Quantum DAT A User Manual

Installation

Operating Guide

DAT Autochanger

and

Advanced Digital Information Corporation

Copyright Notice

 Copyright adic 1993

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another
language without the prior written consent of adic.

adic shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages
(including lost profits) in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material
whether based on warranty, contract, or other legal theory.

Printed in the U.S.A.

June 1997

Document Number 62-0076-01 Rev H

Advanced Digital Information Corporation

[phone]

Fax: [phone]
Customer Assistance: (206) 883-HELP
World-Wide Web: http://www.adic.com

BBS: [phone]

Shipping Address: 14737 N.E. 87th Street

Redmond, WA 98052

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 97057

Redmond, WA 98073-9757

adic Europe

Z.A. du Bel Air

21-23 Avenue Saint Fiacre,

Saint Germain-en-Laye,

78100 France

33 1 3087 5300

Fax: [phone]

adic and adic Europe are trademarks of Advanced Digital Information Corporation.

ii

Copyright Notice (Europe)

© Copyright 1995 adic Europe

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by
any means, without prior written permission of adic EUROPE, Z.A. du Bel-Air, 21 avenue
Saint-Fiacre, 78100 - Saint-Germain en Laye, FRANCE.

adic EUROPE assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document, and
retains the right to make changes to these specifications and descriptions at any time, without
notice.

This publication may describe designs for which patents are pending, or have been granted.
By publishing this information, adic EUROPE conveys no license under any patent or any
other right.

adic EUROPE makes no representation or warranty with respect to the contents of this
document and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. Further, adic EUROPE reserves the right to revise or change this
publication without obligation on the part of a adic EUROPE to notify any person or
organization of such revision of change.

Every effort has been made to acknowledge trademarks and their owners. Trademarked names
are used solely for identification or exemplary purposes, any omissions are made
unintentionally.

adic EUROPE is a trademark of adic.

iii

EMI/RFI Compliance

United States – FCC

WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception (which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on) the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

You may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is
available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004­000-00354-04.

Canada – Department of Communications

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled "Digital
Apparatus", ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux
appareils numériques de Class B prescriptes dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur:
"Appareils Numériques", NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communications.

Shielded Cables

Shielded data cables are required in order to meet FCC emissions limits. The adic data cable
meets this requirement. If you need a replacement cable, be sure to use an adic -approved
shielded cable (to assure acceptability to FCC requirements).

iv

Declaration of Conformity

according to EN 45014

Manufacturer’s Name: Advanced Digital Information Corporation

Manufacturer’s Address: 10201 Willows Road NE 21-23 Av. Saint-Fiacre

Redmond, WA
98052
USA France

declares, that the product:

Product 1200 Series Tape Library
(Produit, Erzeugnis):

Model Number 1200, 1200C, 1200D, 1200E, 1200G
(Marque Commercial,
Warenbezeichnung):

conforms to the following international specifications, as required by 89/336/EEC & 92/31/EEC:

F-78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

EMI: EN 50081-1, EN-55022 Class B (1)
EMC: EN 50082-1, IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4

Safety:

EN 60950

Supplementary Information:
(1) Testing was conducted using Vfg 243 Class B. Vfg 243 is based on EN55022 but adds

several additional requirements.

Redmond, Washington USA 3-Jan-1996

Location Date Signature/Title

Project Engineering Mgr

v

Safety Warnings

All safety and operating instructions should be read before this
product is operated, and should be retained for future reference.
This unit has been engineered and manufactured to assure your
personal safety. Improper use can result in potential electrical
shock or fire hazards. In order not to defeat the safeguards,
observe the following basic rules for its installation, use and
servicing.

1. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions

should be adhered to.

2. Power Source - The product should be connected to a power source only of the

type directed in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.

3. Power Cord Protection - The AC line cord should be routed so that it is not

likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against it, paying
particular attention to the cord at the wall receptacle, and the point where the
cord exits from the product.

Caution

4. Power Switch - The power switch used in this product does not disconnect both

supply conductors when placed in the OFF position. To completely disconnect
power from this product, unplug the AC power cord from the receptacle on the
back of the unit.

5. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the product beyond that

described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.

vi

Table of Contents

Copyright Notice....................................................................................................................... ii

Copyright Notice (Europe) ......................................................................................................iii

EMI/RFI Compliance............................................................................................................... iv

Safety Warnings....................................................................................................................... vi

Quickstart................................................................................................................................. ix

Chapter 1 Getting Started ......................................................................................................... 1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2

Requirements...................................................................................................................... 2

Unpacking and Inspecting.................................................................................................. 3

Equipment Description....................................................................................................... 4

The DAT Autochanger ................................................................................................ 4

Magazine...................................................................................................................... 5

Media ........................................................................................................................... 6

Cleaning Cassette......................................................................................................... 6

Modes of Operation............................................................................................................ 7

Select or Confirm Random Access Mode.................................................................... 8

Select or Confirm Sequential Access Mode................................................................ 8

SCSI.................................................................................................................................... 9

SCSI ID........................................................................................................................ 9

Preparing the Host Computer System ................................................................................ 9

