–StorageWorks Building Block (SWXTL-CA)
–Tabletop Tape Drive (SWXTL-CT)
User’s Guide
EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts
First Edition, December 1995
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any
errors that may appear in this document.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth
in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS
252.227-7013.
Digital Equipment Corporation does not give a warranty of any kind regarding the fitness or applicability of
the information content for a particular purpose. The user assumes all responsibility for understanding the
interrelationships of this enclosed information with other affected software or system products.
The disclosure of this information does not grant to the user a license under any patents, pending patents,
trademarks, or copyrights or other rights of Digital Equipment Corporation, or of any third party.
FCC Notice: 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. Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. The shielded interconnect cable, as supplied with the unit,
may not be substituted, nor altered or modified, in any way.
This equipment generates, uses, and can emit radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interferences 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:
• Reorient 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 your reseller or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DECDigital StorageWorks
VMSTZ88and the Digital Logo:
AIX and IBM are trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc.
HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
NetWare and Novell are trademarks of NOVELL, Inc.
Sun, SunOS, and Solaris are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
W
INDOWS NT and MS-DOS™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks used in this publication are the property of their respective
owners
C–1Density Codes for Sun and Solaris ................................................................................................C–3
viOrder Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Revision Record
This Revision Record provides a concise publication history of this guide. I t lists the manual revision levels, r elease dates, and reasons for the revisions. It also describes how the changes to affected pages are marked in
the guide.
The following revision history lists all revisions of this publication and their effective dates.
The publication part number is included in the Revision Level column, with the last entry
denoting the latest revision. This publication supports the StorageWorks SWXTL-BA SBB
and SWXTL-BT Tabletop Cartridge Tape Drives.
Revision LevelDateSummary of Changes
EK–SM1TF–UG. A01December 1995Original release
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01vii
About This Guide
This section identifies the users of this guide and describes the contents and structure. In addition, it includes a
list of conventions used in this guide.
This guide provides a product overview, installation, operation, and maintenance information
for the StorageWorks SWXTL-CA SBB and/or SWXTL-CT Tabletop DLT Cartridge Tape
Subsystems, both of which contain a TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive.
Intended Audience
This guide is intended for people who will install, operate, and maintain the StorageWorks
Chapter 1 gives an overview of the TZ88 Model 20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive,
describes its components, and discusses the drive features. This chapter provides a product
overview of the 20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive and identifies design features
(including basic components and performance considerations). The chapter also includes
overview descriptions of the data tape and cleaning tape cartridges used with this equipment,
defining the basic functions of each, and identifies what is supplied with the tape drive unit.
Chapter 2. Installation and Operation of the SWXTL-CA SBB Tape Drive in a
Storage Subsystem
Chapter 2 provides specific details pertaining to the SWXTL-CA SBB Tape Drive, which is
designed to be operated in a Digital StorageWorks Expansion Storage subsystem. This chap-
ter describes how to unpack the received drive, how to prepare the drive for installation in the
subsystem, how to set the SCSI ID of the tape drive, how to install the device into a Storage-
Works expansion storage subsystem, and how to confirm operation integrity by performing
the Power On Self Test (POST) exercise.
Chapter 3. Installation and Operation of the SWXTL-BT Tabletop Tape Drive
Chapter 3 provides specific details pertaining to the SWXTL-CT SBB Tape Drive, which is
designed to be operated as an independent standalone unit on the desktop, a convenient shelf,
or other flat surface. This chapter describes how to unpack the received SWXTL-BT tabletop
drive, how to prepare the drive for installation, how to set the SCSI ID of the tape drive, how
to perform the Power On Self Test (POST) procedure, and how to connect the tape drive to a
host computer.
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TZ88 Model 20/40 DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators, and Operation,
Chapter 4 describes the tape drive’s LED indicators and how to use them to monitor tape
drive operation. This chapter identifies the switches and LED indicators on the front panel of
the TZ88 Model 20/40-GB tape drive, describes how to use them (including operation of the
power-on self-test (POST), provides use rules for the CompacTape IV DLT cartridge data
and cleaning tapes, gives detailed procedures for correct loading and unloading of the tape
cartridges, and explains how to select a desired density format for recording.
Chapter 5. Maintenance
Chapter 5 describes how to clean the heads of the tape drive, and provides a troubleshooting
table to help diagnose common problems. This chapter describes preventive maintenance and
general troubleshooting for the TZ88 Model 20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive.
Appendix A. Specifications
Appendix A lists the physical, electrical, cooling, environmental, and environmental stabili-
zation specifications for the tape drive.
Appendix B. Product Notes for Novell™ and MS-DOS™
Appendix B provides information for the system administrator about interfacing the TZ88
20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive with a host system operating under the Novell, MS-
DOS, or MS/DOS/WINDOWS operating systems.
