Quantum VLS DLT User Manual

INSTALLATION

VIRTUALLIBRARYSYSTE

M

AND

OPERATING GUIDE

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.

March 1997

Document Number 62-0100-01 Rev D

Advanced Digital Information Corporation

[phone]

Customer Assistance: (206) 883-HELP

BBS: [phone]

Internet: http://www.adic.com

Shipping Address: 10201 Willows Road

Redmond, WA 98052

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 97057

Redmond, WA 98073-9757

21-23 Avenue Saint Fiacre,

Saint Germaiin-en-Laye,

33 1 3087 5300

Fax: [phone]

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

ii

ADIC Europe

78100 France

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 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 EMI/RFI limit specifications. The ADIC
data cable meets this requirement. If you need a replacement cable, be sure to use an ADIC­approved 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 specifications. See Appendix A for instructions on installing the ferrite
bead.

iv

Declaration of Conformity

according to EN 45014

Manufacturer’s Name:

Manufacturer’s Address:

Type of equipment:

Model No.:

Year of Manufacture:

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

EMI:
EMC:
Safety:

Advanced Digital Information Corporation

11431 Willows Road NE 21-23 Av. Saint-Fiacre
Redmond, WA
98052
USA

Virtual Library System

VLS DLT 400, VLS DLT 700

1998

F-78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
France

EN 50081-1, EN-55022 Class B
EN 50082-1, IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4
EN 60950

Redmond, Washington USA 31-July-1998 On File

Location Date

Signature
Name: Harvey Scott
Title: Mgr, Product Engineering

v

Blank Page

vi

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drives........................................................................................................................... 4

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

DLT Media......................................................................................................................... 6

Cleaning Tape.............................................................................................................. 8

System Software................................................................................................................. 8

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

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

Confirm and/or Install the SCSI Host Interface........................................................... 9

Chapter 2 Connecting the VLS............................................................................................... 11

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

Connecting More than One VLS...................................................................................... 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

Menu Items....................................................................................................................... 21

Configuration Menu................................................................................................... 23

Diagnostics Menu ...................................................................................................... 27

Write EEPROM Mode............................................................................................... 28

Chapter 4 Operation and Maintenance ................................................................................... 29

Inserting the Data Cartridges into the Magazine.............................................................. 30

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

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

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

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

Removing a Cartridge Loaded in the Drive Using the Diagnostics Menu................. 35

Removing the Magazine from the VLS............................................................................37

Removing the Magazine while a Cartridge is in the Drive........................................38

Loading an Individual Cartridge.......................................................................................38

Manually Loading a Cartridge ................................................................................... 39

Semi-automatically Loading a Cartridge....................................................................39

Unloading an Individual Cartridge ................................................................................... 41

Semi-automatically Unloading a Cartridge................................................................ 41

Removing a Cartridge from the Magazine........................................................................ 42

Storing the Magazine........................................................................................................ 43

Cleaning the Drive Head................................................................................................... 43

Cleaning Tape ............................................................................................................43

Head Cleaning Procedure...........................................................................................45

Cleaning the Enclosure.....................................................................................................49

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics...........................................................................51

Installation Problems ........................................................................................................ 52

Library and Drive Operational Problems..........................................................................53

Library Error Messages .................................................................................................... 54

Drive Status and Warning Signals.................................................................................... 55

Use Cleaning Tape Drive LED......................................................................................... 57

Causes of the Use Cleaning Tape LED...................................................................... 58

Environmental Considerations.......................................................................................... 60

When You Call ADIC Customer Assistance.................................................................... 60

Return for Repair RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) ........................................62

Appendix A Installing the Ferrite Bead .................................................................................. 65

Appendix B Diagnostics Menu ............................................................................................... 67

Appendix C Downloading New Firmware..............................................................................75

Appendix D Glossary..............................................................................................................77

Appendix E Specifications...................................................................................................... 81

Index........................................................................................................................................ 85

viii Table of Contents

QUICKSTART

p provides a quick start guide for experts who

are familiar with installing computer
hardware and software.

p Confirm that power is off and that you have a SCSI

HostComputerVLS

interface (either a separate board as offered by ADIC, or
integrated on the mother-board) installed in the host
computer. Consult your computer manual.

p Place the ADIC VLS near the host computer to which it

will be connected.