Power Off the Host Computer ..................................................................................... 9

Confirm and/or Install the SCSI host interface.......................................................... 10

System Software ........................................................................................................ 10

Chapter 2 Connecting the DAT Autochanger......................................................................... 11

Connecting the Interface Cables....................................................................................... 12

Connecting More Than One DAT Autochanger.............................................................. 13

Powering on the System................................................................................................... 14

Installing the Backup Software ........................................................................................ 15

Chapter 3 Equipment Description........................................................................................... 17

Front Panel Switches and Indicators................................................................................ 18

Rear Panel Switches and Connectors............................................................................... 20

vii

Chapter 4 Operation and Maintenance.................................................................................... 21

Inserting the Data Cassettes into the Magazine................................................................22

Inserting the Magazine into the DAT Autochanger..........................................................23

Loading the Magazine.......................................................................................................24

Attempting to Load the Magazine with a Cassette Already in Drive...............................25

If you are using sequential access mode......................................................25

If you are using random access mode...........................................................25

Removing the Magazine from the DAT Autochanger......................................................26

If you are using sequential access mode......................................................26

If you are using random access mode...........................................................27

Removing the Magazine with a Cassette in Drive .....................................................27

Loading an Individual Cassette.........................................................................................27

Removing a Cassette from the Magazine .........................................................................28

Storing the Magazine........................................................................................................28

Cleaning the Drive Head...................................................................................................29

Cleaning the Enclosure.....................................................................................................31

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics...........................................................................33

DAT Autochanger Warning Lights ..................................................................................34

Error Message Codes........................................................................................................ 35

Drive LEDs.......................................................................................................................36

Environmental Considerations..........................................................................................39

When You Call adic Customer Assistance .....................................................................39

Return for Repair RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) ........................................41

Appendix A Glossary..............................................................................................................43

Appendix B Specifications......................................................................................................47

Index........................................................................................................................................51

viii Table of Contents

Quickstart

This Section. . .

p provides a quick start guide for experts who are familiar with

installing computer hardware and software.

ix

Note

The DAT Autochanger has been shipped with the SCSI ID for the drive
set to "0" and the changer (robotics) set to "3".

p Confirm that power is off on your host computer and that you have a SCSI

interface (either a separate board, or integrated on the motherboard) installed in
your host computer. Consult your computer manual.

p Place the DAT Autochanger close to the host computer.

p Connect the SCSI interface cable between the SCSI connectors on the host

computer and the rear of the DAT Autochanger.

Note

adic recommends the use of an “Alt-2” active single ended terminator,
such as adic p/n 61-1124-01.

Host Computer

x Quickstart

DAT Autochanger

SCSI Interface Cable

Terminator

p Make sure there is a terminator installed on the last device of the SCSI chain.
p Connect the AC line cord first to the DAT Autochanger, then to an AC outlet.

Power on the DAT Autochanger. Power on the host computer.

p Install the magazine (with dust cover in place) onto the carriage platform. It may

be necessary to use a side-to-side rocking motion until the magazine snaps into
place.

p Remove the dust cover from the magazine by simultaneously pressing on both

ends (as indicated on cover) and lifting the cover up.

p Close the DAT Autochanger door and load the magazine by pressing the LOAD

button on the front panel. (If you are operating the DAT Autochanger in
sequential access mode, the first cassette will be inserted in the drive when the
load finishes.)

p Install or confirm the backup software (to run the DAT Autochanger) on the host

computer.

p Run any diagnostic tests provided with the backup software to make sure the

DAT Autochanger is communicating correctly with the host computer.

You are now ready to run the DAT Autochanger at a system level.

Quickstart xi

Blank Page

xii Quickstart

Getting Started

This Chapter. . .

p covers what you need, and need to know, to install the DAT

Autochanger. Read this section before you begin installation.

Chapter

1

1

Introduction

adic has designed the DAT Autochanger for high-capacity, near- and off-line storage

applications, such as backup, hierarchical storage management (HSM) and

video/design/data file libraries. For the most part, installation is simply a matter of

checking all necessary SCSI connections, installing the software and applying power.

The defaults set at the factory should be sufficient for most applications.

Requirements

p Space requirements: The DAT Autochanger has a footprint of 17" x 13.5". You

must allow adequate clearance to the rear and sides (2 inches minimum) to allow
airflow and enough room at the front to open the door (which stands 8" high and
is hinged at the bottom).

p Host computer system: We assume that you are familiar with your host computer

system. The DAT Autochanger is controlled by backup software running on your

2 Getting Started

host computer. The backup software, SCSI controller card (if required), and any
additional, or different, SCSI interface cable(s) must be purchased separately.

p Mode of operation: You must know whether the DAT Autochanger will be

operating in sequential access or random access mode. For additional
information refer to the Modes of Operation section later in this chapter.

p Necessary tools: No special tools are required to install the DAT Autochanger. If

you are also installing a SCSI host adapter card, refer to the installation manual
for your host adapter.

Unpacking and Inspecting

Caution

If the temperature of the operating environment differs from that
of the storage environment by 10°C (18° F) or more, let the
DAT Autochanger acclimate to the ambient one hour for every
10° C of difference.

