Quantum VLS AIT, VLS 4mm, VLS DAT Installation and Operating Guide

VLS 4mm

Installation

and

Operating Guide

Advanced Digital Information Corporation

Copyright Notice

© Copyright

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

This document contains proprietary information which 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

DGLF

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.

DGLF

1994

DGLF

.

May 1997

Document Number 62-0075-01 Rev D

Advanced Digital Information Corporation

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Customer Assistance: (206) 883-HELP

World-Wide Web: http://www.adic.com

BBS: [phone]

Shipping Address: 10201 Willows Road N.E.

Redmond, WA 98052

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 97057

Redmond, WA 98073-9757

DGLF

Europe

Z.A. du Bel-Air

21-23 Avenue Saint Fiacre,

Saint Germain-en-Laye,

78100 France

33 1 3087 5300

Fax: [phone]

DGLF

ii

and

DGLF

Europe are trademarks of Advanced Digital Information Corporation.

Copyright Notice (Europe)

© Copyright 1995

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
Saint-Fiacre, 78100 - Saint-Germain en Laye, FRANCE.

DGLF

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,
other right.

DGLF

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,
publication without obligation on the part of
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.

DGLF

Europe

DGLF

EUROPE, Z.A. du Bel-Air, 21 avenue

DGLF

EUROPE conveys no license under any patent or any

DGLF

EUROPE reserves the right to revise or change this

DGLF

EUROPE to notify any person or

iii

EMI/RFI Compliance

United States – FCC

:

WARNING

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:

•

•

•

•

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.
004-000-00354-04.

Canada – Department of Communications

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class

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.

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 EMI/RFI limit specifications. The
data cable meets this requirement. If you need a replacement cable, be sure to use an
approved shielded cable (to assure acceptability to EMI/RFI requirements).

Two or more VLS units cabled to each other on the same SCSI channel must have a ferrite
bead clamped on the interface cable between the units. The ferrite bead is required to satisfy
the EMI/RFI limit specification. See Appendix A for instructions on installing the ferrite
bead.

iv

DGLF
DGLF

-

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 Virtual Library System
(Produit, Erzeugnis):

Model Number VLS 4mm
(Marque Commercial,
Warenbezeichnung):

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

EMI: EN 50081-1, EN-55022 Class B

EMC: EN 50082-1, IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4

Safety: EN 60950

F-78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Supplementary Information:

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.

4. Power Switch - The power switch used in this product does not disconnect both
supply conductors when placed in the
power from this product, unplug the AC power cord from the receptacle on the
back of the unit.

Caution

OFF

position. To completely disconnect

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...................................................................................................................

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

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

Safety Warnings ..................................................................................................................

Quickstart............................................................................................................................

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

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

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

Unpack and Inspect .................................................................................................. 3

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

The VLS Unit .............................................................................................. 4

Magazine..................................................................................................... 4

Media .......................................................................................................... 5

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

System Software....................................................................................................... 6

Preparing the Host Computer System........................................................................ 7

Power Off the Computer .............................................................................. 7

Confirm and/or Install the SCSI Host Interface............................................. 7

Chapter 2: Connecting the VLS ............................................................................................ 9

Connecting the Interface Cables.............................................................................. 10

Connecting More Than One VLS............................................................................ 12

Powering on the System.......................................................................................... 13

Installing the Backup Software ............................................................................... 14

iii

ii

iv
vi

ix

Chapter 3: Equipment Description ...................................................................................... 15

Front Panel Switches and Indicators........................................................................ 16

Rear Panel Switches and Connectors....................................................................... 18

Menu Items ............................................................................................................ 18

Configuration Menu................................................................................... 20

Buzzer Configuration .................................................................... 20

SCSI ID Config............................................................................. 21

SCSI Parity................................................................................... 22

Off-Line Time ............................................................................... 22

vii

Drive Configuration....................................................................... 23

On-Line Mode............................................................................... 23

Sequential-Access Mode Configuration.......................................... 24

Diagnostics Menu ...................................................................................... 25

Write EEPROM Mode............................................................................... 26

Chapter 4: Operation and Maintenance ............................................................................... 27

DDS-2 Media......................................................................................................... 28

Inserting Data Cassettes into the Magazine ............................................................. 29

Inserting the Magazine into the VLS ....................................................................... 31

Loading the Magazine ............................................................................................ 33

Attempting to Load the Magazine with a Cassette Already in Drive......................... 34

Manually Removing a Cassette Loaded in the Drive ................................... 35

Removing the Magazine from the VLS.................................................................... 36