Terminator

SCSI
Interface
Cable

The VLS has been

í

shipped with the SCSI ID
for the DLT drive set at
"1" and the robotics set
at "3".

x Table of Contents

p Connect the SCSI interface cable between the SCSI

connector on the computer and the back of the VLS.

p Make sure there is a terminator installed on the last

device of the SCSI chain.

p Connect the AC power cord first to the VLS and then to

the AC outlet. Power on the VLS. Power on the
computer.

p Place the magazine on the carriage by slipping it over

the left "magazine position" pin then rotating toward the
right and pressing into place onto the right "magazine
position" pin.

L eft"magazine
p osition"pin

Quickstart xi

p If the application has not already done so, load the

magazine by pressing first the ALT button and then the
LOAD button. (If you are in sequential-access mode, the

first cartridge will be inserted in the drive when the load
finishes.)

p Install or confirm the backup software (to run the VLS)

on the host computer.

xii Table of Contents

p Run any diagnostic tests provided with the backup

software to make sure the VLS is communicating
correctly with the host computer.

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

GETTING STARTED

This Chapter…

p covers what you need (and what you need to

know) to install the ADIC Virtual Library
System. Read this section before you begin
installation.

CHAPTER

1

1

Introduction

ADIC has designed the Virtual Library System (VLS) 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 (backup or
otherwise) and applying power. The defaults set at the
factory should be sufficient for most applications.

Requirements

20.3 cm

8.0 in.

2 Getting Started

20.0 in.

50.8 cm

Figure 1: VLS Dimensions

17. 4 in

44.2 cm

p Space requirements: the VLS footprint is 17.4" x 20.0" x

8.0". You must allow adequate clearance to the rear (2
inches or more) and bottom (do not place on carpeting)
to allow air flow. Also allow enough room at the front to
open the door (which is 8" high and hinged at the
bottom).

p We assume that you are familiar with your computer

system. The VLS must be incorporated into the host
computer system. The backup software, SCSI adapter (if
required) and any additional, or different, SCSI interface
cable (s) must be purchased separately.

p 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.

p 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.

Unpacking and Inspecting

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

CAUTION

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

a dic

ONLINE R ESET UP DOWN

LOCK

MENU ENTER LEFT RIGHT POWER

Figure 2: VLS Packaging Contents

Getting Started 3

You must ship the ADIC VLS in the original or
equivalent packing materials or your warranty may
be invalidated.

Equipment Description

The VLS Unit

The ADIC VLS is a fully automated, high performance, high
capacity, mass storage system designed with a removable
data cartridge magazine. The door can be locked to
deactivate the unit's keypad and to assure 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.

Drives

CAUTION

All drives are available

í

configured for operation
with a single-ended or
differential SCSI bus.

4 Getting Started

The ADIC VLS can be equipped with any of the drives
listed in the following table:

VLS
Model

DLT 400 DLT4000 40GB 180MB/min.
DLT 700 DLT7000 70GB 600MB/min.

Drive
Model

Table 1. Drive Capacity and Transfer Rate

Maximum Capacity
(compressed mode)

Maximum Data
Transfer Rate
(compressed
mode)

Magazine

e

Opensideo

f

ADIC strongly

í

recommends that you
use ADIC approved DLT
media only.

