduction 1-3

1

2

3

4

5

6

SHR-1194

Figure 1-1. Expansion Unit Front View

16-Cartridge magazine

1

Magazine security lock

2

Control panel

3

Unlock /Open button

4

Locked indicator

5

Power switch

6

In addition to its system control functions, the Expansion Unit has a 16­cartridge magazine with a rugged random access robotic mechanism. The
module robotics moves cartridges between the Pass-Thru Mechanism and any
of the 16 cartridge storage locations.

The user may designate a magazine in one of the MiniLibrary Base Modules
as a mail slot for inserting or removing one or more single cartridges, which
implements the SCSI Import/Export commands.

NOTE: A magazine that has been reserved for Import/Export service may not be used for
data storage.

1-4 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

The MiniLibrary Base Module

The MiniLibrary Base Module (Figure 1–2) has one or two DLT 20/40 tape
drives and a 10-cartridge magazine with a rugged random access robotic
mechanism. The TL881 using one or two DLT20/40 series drives, also uses
the DLTtape IV cartridges, which provide a native capacity of 20 GB per
cartridge. All models can also read and write DLTtape III and DLT tape IIIxt
cartridges. Both read and write densities are selectable from the front panel,
and under SCSI control from the host. These units are available as differential
rack-mount or table-top versions, as well as a single-ended table-top-only
version.

1

2

3

U

s

e

C

le

Drive

a

n

e

r

L

Fault

o

a

d

e

r

F

a

u

lt

4

5

Figure 1-2. MiniLibrary Base Module Front View

10-Cartridge magazine

1

Magazine security lock

2

Control panel

3

Unlock/Open button

4

Locked indicator

5

Power switch

6

6

SHR-1195

The Data Unit

The Data Unit (Figure 1–3) has a 16-cartridge magazine, a random access
robotic mechanism, and no tape drives. The module robotics, under control of
the Expansion Unit, moves cartridges between the Pass-Thru Mechanism and
any of the 16 cartridge storage locations.

Introduction 1-5

1

2

3

4

Figure 1-3. Data Unit Front View

16-Cartridge magazine

1

Magazine security lock

2

Control panel

3

4
5
6

SCSI Interface Configurations

Systems are equipped with DLT 20/40 drives use a narrow SCSI interface
using high-density 68-pin D-series connectors. The section on SCSI Interfaces
in Chapter 3, Installation, describes the available interface options.

SCSI Bus Performance Considerations

Data Transfer Rate

The data transfer rate of the MiniLibrary is dependent on the type and number
of drives and on the SCSI bus configuration. The bandwidth of the SCSI bus is
limited. As a result, the transfer rate of drives such as the DLT20/40 can be
limited by sharing a SCSI bus with another disc drive on tape. It is
recommended that the MiniLibrary be installed on its own controller for
optimum performance.

5

Unlock /Open button
Locked indicator
Power switch

6

SHR-1194

1-6 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

Drives

With a standard SCSI interface, modules equipped with DLT 20/40 drives
have a native data transfer rate of 1.5 MB/second, 3.0 MB/sec for two drives.
The rates for compressed data are dependent on compression ratio, record size,
data type, and other system parameters, but averages approximately 1:7.

Internal Cabling Configuration

The differential version of the MiniLibrary base module is wired in an
independent-bus SCSI configuration. That is, the robotics and each of the
drives has its own SCSI bus. SCSI jumpers are available for those applications
requiring that some combination of drives and robotics be daisy-chained to a
single SCSI bus. The single-ended table-top version, however, has the first
driver daisy-chained internally to the robotics in order to reduce cable length.
These configurations are described in more detail in the section on SCSI
Interfaces in Chapter 3, Installation.

Physical Configuration

The Expansion Unit must be mounted at the top of the stack, which places its
control panel at a convenient height. The control panels of the MiniLibrary
Base Modules and Data Units are of secondary importance, as they serve
mainly to help localize system failures. When installed, the motor drive
assembly of the Pass-Thru Mechanism is directly behind the Expansion Unit.