Removing the Magazine while a Cassette is in the Drive ............................. 37

Loading an Individual Cassette ............................................................................... 37

Removing a Cassette from the Magazine................................................................. 39

Storing the Magazine.............................................................................................. 39

Cleaning the Drive Head......................................................................................... 39

Cleaning the Enclosure ........................................................................................... 43

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting and Diagnostics...................................................................... 45

VLS Error Messages .............................................................................................. 46

Error Messages ...................................................................................................... 47

Drive Warning Signals ........................................................................................... 49

Environmental Considerations................................................................................. 52

When You Call ADIC Customer Assistance............................................................ 52

Return for Repair RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization).................................. 54

Appendix A: Installing the Ferrite Bead.............................................................................. 55

Appendix B: Diagnostics Menu.......................................................................................... 57

Appendix C: Glossary........................................................................................................ 65

Appendix D: Specifications................................................................................................ 71

Index .................................................................................................................................. 75

viii Table of Contents

Quickstart

This Section …

❐

provides a quickstart guide for experts who are familiar with
installing computer hardware and software.

ix

Note

DXU F<C XQc RUU^ cXY``UT gYdX dXU C3C9 94 V_b TbYfU 1 cUd Qd ²!³ TbYfU

2 cUd Qd ²"³ Q^T dXU b_R_dYSc cUd Qd ²#³

❐

Confirm that power is off and that you have a SCSI interface (either a separate
board as offered by

DGLF

or integrated on the mother-board) installed in the host

computer. Consult your computer manual.

❐

Place the

❐

Connect the SCSI interface cable between the SCSI connectors on the computer

DGLF

VLS near the host computer to which it will be connected.

and the back of the VLS.

Terminator

SCSI
Interface
Cable

Host Computer

❐

Make sure there is a terminator installed on the last device of the SCSI chain.

x Quickstart

Note

DGLF

bUS_]]U^Tc dXU ecU _V Q^ ²1\d"³ QSdYfU cY^W\U U^TUT

DGLF

dUb]Y^Qd_b ceSX Qc

❐

Connect the AC power cord first to the VLS and then to the AC outlet. Power on

`^ &!!!"$ !

the VLS. Power on the host computer.

❐

Place the magazine on the carriage by slipping it over the left “magazine position”
pin and then rotating toward the right and pressing into place on the right
“magazine position” pin.

❐

If the application has not already done so, load the magazine by pressing first the

button and then the

ALT

LOAD

button. (If you are in sequential mode, the first

cassette will be inserted in the drive when the load finishes.)

Quickstart xi

Lock

yKey

16-Character

Displa

9,578$/ /,%5$5<

❐

Install or confirm the backup software (to run the VLS) on the host computer.

❐

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

6<67(0

0$*$=,1(

'5,9( $

(6&(17(5 32:(5

'5,9(%

/2&.('/2$' 81/2$'$/70(18

is communicating correctly with the host computer.

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

pad

Locked

LED

Power

LED

xii Quickstart

Getting Started

This Chapter …

❐

covers what you need (and what you need to know) to install the

DGLF

Virtual Library System. Read this section before you begin

installation.

Chapter

1

1

Introduction

The Virtual Library System (VLS) is designed for high-capacity, near and off-line
storage applications, 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 (backup or otherwise)
and applying power. The defaults set at the factory should be sufficient for most
applications.

Requirements

8.0 in.

20.3 cm

❐

Space requirements: the VLS has a footprint of 17.4" x 15.8". You must allow
adequate clearance to the rear and bottom to allow air flow and enough room at
the front to open the door which stands 8" high and is hinged at the bottom.

❐

We assume that you are familiar with your computer system. The VLS must be
incorporated into the host computer system. The backup software, SCSI interface
and SCSI interface cable(s) must be purchased separately.

❐

Mode of operation: You must know whether the VLS will be operating in
sequential or random-access mode. This will be determined by the backup
software you use.

2 Getting Started

15.8 in.

40.1 cm

17.4 in

44.2 cm

❐

Necessary tools: No special tools are required to install the VLS. If you are
installing a host adapter (SCSI controller) card at this time, refer to the installation
manual for your host adapter.

Unpack and Inspect

Caution

If the operating environment differs from the storage environment by
15° C (30° F) or more, let the unit acclimate to the surrounding
environment for at least 12 hours.

❐

Unpack all items from the carton. Save the packing materials in case you need to
move or ship the system in the future.

adic

ONLINERESET UP DOWN

LOCK

MENU ENTER LEFT RIGHT

POWER

Caution

DGLF

You must ship the

VLS in the original or equivalent packing

materials or your warranty may be invalidated.