Appendix C. Product Notes for Sun™ SunOS 4.1.x and Solaris™ 2.3 Systems
Appendix C provides information for the system administrator about interfacing the TZ88
20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive with a Sun SPARC system running SunOS 4.1.x or
Solaris 2.3 (or later). The information covers the installation of the tape drive hardware and
configuring the system to communicate with the drive.
Appendix D. Product Notes for IBM™ AIX™ 3.2.5 (or later) Systems
Appendix D provides information for the system administrator about interfacing the TZ88
20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive with an IBM™ RS/6000 system running AIX™ 3.2.5
(or later). The information covers the installation of the SWXTL tape drive hardware and
configuring the system to communicate with the drive.
Appendix E Product Notes for Hewlett-Packard
Appendix E provides information for the system administrator about interfacing the TZ88
20/40-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive with an HP 9000 Series 700 system running HP-UX
9.05 (or later) or an HP 9000 Series 800 system running HP-UX 9.04 (or later). The
information covers the installation of the tape drive hardware and configuring the system to
communicate with the drive.
xOrder Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Conventions
This guide uses the following conventions:
StyleMeaning
boldface typeFor emphasis
italic typeFor emphasis and manual titles
About this Guide
__________________________________________
Novell™ is a trademarks of Novell.
MS-DOS™ is a trademark of Micosoft Corporation
SunOS™ and Solaris™ are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
IBM™ and AIX™ are tradaemarks of IBM Inc.
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1
Introduction
This chapter provides a product overview of the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive and identifies
design features (including basic components and performance considerations). The chapter also includes
overview descriptions of the data and cleaning tape cartridges, defining the basic functions of each, and identifies what is supplied with the tape drive.
1.1Product Overview
The StorageWorks TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive is a streaming tape
drive which connects to a SCSI bus. Assuming a 2:1 compression ratio on a CompacTape IV
cartridge, this device can store up to 40 GB of data with compression, or up t o 20.0 GB of
data without compression. The primary uses for this drive are data backup, data archiving,
and loading software onto computer systems. The TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge
Tape Drive comes either embedded in a system enclosure, in which case it i s identified as an
SWXTL-CA StorageWorks Building Block (SBB), or else in an enclosure with a self-
contained power supply, in which case it is identified as an SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape
Drive. This initial section of this document discusses the generic information that is common
to either version; subsequent sections will provide details that are specific to either product.
1.2Design Features
Figure 1–1 shows a view of the front panel, which provides status indicators for system op-
eration, along with an access door for inserting and removing the CompacTape IV tape car-
tridge.
1.2.1 Basic Components
The TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive has an integrated SCSI controller
module that connects to the host computer system’s SCSI adapter. The controller module is
responsible for processing SCSI commands and for initiating tape drive operations. In the
case of the SBB the connection to the SCSI bus is made through the StorageWorks Expan-
sion Storage Pedestal, as discussed in Chapter 2. For the Tabletop device, the connection to
the SCSI bus must be made through an appropriate cable, depending on the type of host
adapter that is used and/or the desired physical length of cable (See Chapter 3).
1.2.2 Performance Considerations
The performance you can achieve with the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape
Drive can depend on a number of considerations, including your system processor. When set
to compressed mode, this tape drive theoretically can back up 10.8 GB of data per hour (tape
streaming at maximum speed and recording highly compressible data). In a host-based
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TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
configuration, proper choice of system processor, cache, hard drive, adapters, and backup
software can help to approach this throughput rate. Host SCSI IO or other computerintensive operations on the host CPU reduces throughput to tape.
Figure 1–1 Front Panel of TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
When data is being passed from or to client workstations in a client-server environment,
additional parameters having to do with reduced local area network bandwidth, network traffic, or lower client workstation performance characteristics will also tend to reduce maximum
throughput to the tape drive.
1.3Data Tapes
1.3.1 CompacTape IV Description
The CompacTape IV cartridge is a 4-1/8-inch square, black, plastic cartridge, containing
1800 (1778 usable) feet of 1/2-inch magnetic, metal particle (MP) tape. A write-protect slide
switch on the front surface lets you select between two positions: write enabled (switch
moved to the right), which lets the tape drive write data on the tape, and write protected
(switch moved to the left), which prevents the tape drive from writing over data you want to
preserve (See Figure 1–2).
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NOTE
CompacTape III and IIIXT tape cartridges can also be used with
the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB Cartridge Tape Drive. The CompacTape III cartridge contains 1167 (usable) feet of 1/2-inch magnetic
tape and has a storage capacity of 10 GB uncompressed and 20
GB compressed. The CompacTape IIIXT cartridge has a white
plastic case, contains 1778 (usable) feet of 1/2-inch magnetic tape
and has a storage capacity of 15 GB uncompressed and 30 GB
compressed.