The magazine for the VLS holds seven DLT cartridges. It
includes a clear dust cover to protect the cartridges and for
ease of storage. Figure 3 shows a DLT cartridge and a filled
magazine with the cover in place.

magazine

MagazineCove r

(towards VLS)

Closedside
of magazin

Write-ProtectSwitch

Figure 3. VLS Magazine and DLT Cartridges

Getting Started 5

DLT Media

WRITE-PROTECTSWITCH

WRITE-ENABLED

WRITE-PROTECTEDORANGEINDICATO

R

The data cartridges used in the DLT drives are housed in 4­inch plastic cases and employ ½-inch metal particle tape.
Table 2 describes and lists the media cartridges that can be
used with the three drive models.

Drive
Model

DLT4000 DLTTape III

DLT7000 DLTTape III

Cartridge
Model

DLTTape IIIXT
DLTTape IV

DLTTape IIIXT
DLTTape IV

Table 2. Media Cartridges

Color Tape

gray
white
black

gray
white
black

Length

1100 '
1800 '
1800 '

1100 '
1800 '
1800 '

Capacity

20 GB (compressed)
30 GB (compressed)
40 GB (compressed)

20 GB (compressed)
30 GB (compressed)
70 GB (compressed)

Figure 4: DLT Data Cartridge

The write-protect switch is used to prevent recording over
existing data. To prevent recording or deleting, place the
write-protect switch to the open position. The drive senses
the position of the switch and will not allow writing in this

6 Getting Started

position. When installing cartridges in the library, place the
switch in the closed position (unless you do not wish to
record on a specific cartridge).

If the switch is moved all the way to the left, the cartridge is
write-protected and the drive cannot write to, or erase data
from, the cartridge. The small orange rectangle will be
visible whenever the cartridge is write-protected.
Additionally, an arrow (beneath the orange rectangle and
above the two lines on the switch), lets you know that data
cannot be written to the cartridge. If the switch is moved all
the way to the right, the cartridge is write-enabled and the
drive can write data to, or erase data from, the cartridge. The
orange rectangle will not be visible whenever the cartridge is
write-enabled. On the right side of the write-protect switch
an arrow over one line indicates that if you slide the switch
to the right, data can be written to the cartridge.

Note

• Store data cartridges in a dry, cool environment.

• Never reset or power down your computer or

VLS DLT while a function is in process or a
tape is moving. In addition to getting tape with
missing or corrupted data, you may also get tape
run-on within the drive (a condition that can
produce internal contamination requiring factory
cleaning).

• If a power outage occurs during a back-up

sequence, restart your backup from the
beginning.

Getting Started 7

Cleaning Tape

If the cleaning cycle is

í

noticeably shorter and
the Use Cleaning TapeUse Cleaning Tape
LED remains illuminated
after a cleaning
attempt, the cleaning
tape has exhausted all
of its cleaning cycles.
Replace it with the same
type and repeat the
cleaning.

The tape heads should be cleaned when the Use Cleaning
Tape LED on the drive front panel is illuminated. A

cleaning tape is shipped with your ADIC VLS-DLT. Discard
it when there are no cleaning cycles remaining, and replace
it with the same or equivalent type cleaning tape.

Figure 5:. DLT Cleaning Tape

System Software

8 Getting Started

Cleaning the head should always be performed as the first
step if the Use Cleaning Tape LED is illuminated on the
drive front panel.

A variety of backup and data storage software is available
for use with the VLS. Please check with ADIC sales or
Customer Assistance if you have a question on the
compatibility of a particular software package.

Preparing the Host Computer System

Power Off the Computer

p Turn off the power switch.
p Unplug the cord from the AC outlet.

Confirm and/or Install the SCSI Host Interface

The host computer

í

system normally is the
server.

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 the card.

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

Getting Started 9

Notes

10 Getting Started

CHAPTER

CONNECTING THE VLS

This Chapter…

p provides instructions for physically

connecting your VLS to your host system.

2

p steps you through the final phase of the

installation process.

11

Connecting the Interface Cables

NOTE: The interface

í

cable must be shielded –
ADIC can supply you with
the correct type.