MiniLibrary Base Modules may be installed anywhere below the Expansion
Unit, in any order. There may be a slight performance advantage in making the
MiniLibrary Base Modules contiguous, but gaps are permitted. The size of a
gap is limited by the fact that each gap must be bridged by some number of 7"
Pass-Thru Mechanism track sections. For safety, available cover plates should
be installed on all Pass-Thru Mechanism sections that are not connected to
MiniLibrary modules.

The Expansion Unit senses the position of each module during initialization at
power-up. Even if there are gaps between modules, the system will operate
correctly. If you plan to leave gaps between modules, be sure to order
additional Pass-Thru Mechanism track segments and cover plates equal to the
length of the gap.

System Expansion

A MiniLibrary system may be expanded in capacity and performance by
adding or removing TL881 modules. Associated with the Expansion Unit and
each MiniLibrary Base Module is a section of the Pass-Thru Mechanism.

Features

Introduction 1-7

System firmware integrates all of the robotics of these system modules with
that of the Pass-Thru Mechanism into a single high-performance library
robotics system.

There are a number of important external features to note about the Expansion

Unit, the MiniLibrary Base Module and the Data Unit. See Figures 1–1
through 1–7 to locate the features described here.

Control Panel

The control panels for all modules are the same, except for the number of LED
indicators. The control panel features a 4-line by 20-character backlit LCD
display, three or four LED indicators, and four buttons. The buttons enable the
operator to navigate through the menu structure to select and display operating
modes, device status, diagnostic and maintenance functions, device history and
error statistics, and system configuration. The functions of the control panel
are described in detail in Chapter 2, Operation.

Display

The backlit 4-line by 20-character control panel display provides a highly
intelligible presentation of drive and loader status, menu choices and error
messages. The scrolling feature greatly expands the amount of information
available to the operator. In the Expansion Unit, status information is available
for the entire system. The MiniLibrary Base Modules display other
information as needed for localizing malfunctions.

Magazine Security Lock

The Magazine Security Lock is a key-operated switch on the front panel of
each module. It can be used to prevent inadvertent removal of the cartridge
magazine.

Power Supply

The AC Power switch is located on the front panel of the module. The
autoranging power supply will adjust automatically to either of two operating
voltage ranges. The ranges are 100-120 VAC and 200-240 VAC. The power
supply is capable of operating at 50 or 60 Hz without any adjustment or
modification. AC power is supplied to the power supply by a single IEC­compatible socket that can be connected to any properly grounded outlet.

1-8 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

Tape Cartridge Magazines

The 10-cartridge and 16-cartridge magazines are removable from the front
panel, but may be protected from tampering by any of three means: 1) a key­operated Magazine Security Lock which must be unlocked before the
magazine can be removed, 2) an electronic combination lock operated by
using buttons on the Expansion Unit control panel, and 3) issuance by the host

of a SCSI ‘Prevent Medium Removal’ command. The rugged carbon-fiber­reinforced polymer magazine fits into an extruded track, which assures precise
positioning with respect to the library robotics. A 10-cartridge tape magazine
is shown in Figure 1–4. Insertion and removal of the magazine is described in
Chapter 2, Operation.

Integral Fan Cooling

A single forced-air fan is mounted inside each module to provide optimum
cooling for critical parts, and to prevent the drive and robotics electronics,
motors and power supply from overheating.

Library Robotics

The MiniLibrary system features library robotics that can load any of the
cartridges stored in any magazine in the system into any of the tape drives,
moving cartridges among as many as six modules within the MiniLibrary
system.

Bar Code Reader

The bar code reader is mounted on the cartridge shuttle in each module. It
reads bar code labels attached to each cartridge, and maintains the bar code
data in memory as part of the library System Map.