Figure 1–2 CompacTape IV Data Cartridge
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.3.2 Cartridge Packaging
Your CompacTape IV cartridge comes supplied with:
1. A set of slide-in labels
2. A cartridge-handling information sheet
1.4Reading and Writing Data
The TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive writes 64 pairs of tracks — 128
tracks total — on the CompacTape IV tape. The drive reads and writes data i n a two-track
parallel, serpentine fashion, traveling the entire length of tape on two tracks. The drive then
steps the head, reverses tape direction, and continues to read/write on the next two tracks, re-
peating this same process for a total of 64 times per tape.
1.4.1 Write-Protecting Data
The CompacTape IV cartridge has a write-protect slide-bar switch on its front surface that
prevents accidental erasure of data. When you move the switch to the left, so that a small or-
ange rectangle is visible in the aperture over the left arrow symbol on the switch (see
Figure 1–2), the tape is write-protected and data cannot be written to the tape. When you
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TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
move the switch to the right, so that no orange color shows in the rectangular aperture, the
tape is write-enabled, and the tape drive can write to the tape. The symbols on the slide-bar
switch indicate this function by depicting data flow as a downward-pointing arrow and the
tape medium as a horizontal line below the arrow’s point. The arrow on the left side of the
slide-bar switch depicts a barrier line between the data-flow arrow and the tape; this symbolizes that the data cannot reach the tape when the switch is moved to the left. No such barrier
line appears below the arrow on the right side of the switch, indicating that data can flow to
the tape when the switch is moved to the right.
1.5Head Cleaning Tape
Head cleaning tape is used to maintain the cleanliness of the read/write heads in the tape
drive. Accumulation of dirt on the heads can cause read and/or write errors. The head
cleaning tape should be used periodically, the length of the period depending on use of the
drive.
1.5.1 CleaningTape III Description
The CleaningTape III cartridge is a 4-1/8-inch square, light yellow, plastic cartridge containing 1200 feet of 1/2-inch cleaning tape (see Figure 1–3). For information on using the
CleaningTape III cartridge, refer to Table 4–8.
Figure 1–3 Cleaning Tape
1.5.2 CleaningTape III Packaging
The CleaningTape III cartridge comes supplied with:
1. A slide-in label containing 20 boxes, one box to be checked off following each sequential use of the CleaningTape III cartridge (refer to Section 1.5.3).
2. A cartridge-handling information sheet.
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1.5.3 CleaningTape III Cartridge Expiration
Each use of the CleaningTape III cartridge uses up some of the cleaning area on the tape.
You can use the CleaningTape III cartridge approximately 20 times before the cleaning area
is used up. After that many uses, the cartridge will be ineffective and should be replaced with
a new cartridge.
To keep track of the number of times the tape has been used, place a check mark in one of
the 20 boxes on the cartridge label after each cleaning.
1.6Supplies
1.6.1 Cartridges Provided
One CompacTape IV cartridge and one CleaningTape III cartridge come with each TZ88
Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive, in the shipping package.
1.6.2 How To Order Replacement Cartridges
You can order additional cartridges by contacting your Digital reseller or by calling Digital’s
DECdirect ordering service at 1-800-
Chapter 1. Introduction
DIGITAL in the U.S.A.; in Canada, call 800-267-6215.
Table 1–1 lists ordering numbers for various quantities of cartridges for the TZ88 Model
20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drives:
Table 1–1 Ordering Numbers for Data Tapes and Cleaning Tape
CompacTape IV Tapes
Order NumberDescription
TK88K-01CompacTape IV Data Cartridge (quantity, 1)
TK88K-07CompacTape IV Data Cartridge (quantity, 7)
TK88K-A1CompacTape IV Data Cartridge (quantity, 945)
CompacTape III Tapes
Order NumberDescription
TK85-HCCleaningTape III Head Cleaning Cartridge
TK85K-01CompacTape III Data Cartridge (quantity, 1)
TK85X-01CompacTape IIIXT Data Cartridge (quantity, 1)
TK85K-07CompacTape III Data Cartridge (quantity, 7)
TK85K-A1CompacTape III Data Cartridge (quantity, 945)
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A011–5
2
Installation and Operation of the
SWXTL-CA Tape Drive
in a Storage Subsystem
This chapter provides specific details pertaining to unpacking, preinstallation setup, installation, and POST operational testing of the SWXTL-CA StorageWorks Building Block (SBB) Tape Drive, which is designed to be
operated in a Digital StorageWorks Expansion Storage Pedestal.