The DAT Autochanger packaging materials have been carefully designed to protect
it from shock, vibration, and moisture. The DAT Autochanger should remain in the
packaging until it is ready to be installed. All original materials should be saved in
case you need to move or ship the system in the future. Unpack all items from the
carton.

Getting Started 3

Caution

You must ship the DAT Autochanger in the original or
equivalent packaging materials or your warranty may be
invalidated.

Equipment Description

The DAT Autochanger

The DAT Autochanger is a fully automated, high performance, high capacity, mass

storage system designed with a removable data cassette magazine. It is composed of

a standard DAT DDS drive and DAT Autochanger-unique hardware (robotics) that

are controlled by application software running on your host computer.

The DAT Autochanger provides unattended, fully automatic, sequential access or

random access to data stored on the cassettes. The robotics moves the DAT (digital

audio tape) cassettes into and out of the DAT drive as needed. High data reliability is

achieved through read-after-write and additional third-level error detection and

correction circuitry (typical error rates are less than one bit in 1015).

4 Getting Started

The heart of the DAT Autochanger is the DAT drive. The DDS (Digital Data
Storage) format uses helical scan technology, originally used in digital audio
recorders, and adapts it for computer data storage. When equipped with a DDS 3
drive, the DAT Autochanger provides up to 24 GB (at an average 2:1 compression)
of removable, highly reliable data storage on a low cost, pocket-sized 125 meter
DAT cassette. A fully loaded twelve-cassette magazine will provide a storage
capacity of 288 gigabytes (at an average 2:1 compression.)

The DAT Autochanger may be used with any computer that supports SCSI, SCSI-2,
or SCSI-3 devices.

Magazine

The magazine for the DAT Autochanger holds twelve DDS cassettes. It includes a
clear dust cover to protect the cassettes and for ease of storage. The following
illustration shows a DDS cassette and a filled magazine with the cover in place.

Note

adic strongly recommends that you use adic approved DDS
cassettes only. Do not attempt to use "audio-grade" media (such
media can damage the head and tape handling parts – voiding
your warranty).

Getting Started 5

Media

The DAT Autochanger uses DDS data cassettes. Never use DAT audio grade

cassettes, because the media is not certified for data storage. Also, DAT audio grade

cassettes have a different mechanical specification, which can cause them to jam in

the drive mechanism.

Before inserting the cassette into the magazine check the position of the write-protect

switch. Set all tabs to the enabled position (unless a tape contains data that you don't

want erased). (The write-protect switch enables or disables the ability to write [or

delete] files on the data cassette.)

To write-protect the data cassette, move the write-protect switch away from the edge

of the data cassette. If the write-protect hole is open, the cassette is write-protected

and cannot be written to (or erased).

To write-enable the data cassette, move the write-protect switch toward the edge of

the data cassette, as shown. If the write-protect hole is closed, the cassette is write

enabled and can be written to or erased. Use a ballpoint pen or similar instrument to

move the write-protect switch.

Cleaning Cassette

The tape head should be cleaned after every 8 to 10 hours of actual tape motion in

the drive or when the Media Caution signal is displayed. A 20-use cleaning cassette

(adic 39-1028-01) is shipped with your DAT Autochanger. Discard it after 20 uses

6 Getting Started

and replace it with the same or equivalent type cassette. See Cleaning the Drive
Head, later in this manual.

Note

After 24 hours of head-tape motion since the last cleaning the
LEDs will flash amber in unison. This flashing in unison is the
Media Caution signal.

Modes of Operation

The DAT Autochanger has two modes of operation. When used in random access
mode the DAT Autochanger allows your backup software to access any cassette in
the magazine randomly. This permits you to logically divide cassette usage to satisfy
particular storage needs. For example, you may assign one or more cassettes to
specific data functions such as certain directories or network servers, or you may
assign cassettes to individual users. Sequential access mode operates the DAT
Autochanger as a stacker. Your backup software will write the data to each of the
cassettes sequentially starting with the first one.

Getting Started 7

Select or Confirm Random Access Mode

To confirm that the random access mode is selected, check to be sure that the mode

selection jumper is installed on the mode selection pins on the back of the control

module panel (your DAT Autochanger is shipped from adic with the jumper

installed).

p Open the DAT Autochanger door. Locate the small circuit board next to the left-

hand hinge. The mode selection pins are located on the underside of the board on
the right side. A jumper should be installed over the pins.

To select the random access mode if the jumper has been removed, simply install the

jumper over the pins.

Select or Confirm Sequential Access Mode

To confirm that the sequential access mode is selected, check to be sure that the

mode selection jumper is not installed on the mode selection pins on the back of the

control module panel (your DAT Autochanger is shipped from adic with the jumper

installed).

p Open the DAT Autochanger door. Locate the small circuit board next to the left-

hand hinge. The mode selection pins are located on the underside of the board on
the right side. The jumper should not be installed over the pins (see Figure 6).

To select the sequential access mode if the jumper has been installed, simply remove

the jumper from the pins.

8 Getting Started