4

3

2

Figure 1-4. MiniLibrary Base Module 10-Cartridge Magazine

Slot 0

1

Front label slide slot

2

Barcode label slide slot (not used)

3

Slot 9

4

Introduction 1-9

1

SHR-1226

1

5

4

3

2

Figure 1-5. Expansion Unit Rear View

Pass-Thru Mechanism

1

4

motor drive
Power connector

2

MiniLibrary Base Module robotics interface connectors

3

5

SHR-1227

Library robotics SCSI interface

Diagnostics connector

1-10 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

1

4

3

2

Figure 1-6. MiniLibrary Base Module Rear View

SCSI interface

1

Expansion Unit interface

2

2

1

3
4

Figure 1-7. Data Unit Rear View

Power connector

1

2

SHR-1228

Power connector
Fan

SHR-1321

Flash connector

Advanced Design Features

The MiniLibrary system incorporates many significant improvements in tape
drive and library design. One of the most important is the use of highly
reliable DLT technology, with media rated by the media manufacturer at better
than 1,000,000 head passes.

Embedded Diagnostics

The MiniLibrary system and each of its modules provide three levels of
embedded diagnostics. The Power-On Self Test (POST) performs various

verification tests on the system’s configuration and host interface and device
control functions, as well as memory tests, at power-up. The second level of
diagnostics is the User Diagnostics, which provide for displaying and
changing configuration options. The third level, Customer Engineer (CE)
Diagnostics, include advanced diagnostics to be used by Customer Engineers
for servicing the MiniLibrary system. Both the User Diagnostics and the CE
Diagnostics may be selected from the front panel.

User Diagnostics are described in greater detail in Chapter 3, Installation.

Error Checking

Introduction 1-11

Drives used in the MiniLibrary system apply a 16-bit parity check to each
record, a 64-bit CRC to each 4 kb of data, and Reed-Solomon error correction
code overall. In addition, there is an internal parity check on the data buffer.

Compression

MiniLibrary system drives use the standard Digital Lempel-Ziv (DLZ) data
compression algorithm.

Capacity

A MiniLibrary Base Module with its 10-cartridge magazine and a single
Expansion Unit with its 16-cartridge magazine offers the formatted capacities
shown in Table 1-1.

1-12 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

MiniLibrary system Tape Capacity

Table 1-1

MODEL CARTRIDGE MAGAZINE

CAPACITY

TL881 DLTtape IV 10 200 GB 400 GB

Expansion Unit DLTtape IV 16 320 GB 640 GB

Data Unit DLT Tape V 16 320 GB 640 GB

FULL MAGAZINE

UNCOMPRESSED

FULL MAGAZINE
COMPRESSED @

2:1

Media Life

The media used in the MiniLibrary is rated by the media manufacturer at over
1,000,000 head passes, and a shelf life of at least 30 years.

Operation Overview

This chapter describes manual operation of the MiniLibrary system. The
system is operated manually through the MiniLibrary Expansion Unit control
panel. Online and offline operations can be done through the control panels of
the MiniLibrary Base Module and the MiniLibrary Data Unit.

Expansion Unit

Chapter

2

Operation

Figure 2-1 shows the front panel of the Expansion Unit. The panel includes a
power switch and the Control Panel, which has pushbuttons, LED indicators,
and a display.

Power Switch

The power switch controls the supply of AC power to the unit. The switch is
recessed into the front panel to prevent accidental power-up or power-down.
Press 1 to turn the unit on and press 0 to turn the unit off.

NOTE: The Expansion Unit must be turned on after or simultaneously with the other
modules. If this is not done, the Expansion Unit may not be notified of the presence of one
or more of the other modules.