Getting Started 3

Equipment Description

The VLS Unit

DGLF

The
system designed with a removable data cassette magazine. The door can be locked to
deactivate the unit's keypad, assuring only authorized removal of the magazine and
media. In addition, to protect the unit, data and media, the VLS will not operate unless
the door is closed.

Magazine

VLS is a fully automated, high performance, high capacity, mass storage

Note

DGLF

cdb_^W\i bUS_]]U^Tc dXQd i_e ecU

]UTYQ

_^\i 4_ ^_d QddU]`d d_ ecU QeTY_WbQTU ]UTYQ ceSX ]UTYQ

SQ^ TQ]QWU dXU XUQTc Q^T dQ`U XQ^T\Y^W `Qbdc ° f_YTY^W i_eb
gQbbQ^di

DGLF

Q``b_fUT TQdQWbQTU

The magazine for the VLS holds fifteen 4mm cassettes. It includes a clear dust cover
to protect the cassettes and for ease of storage. Figure 1 shows a 4mm cassette and a
filled magazine with the cover in place.

Figure 1. VLS Magazine for 4mm Cassettes

4 Getting Started

Media

The 4mm VLS uses 4mm DDS data cassettes. Before inserting the cassette into the
magazine check the position of the write-protect switch. Set all switches to the enabled
position – hole closed (refer to Figure 2). (The write-protect switch enables or disables
the ability to write [or delete] files on the data cassette.)

Caution

Only cassettes labeled "DDS" should be used.
cassettes, because the media is not certified. Also, DAT cassettes have
a different mechanical specification which can cause them to jam in
the mechanism.

❐

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

Never

use audio DAT

edge of the data cassette, as shown in Figure 2. If the 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 hole is closed, the data cassette is write
enabled and can be written to or erased. Use a ball-point pen or similar instrument
to set the write-protect switch.

Write-Protect
Switch

Open

(Protected)

Figure 2. 4mm Cassette Showing Write-Protect Switch

Closed

(Unprotected)

Getting Started 5

Cleaning Cassette

The tape heads should be cleaned after every 8 to 10 hours of tape motion or when the
Media Caution indication is displayed. A cleaning cassette (ADIC 39-1028-01) is
shipped with your
with the same or equivalent type cleaning cassette. See Cleaning the Drive Head later
in this manual.

DGLF

VLS. Discard it after approximately 20 uses and replace it

System Software

A variety of backup and data storage software is available for use with the VLS.
Please check with
compatibility of a particular software package.

6 Getting Started

DGLF

Figure 3. 4mm Cleaning Cassette

Sales or Customer Assistance if you have a question on the

Preparing the Host Computer System

Power Off the Computer

❐

Turn off the power switch.

❐

Unplug the cord from the AC outlet.

Confirm and/or Install the SCSI Host Interface

The VLS must be connected to either an integrated SCSI host or a SCSI interface
(host adapter) card installed in the computer – either directly to the I/O connector on
the card or as part of an existing SCSI chain. The SCSI interface must be installed
before you connect the VLS. Refer to the instructions supplied with your selected
SCSI interface.

Now you are ready to connect the VLS to your host computer. Follow the instructions
provided in the next chapter.

Note

DXU X_cd S_]`edUb cicdU] ^_b]Q\\i Yc dXU cUbfUb

Getting Started 7

Blank Page

8 Getting Started

Connecting the VLS

This Chapter …

❐

provides instructions for physically connecting your VLS to your
host system.

❐

steps you through the final phase of the installation process.

Chapter

2

9

Connecting the Interface Cables

Note

DGLF

DXU Y^dUbVQSU SQR\Uc ]ecd RU cXYU\TUT °

S_bbUSd di`Uc

Make sure the interface cable you are using has the appropriate connectors on each
end. If the host computer's SCSI connector is different from that on the VLS, you will
need to obtain a different cable than the one supplied with the unit. Consult your
dealer or

DGLF

Customer Assistance if you need help. Connect the interface cables as

shown in Figure 4 and explained in the following steps:

❐

Check that the power switches on both the VLS and the host computer are off.

❐

Attach one end of the SCSI interface cable to either connector on the rear of the
VLS. Press firmly and secure the bail locks.