2.1Introduction
The SWXTL-CA Tape Drive is housed in an SBB storage carrier and is designed for installation into a StorageWorks Storage Expansion Pedestal subsystem. The drive occupies three
adjacent slots in the storage enclosure and is configured as one of up to seven devices on the
SCSI bus. This chapter describes how to unpack the drive, how to prepare the drive for installation, how to set the SCSI ID of the tape drive, how to install the device into a StorageWorks Expansion Storage Pedestal subsystem, and how to perform the Power-On Self-Test
(POST) procedure.
2.2Unpacking
Unpack and inspect the contents of your shipment. It should contain the following items:
•This guide
•One TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
•One blank CompacTape IV data cassette tape cartridge
Also, check the contents for damaged components. Notify your vendor immediately if any
items are damaged. Keep all boxes and packing material for reshipment.
2.3Preinstallation Procedures
Perform the following procedure before installing the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge
Tape Drive.
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TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
2.3.1 Setting the SCSI ID Address of the Tape Drive
The storage enclosure slots are numbered 0 through 7, from top to bottom, with the power
supply occupying slot 7. The SCSI address switches on the rear of the SBB (refer to
Figure 2–1) are preset at the factory to automatic — SW-1, SW-2, and SW-3 set off (to left);
SW-4, SW-5, and SW-6 set on (to right). This setting means that the SBB tape drive will
have the address of whichever physical slot is connected. Because of the low position of the
unit’s backplane interface connector, this physical connection will be to the lower of the
three slots occupied by that unit. Physically, this means it will be one of slots 2 through 6, as
applicable. If you want a different specific logical address for any reason (i.e., if you wish to
use SCSI ID 0 or 6, or any specific value in between, regardless of physical location of the
unit), you can set the tape drive to any desired logical address by manually changing the settings of switches SW-1, SW-2, and SW-3 on the SCSI switch pack, as delineated in Table
2–1, before inserting the SBB into the pedestal.
Figure 2–1 SWXTL-CA Tape Drive SCSI ID Switches
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Chapter 2. Installation and Operation of the SWXTL-CA Tape Drive in a Storage Subsystem
Table 2–1 SWXTL-CA Tape Drive SCSI ID Switch Settings
2.4Installing the SWXTL-CA SBB Tape Drive Into a Storage Pedestal
CAUTION
Refer to the applicable documentation for your host computer
and/or your specific operating system before installing the drive.
This installation procedure assumes that you have already installed and appropriately cabled a StorageWorks Storage Expansion Pedestal and have checked out that subsystem as applicable,
so that it is ready to receive this SBB unit.
You install the SWXTL-CA SBB tape drive in a storage enclosure by inserting the drive so
that the connector on the lower portion of the rear surface fits into any available SCSI device
storage slot.
The drive can be installed using the hot-swap method where the drive is installed with the
host system powered on and operating, or with the cold-swap method where the host system
is powered off. Before using the hot-swap method, consult your system administrator to ensure that your operating system supports this type of installation.
To install the tape drive:
1. Open the door on the front bezel of the StorageWorks Expansion Storage Pedestal sub-
system (refer to Figure 2–2) and remove the bezel by pressing down on the plastic locking tabs at the bottom inside surface of the bezel (just in front of the power supply) and
then pulling the bottom of the bezel forward, after which you can simply lift the entire
bezel assembly free.
2. Remove the filler panel (or any previously mounted SBB) from the desired three adjacent
device slots in the storage subsystem by squeezing the locking handles at the ends of
each respective panel (or SBB) and removing the panel (or SBB).
3. Install the tape drive in the open slot, sliding the drive in firmly until its locking handles
snap into place.
4. Perform the POST test, as described in the following subsection, to verify the operational
integrity of the drive.
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TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Figure 2–2 Installing the SWXTL-CA into an Expansion Storage Pedestal
2.5Power-On Self-Test (POST)
The power-on self-test (POST) exercise verifies the proper installation of the tape drive. The
test can be performed with the host computer powered on, if your operating system permits,
and with the SCSI bus either connected or disconnected. Refer to Figure 2–3 for the locations
of the front panel LED indicators on the drive. To execute the power-on self-test, proceed as
follows:
The description of the indicator sequence described in the following procedure describes what happens when the TZ88 Model
20/40 GB tape drive is powered on.
If all the left- or all the right-side indicators lit, the POST test has
failed. Repeat the test to clear the failure (power off and then on).
If the test still fails, replace the drive.
NOTE 1
NOTE 2
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Chapter 2. Installation and Operation of the SWXTL-CA Tape Drive in a Storage Subsystem
Figure 2–3 Tape Drive Front Panel Controls and Indicators
1. Ensure that there is no cassette tape in the drive.
2. Power on the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive device, either by cy-
cling the storage enclosure’s power switch off and on or, if other SBB units in that subsystem are active and should not be powered down, by hot-swapping the SBB unit under
test (i.e., pull it free from the pedestal and then slide it back into its operating position).