The bail locks, or jack

í

screws at both ends of
the SCSI cable must be
securely fastened in
order for the VLS to
communicate properly
with the computer.

Make sure the SCSI interface cable you are using has the
correct connectors on each end. If it does not, you will need
to obtain a different cable. Consult your dealer or ADIC
Customer Assistance if you need help. Connect the interface
cable as shown in Figure 6 and explained in the following
steps:

p Check that the VLS and host computer power switches

are off.

p Attach one end of the cable to either connector on the

rear of the VLS. Press firmly and secure the bail locks,
or jack screws.

p Plug the other end of the SCSI interface cable into the

external connector on the SCSI port card. Secure firmly.

Terminato r

VLS

SCSI
In terface
Cable

12 Connecting the VLS

Host C omp uter

Figure 6. Connecting the Interface Cable

p If this is the only unit you are installing, insert an

2VLSunits

external terminator 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 More than One VLS

When counting SCSI

í

devices, keep in mind
that a VLS can contain
two devices (the drive
and the robotics). Don't
forget to include in your
count other devices on
the SCSI channel, (i.e. a
tape unit, an additional
hard drive, etc.).

* When connecting two

í

or more VLS units to a
single SCSI channel, you
must install a ferrite
bead on the cable. Refer
to Appendix A for
details.

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. It makes no difference which
connector you use for each connecting cable (see Figure 7).

You can attach up to seven devices on each SCSI channel
(8-bit), or up to fifteen devices on each wide SCSI channel,
but each VLS may represent more than one SCSI device.

*Fe rrite
Be ad

SC S I
Interfac e
C able

Term inator

I/O
C onn ectors

Host
Com p uter

(O n sa me

SC S I

Ch a n n e l)

Figure 7. Cable Diagram for two VLS Units

Each VLS unit contains more than one SCSI device and may
require more than one SCSI address (depending on the mode

Connecting the VLS 13

of operation). The following chart shows the number of
SCSI addresses required in each operating mode. The second
chart illustrates how many VLS units you can attach to one
SCSI channel (if there are no other devices on the channel).

Number of SCSI Addresses Required

Sequential Mode

1 2

Maximum VLS units on one SCSI Channel (8-bit)

Sequential Mode Random Mode

7 3

Maximum VLS units on one wide SCSI Channel

Sequential Mode Random Mode

15 5

Powering on the System

p Plug the power cord into the back of the VLS.
p Plug the power cord from the VLS into a grounded

electrical outlet.

Random Mode

p Plug the power cord from your host computer into a

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

14 Connecting the VLS

grounded electrical outlet.

power.

A display similar to the following will appear:

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

Installing the Backup Software

This is the software

í

that runs the VLS, not
the data being
transferred to the VLS
cartridges. Two
examples of backup
software are Cheyenne's
ARCserve and Legato's
NetWorker.

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 unit and of the
software, to make sure your unit is operating correctly, you
should run any diagnostic test(s) supplied with the backup
software.

Connecting the VLS 15

Notes

16 Connecting the VLS

CHAPTER

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

This Chapter …

p describes the switches, indicators and

connectors on the front and rear of the VLS.

p describes the various functions available via

the front panel buttons.

3

p describes the power-up procedure and

messages on the front panel LCD display.

17

Note: The pick arm must

í

be in its out position.
You can move it
manually when power is
off (or with [ALT] and
[UNLOAD] when power is
on).

Front Panel Switches and Indicators

For the most part, once your Virtual Library System has
been connected to your host computer system and the
software has been installed, the VLS is ready for use. Just
turn on the power switch, place a magazine on the carriage
and press ALT and then LOAD.

If you need to change certain functions, you can use the
front panel keys (as described in the next section).

Switches and indicators on the front of the VLS are shown
in Figure 8 and described in Tables 2 and 3.

18 Equipment Description

Figure 8. Front Panel Display and Keypad