2-2 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

1

2

3

4

Figure 2-1. Expansion Unit Front Panel

16-Cartridge magazine

1

Magazine security lock

2

Control panel

3

5

Unlock/Open button

4

Locked indicator

5

Power switch

6

6

SHR-1194

Control Panel

The Expansion Unit Control Panel (Figure 2–2) contains three LED indicators,
a four-line by 20–character backlit LCD display, and four pushbuttons. The
pushbuttons enable the operator to navigate through the menu structure to
select and display operating modes, device status, diagnostic and maintenance
functions, device history and error statistics, and system configuration.

LED Indicators

The three LED indicators on the Control Panel are labeled

Alert (yellow), and Fault (red).

■

Ready (green) - lights when the system is ready to accept commands,

either from the Control Panel or from the host computer. The
indicator goes out when you enter the Menu Mode.

■

Alert (yellow) - indicates that a fault or some other matter that requires

attention has occurred in one of the modules in the system. Line 2 of the
display blinks the number of the module where the fault has occurred.
The Control Panel of the indicated module may give a further indication
of the cause of the alert. Often, when the

Alert LED is lit, a Fault LED

is lighted on one or more of the MiniLibrary Base Modules as well.

Ready (green),

Ready

■

Fault (red) - indicates that a fault has occurred in the Expansion Unit, or

that the magazine door is unable to close. When the Fault LED is
lighted, a Fault Screen appears on the LCD display. The Fault Screen is
described later in this chapter. A list of fault symptom codes (FSC) and
error recovery procedures (ERP) appears in Chapter 6, Diagnostics and

Troubleshooting.

R

eady

A

lert

Fault

Escape

Enter

Operation 2-3

SHR-1229

Figure 2-2. Expansion Unit Control Panel

Pushbuttons

There are four buttons on the control panel, labeled

Escape, Enter, , and

The buttons do not directly control specific functions or options. Instead, you
use the buttons to navigate from the Default Screen through a multi-level
menu structure, then select the desired option from the appropriate menu using

Enter button. Table 2-1 describes the effect of each of the four buttons

the
under various conditions.

The three most important things you need to know about the buttons are:

1. To enter the Menu Mode and display the Main Menu from the Default

Screen, press the

2. To return to the Main Menu from a submenu, press the

repeatedly until the Main Menu appears. Pressing the

Enter button.

Escape button

Escape button

while the Main Menu is displayed exits the Menu Mode and returns you
to the Default Screen. The Default Screen and the Main Menu are
shown later in this chapter.

2-4 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

3. To display the Show Status Menu only without entering the Menu

Mode, press the

Escape button at the Default Screen. The system

remains online.

NOTE: When you enter the Menu Mode at the Expansion Unit, the Ready light on that
module goes out. This means that the MiniLibrary system of
responds to all commands from the host with a SCSI Not Ready until you exit the Menu
Mode and the Ready light goes on. When you enter the Menu Mode at any of the
MiniLibrary Base Modules, the Ready light on that module goes out. This means that the

individual module

pertaining to that module with a SCSI Not Ready until you exit the Menu Mode and the

Ready light goes on.

Screen Escape Enter s Note 1 t Note 1

is

off-line

off-line

, and the system

, and the system responds to all commands from the host

Table 2-1

Control Panel Button Functions

At POST

N/A – Note 2 N/A N/A – Note 3 N/A – Note 3

Screen

At Default
Screen

Displays Show
Status
Submenu

At Status
Submenu

Returns to
Default Screen

(while online)
In Menu Mode Rejects

currently
Displayed
Choice, or

Aborts Control
Panel
Operation In
Progress, or

Exits to Next
Higher Menu
Level, or

Exits Menu
Mode to
Default Screen

Enters Menu
Mode

Same as in
Menu Mode

Accepts
Currently
displayed
Choice

N/A N/A

Same as in
Menu Mode

Moves

One Line
Upward
Through List
of Options,
or

Scrolls Part
of Display 1
Line Toward
Top of List of
Options

Same as in
Menu Mode

Moves

One Line
Downward
through List
of Options,
or

Scrolls Part
of Display 1
Line Toward
Bottom of
List of
Options

continued