3. Observe that all left-side panel indicators initially light, with all right-side indicators then
lighting sequentially, from top to bottom.
4. All left-side panel indicators should go out within 1 second after power is applied. All
right-side panel indicators remain lighted for 3 to 5 seconds and then go out, except for
the Tape in Use indicator. This indicator continues to blink for a few seconds while tape
mechanism searches for tape. When the indicator goes out, an internal beeper sounds to
alert the operator and the green Operate Handle indicator becomes steadily lit indicating
that the door latch is released and that the cartridge insert/release handle can be pulled up
to allow insertion of tape.
5. Load a cassette tape into the drive (as shown in Figure 4-3) and observe the Tape in Use
indicator. The indicator initially should blink momentarily at 1-second intervals after the
handle is closed (pushed down) as the tape drive engages the tape, then double-blink at
the same interval while the tape is being moved to the correct position. Depending on
whether this is a new tape or a tape with some previously recorded data, this blinking
period can extend from 20 seconds to a few minutes after the cassette is loaded, until the
tape has reached the position for recording new data. The Tape in Use indicator should
remain steadily on.
6. After the unit passes POST, connect the subsystem to your host computer through ap-
propriate SCSI interface cables, and then have your system administrator assign a device
name to the drive, if applicable.
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TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
If you are connecting the tape drive to a fast, single-ended SCSI
bus, the interface cable cannot exceed three meters (9.8 feet). If
you are connecting the tape drive to a slow, single-ended SCSI
bus, the interface cable can be up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) in
length. In both cases, this maximum cable length includes not only
the length of cable from the storage enclosure to the host computer but also the length of bus internal to the storage enclosure
(including the backplane) and the length of bus internal to the host
computer.
NOTE
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3
Installation and Operation of the
SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive
This chapter provides specific details pertaining to the Tabletop Tape Drive that is designed to be operated as
an independent standalone unit. The chapter tells how to unpack the tabletop unit, how to perform required
preinstallation adjustments, set the SCSI address, operate the power-on self-test, and connect the unit to your
host system.
3.1Introduction
CAUTION
Refer to applicable instructions for your specific operating system
before installing the drive and executing the power-on self-test
procedure.
The SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive is an independent unit that requires a shelf space
measuring at least 9-1/4” wide by 13” deep (plus cable connection space). Connection to
your host computer is accomplished through a SCSI-bus interface cable. To install the drive,
you first must set the SCSI ID address to the desired device number. You can then power-up
the drive and confirm that the power-on self-test (POST) procedure confirms the operational
integrity of your tabletop unit. Once you know the tape drive is fully operational, you can
connect an applicable SCSI interface cable from the connector at the rear of the SWXTL-CT
Tape Drive to the SCSI-bus interface card in your host system and, if applicable, terminate
the SCSI bus.
This chapter describes how to unpack the received SWXTL-CT tabletop drive, how to prepare the drive for installation, how to set the parity capability and SCSI ID of the tape drive,
how to perform the initial Power-On Self-Test (POST) procedure, and how to connect the
tape drive to your host computer.
3.2Unpacking
Unpack and inspect the contents of your shipment. It should contain the following items:
• This guide
• CompacTape Handling and Storage Guidelines
• One StorageWorks TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive Operator’s Refer-
ence Card
• One SWXTL-CT Tabletop DLT cassette tape drive
• One blank CompacTape IV cassette tape cartridge
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A013–1
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
• One CleaningTape III head-cleaning tape cassette
• One SCSI bus terminator
• One power cable
Also, check the contents for damaged components. Notify your vendor immediately if any
items are damaged. Keep all boxes and packing material for reshipment.
Confirm that you have received, either as a separate shipment or as part of this same order,
an appropriate SCSI-bus interface cable, corresponding to the type of SCSI interface controller mounted in your computer system. (Refer to Table 3–1).
The 50-pin low-to-low-density cable is compatible with most ISA-type SCSI-bus adapters.
2
The 50-pin high-density cable is compatible with either of:
a. Most EISA-bus and PCI-bus SCSI adapters.
b. Daisy-chain connection to StorageWorks storage enclosures.
c. Most Sun, HP, and IBM single-ended adapters
Low-Density
50-pin
Low-Density
50-pin
3.3Preinstallation Procedures
Perform the following procedure before installing the SWXTL-CT tape drive.
3.3.1 Setting the SCSI ID Address of the Tape Drive
The SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive contains a push-button counter switch in the upper
right corner of the rear panel. The push-button counter is preset at the factory to SCSI ID 0,
but you can easily set the tape drive to any desired specific address by manually changing the
setting of the counter. The single-digit counter shows the current SCSI ID address selection.