VLS

SQ^ ce``\i i_e gYdX dXU

Terminator

SCSI
Interfac e
Cable

Figure 4. Connecting the Interface Cables

10 Connecting the VLS

Host Computer

Note

DXU RQY\ \_S[c Qd R_dX U^Tc _V dXU C3C9 SQR\U ]ecd RU cUSebU\i
VQcdU^UT Y^ _bTUb V_b dXU F<C d_ S_]]e^YSQdU `b_`Ub\i gYdX dXU
S_]`edUb

❐

Plug the other end of the SCSI interface cable into the external connector on the
SCSI port card. Secure firmly.

❐

If this is the only unit you are installing, insert an external terminator plug into the
second SCSI connector at the rear of the VLS. If you plan to connect another unit
on the same SCSI channel, see the next section.

Connecting the VLS 11

Connecting More Than One VLS

If you are connecting additional VLS units on the same SCSI channel, simply attach
each subsequent unit to the previous unit with an interface cable. Make sure all cables
are properly secured. You can attach up to seven devices on each SCSI channel.

2 VLS units

*Ferrite
Bead

SCSI
Interfac e
Cable

Terminator

I/O
Connectors

Host
Computer

(On s am e

SCSI

Channel)

Figure 5. Cable Diagram for two VLS Units

 GXU^ S_^^USdY^W dg_ _b ]_bU F<C e^Ydc d_ Q cY^W\U C3C9 SXQ^^U\ i_e
]ecd Y^cdQ\\ Q VUbbYdU RUQT _^ dXU SQR\U BUVUb d_ 1``U^TYh 1 V_b
TUdQY\c

Each VLS unit contains more than one SCSI device and may require more than one
SCSI ID (depending on the mode of use and number of drives). The first chart below
shows various configurations and the number of SCSI IDs required. The second chart
illustrates how many VLS units you can attach to one SCSI channel (if there are no
other devices on the channel).

12 Connecting the VLS

Note

Note

GXU^ S_e^dY^W C3C9 TUfYSUc [UU` Y^ ]Y^T dXQd Q F<C SQ^ S_^dQY^ e`

d_ dXbUU TUfYSUc 4bYfU 1 4bYfU 2 Q^T dXU b_R_dYSc 4_^d V_bWUd d_

Y^S\eTU Y^ i_eb S_e^d _dXUb TUfYSUc _^ i_eb C3C9 SXQ^^U\ YU Q dQ`U

e^Yd Q^ QTTYdY_^Q\ XQbT TbYfU UdS

Number of SCSI IDs Required

VLS Sequential Mode Random Mode

One drive 1 2

Two drives N/A 3

Maximum VLS units on one Channel

VLS Sequential Mode Random Mode

One drive 7 3

Two drives N/A 2

Powering on the System

❐

Plug the power cord into the back of the VLS.

❐

Plug the power cord from the VLS into a grounded electrical outlet.

❐

Plug the power cord from your host computer into a grounded electrical outlet.

❐

Turn on the VLS power. Turn on the host computer power.

A display similar to the following will appear on the VLS display:

The top line of the LCD is logically divided into a Drive A side (left), and a Drive B
side (right). When the VLS is in the On-Line mode, the LCD displays the current

status of the drives on the top line. The

configured, on-line, and is aligned with the Media Picker. The

symbol indicates that the drive is

symbol indicates that

Connecting the VLS 13

the drive is configured and on-line, but is not aligned with the Media Picker. The

symbol indicates that there is no

configured

drive in that position. The in the 5

th

character position for each drive indicates that the VLS does not know if a cartridge is
currently loaded in that drive. If the VLS had loaded a cartridge into a drive prior to
shut-down, this character and the one proceeding it would reflect the slot number of

th

the magazine that the cartridge was loaded from (01 to 15). The 7

may display a

symbol, indicating that the drive is actively writing or reading.

character position

The bottom line of the LCD, when the VLS is in the On-Line mode, displays the

current status of the magazine. The

characters indicate that the VLS
does not know the current status of the magazine. This is normal immediately
following power-up. If the magazine had been loaded prior to shut-down, the VLS

would display

when repowered..

You are now ready to install the backup software – if it has not already been installed.

Installing the Backup Software

At this point you need to refer to your software installation guide for instructions on
installing the backup/controlling software for the VLS onto the host computer.

After you have completed installation of the VLS and the backup/controlling software,
make sure that your unit is operating correctly by running any diagnostic test(s)
supplied with the backup software.

14 Connecting the VLS

Equipment Description

This Chapter …

❐

describes the switches, indicators and connectors on the front and
rear of the VLS.

❐

describes the various functions available via the front panel
buttons.

Chapter

3

❐

describes the power-up procedure and messages on the front
panel LED display.

15