Each time you press the button located just above the counter readout, the counter (and the
SCSI ID address) increments to the next higher value, until you reach 7, the upper limit.
Each time you press the button located just below the counter readout, the counter (and the
SCSI ID address) decrements to the next lower value, until you reach 0, the lower limit. Select an ID which does not conflict with a previously installed device.
Chapter 3. Installation and Operation of the SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive
3.4Installation of SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive
The SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive is an independent unit that requires a shelf space
measuring at least 9-1/4” wide by 13” deep (plus cable connection space). Connect the tape
drive to an appropriate power source, using the supplied power cable, as follows:
1. Plug the female end of the power cord into the power jack at the rear face of the tape
drive unit and then plug the other end of that cord into an appropriate power source,
providing 120/240 Vac at 50/60 Hz.
2. Observe the POST test described in the following subsection to verify the operational
integrity of the drive.
3.4.1 SWXTL-CT Power-On Self-Test (POST)
The POST test verifies operational integrity of the tape drive. The first time that you run this
test, the SWXTL-CT tape drive unit should be disconnected from the host computer, with no
tape cartridge in the drive. Once you have confirmed that the tape drive is operational, you
can run the POST checkout with the host system connected, as desired. Refer to Figure 3-1
for the locations of the front panel LED indicators on the drive.
To execute the power-on self-test, proceed as follows:
NOTE
If all the left- or all the right-side indicators lit, the POST test has
failed. Repeat the test to clear the failure (power off and then on).
If the test still fails, replace the drive.
1. Ensure that there is no cassette tape in the drive.
2. Power on the tape drive (depress top “I” portion of I/O rocker switch on rear panel).
3. Observe that all left-side panel indicators initially light, with all right-side indicators then
lighting sequentially, from top to bottom.
4. All left-side panel indicators should go out within 1 second after power is applied. All
right-side panel indicators remain lighted for 3 to 5 seconds and then go out, except for
the Tape in Use indicator. This indicator continues to blink for a few seconds while tape
mechanism searches for tape. When the indicator goes out, an internal beeper sounds to
alert the operator and the green Operate Handle indicator becomes steadily lit indicating
that the door latch is released and that the cartridge insert/release handle can be pulled up
to allow insertion of tape.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A013–3
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Figure 3–1 SWXTL-CT Tape Drive Front Panel Controls and Indicators
5. Load a cassette tape into the drive (as shown in Figure 4–3) and observe the Tape i n Use
indicator. The indicator initially should blink momentarily at 1-second intervals after the
handle is closed (pushed down) as the tape drive engages the tape, then double-blink at
the same interval while the tape is being moved to the correct position. Depending on
whether this is a new tape or a tape with some previously recorded data, this blinking
period should extend from 20 seconds to a few minutes after the cassette is loaded, until
the tape has reached the applicable position for recording new data, after which the Tape
in Use indicator should remain steadily on.
6. After the unit passes POST, turn the power off and connect the unit to your host com-
puter through appropriate SCSI interface cables, as follows. If applicable, have your
system administrator assign a device name to the drive.
NOTE
If you are connecting the tabletop tape drive to a fast, singleended SCSI bus, the interface cable cannot exceed three meters
(9.8 feet). If you are connecting the tape drive to a slow, singleended SCSI bus, the interface cable can be up to 6 meters (19.7
feet) in length. Table 3–1 provides part-number identifications for
ordering appropriate cables.
a. Connect the appropriate 50-pin-connector end of the SCSI cable to either of the
two vertically oriented jacks at the upper right rear of the tape drive unit.
b. If this tape drive is the last unit on the SCSI bus, make sure that the supplied
terminator is securely fastened in place in the adjacent connector.
3–4Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 3. Installation and Operation of the SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive
c. Connect the other end of the SCSI cable to the applicable connector provided on
the SCSI controller card in your host system.
d. After the unit is connected to the SCSI bus, you may wish to repeat the power-on
self-test exercise to confirm the operational integrity of all connections.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A013–5
4
Controls, Indicators
and Operation
This chapter identifies the switches and LED indicators on the front panel of the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT
Cartridge Tape Drive, describes how to use them (including operation of the power-on self-test (POST), provides use rules for the CompacTape I V cartridge data and CompacTape III cleaning tapes, gives detailed procedures for correct loading and unloading of the tape cartridges, and explains how to select a desired density
format for recording.
4.1General
Digital’s TZ88 Model 20/40 GB family of DLT Tape Drives offer outstanding performance
and integrity, combined with ease of use. All normal-use operator controls are mounted on
the front panel, consisting of two push-button switches, a pull-down handle, and several
color-differentiated LED indicators to indicate operational status at any given time. The drive
uses these indicators to “report” when the unit is ready for a tape, data format of the tape currently mounted, when the heads need to be cleaned, and when it is safe to take a tape out of
the drive, as well as whether or not the tape cartridge currently is write-protected.
4.2Front-Panel Controls and Indicators
All operating controls are located on the front panel (refer to Figure 4–1).
The cartridge insert/release handle provides simplified tape loading and unloading proce-
dures, that are printed on the handle. This handle must be operated in order for a tape cartridge to be loaded or removed, but must not be operated unless the green Operate Handle
indicator is lit.
The right-side front panel of the tape cassette drive contains four LEDs (Write Protected,
Tape in Use, Use Cleaning Tape, and Operate Handle) and one push-button switch (Unload
push-button).
Table 4–1 identifies each of these indicators/controls and gives the operating condition and
function of each one.
The left-side front panel of the tape cassette drive contains six LEDs (2.6, 6.0, 10.0, 20.0,
Compress, and Density Override) and one push-button switch (Density Select). Table 4–2
identifies each of these indicators/controls and gives the operating condition and function of
each one.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–1
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Figure 4–1 Front Panel Layout of TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
4.2.1 Unload Push-Button
CAUTION
Pressing the UNLOAD push-button during normal tape operations
may halt the tape and result in the loss of data.
Pushing Unload causes the tape drive to rewind the tape and then unload the tape from the
tape drive mechanism back into the cartridge. The tape must be completely rewound and
unloaded into the cartridge before you remove the cartridge from the drive. Depending on the
tape position when you press Unload, an unloading operation may take from 10 seconds to 3
minutes.
In the event that the tape drive is writing data to the tape when you press Unload, the 2 tape
drive flushes any buffered write data to the medium before beginning the unloading sequence.
If the drive is in error state (all four right-side panel indicators flashing), pushing Unload
causes the tape drive to reset and unload the tape.
4.2.2 Cartridge Insert/Release Handle
Operate the cartridge insert/release handle to load a cartridge or to eject a cartridge only when
the Operate Handle indicator is lit. The handle lifts to the open position and lowers to the
closed position. (See Section 4.5.3 for cartridge loading procedures, Section 4.5.5 for cartridge unloading procedures.)
4–2Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
Table 4–1 Right-side Front Panel Indicators and Controls
LabelColorStateOperating Condition or Function
Write ProtectedOrangeOnLoaded tape is write-protected.
OffLoaded tape is write-enabled.
Tape in UseYellowOnTape is loaded, ready for use.
BlinkingTape is moving.
Use Cleaning TapeYellowOnDrive heads need cleaning, or else
current data cartridge is bad.
Remaining on after
you unload cleaning
tape.
Turns on again
when data cartridge
is loaded after
cleaning.
OffCleaning is complete or unneces-
Operate HandleGreenOnCartridge insert/release handle is
OffCartridge insert/release handle is
UnloadRecessed
(pushed in)
At rest
(out)
All right-side front
panel indicators
On (simultaneously)Power-on self-test is starting.
BlinkingAn error has occurred. Press the
Cleaning tape attempted to clean
the drive heads, but was expired
(insufficient cleaning area), so
heads were not adequately
cleaned.
Data cartridge may be defective; try
another cartridge.
sary.
unlocked and can be operated.
locked. Do not operate handle.
Used to unlock the tape cassette
door handle (press and hold for 1 to
2 seconds).
Normal inactive condition for this
spring-loaded push-button switch.
Unload push-button or turn drive
power off and then on again to clear
the error.
4.2.3 Density Select Switch
Pushing (momentarily only) of the Density Select causes the tape drive first to enter the
density-select mode and then, with each subsequent momentary pressing, to select the nextin-sequence density selection. In addition, this switch also functions as an enable/disable selection switch for the tape drive’s compression capability when the drive is operating in the
10.0 or 20.0 GB density mode.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–3
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Table 4–2 Left-side Front Panel Indicators and Controls
LabelColorStateOperating Condition or Function
2.6YellowOnIndicates tape was last recorded in
6.0YellowOnIndicates tape was last recorded in
10.0YellowOnIndicates tape was last recorded in
20.0YellowOn (default)Indicates tape was last recorded in
CompressYellowOnCompression mode is enabled.
Density OverrideYellowOnA density selection has been set from
Density SelectRecessed
2.6-GB format.
BlinkingIndicates tape was last recorded in an-
other density but has been selected for
recording in 2.6-GB density for a write
from BOT.
6.0-GB format.
BlinkingIndicates tape was last recorded in an-
other density but has been selected for
recording in 6.0-GB density for a write
from BOT.
10.0-GB format or 15.0-GB when used
with a CompacTape IIIXT.
BlinkingIndicates tape was last recorded in an-
other density but has been selected for
recording in 10.0-GB density for a write
from BOT.
20.0-GB format.
(Compression can be done in 10.0- or
20.0-GB density, only.)
OFFCompression mode is disabled.
the drive’s front panel.
Off (default)Density selection is under host control or
else is automatic.
BlinkingUnit is in density selection mode; press-
ing Density Select push-button at this
time will cause next-higher density option to be selected.
If Density Override indicator is off, acti-
(pushed in)
At rest
(out)
vates density selection mode, causing
that indicator to blink. If Density Override indicator is blinking (meaning density selection mode is already active),
causes next higher density option to be
selected.
Normal inactive condition for this springloaded push-button switch.
4–4Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
4.3Power-On Self-Test (POST)
The POST (Power-On Self-Test) test, which is performed automatically whenever the tape
drive is powered on, verifies operational integrity of the tape drive. Operation of the POST
exercise for the different models is delineated in Section 2 for the SWXTL-CT and Section 3
for the SWXTL-CT Tabletop, as part of the installation procedures, but is repeated here, generically, for convenience. The operation may be performed with the host system power on (if
your operating system permits) or off, and with the SCSI bus connected or disconnected.
(Refer to Figure 4–1 for the locations of the front panel LED indicators on the drive.)
If all the left- or all the right-side indicators lit, the POST test has
failed. Repeat the test to clear the failure (power off and then on).
If the test still fails, replace the drive.
To execute POST, proceed as follows:
1. Power on the tape drive (if you are using the tabletop unit, depress top “I” portion of I/O
rocker switch on the rear panel; if you are using an SBB mounted in a storage pedestal,
turn on pedestal power or else pull the SBB tape drive out and then push it back into
place).
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
NOTE
2. Observe that all left-side panel indicators initially light, with all right-side indicators
lighting sequentially, from top to bottom.
If the SCSI bus is not connected, all left-side panel indicators stay lit; if the SCSI bus is
connected, all left-side panel indicators should go out within 1 second after power is
applied. All right-side panel indicators remain lighted for 3 to 5 seconds and then go out
except for Tape in Use indicator. This indicator continues to blink for a few seconds
while tape mechanism searches for tape. Subsequent indicator activity depends on
whether or not a tape cartridge is present in the tape drive, as defined in Table 4–3. (If a
tape is present, the Tape in Use indicator continues to blink until the applicable point for
recording new data is under the recording head, at which time that indicator becomes
steadily lit. If no cartridge is present, the Tape in Use indicator goes out, the unit beeps,
and the green Operate Handle indicator lights which indicates that the door latch
is released.)
Following initialization, the drive is in one of the four states defined in Table 4–3.
NOTE
Under normal conditions, you should not power up a tape drive
with a tape cartridge mounted, so that only conditions a and d in
Table 4–3 would apply. The two intervening conditions, describing
situations in which a tape was already mounted before power was
applied, are included to cover emergency situations.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–5
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Table 4–3 Operating States of TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive Unit
Following Initialization
Starting ConditionStatus Light Sequence
a.If no tape cartridge is mounted
in drive and the drive passes
POST.
b.If a cartridge is present in the
drive and the cartridge insert/release handle is down
c.If a cartridge is present in the
drive and the cartridge insert/release handle is up.
d.If the drive detects an error
condition.
1
.
2
(1)The yellow Tape in Use light turns off.
(2)The internal audio-transducer alarm beeps.
(3)The green Operate Handle light turns on.
(4)The handle is unlatched.
You can now raise the handle and insert a tape
cartridge into the drive.
(1)The drive loads the tape cartridge.
(2)The yellow Tape-in-Use light blinks while the tape
is mounting and then lights steadily.
(3)The left-side indicator corresponding with the last-
written density format of the current tape cartridge
lights.
(4)The Density Override blinks.
You can now select a density (refer to Selecting Den-
sity section); the drive is ready for use.
(1)The yellow Tape in Use light turns off.
(2)The internal audio transducer beeps.
(3)The green Operate Handle light flashes.
When you lower the handle, the cartridge loads.
All right- or left-side lights blink repeatedly.
Try to unload the tape and reinitialize the drive by
pressing the Unload push-button or by turning drive
power off and then on again (or, if you have an SBB, by
hot-swapping that unit). If you do this, the right- or leftside lights stop blinking and the drive tries to reinitialize;
if the attempt succeeds, the lights momentarily turn on
steadily again and then go off.
1
Not recommended. Shutting down power while a tape cartridge is still mounted in the drive
can result in damage either to the tape cartridge (and/or its data) or to the drive, itself.
2
Not recommended.
4.4Status Indication of Tape Drive LEDs
The status of the tape drive under different conditions is indicated by the Write Protected and
Tape in Use LEDs. In the normal operating state, the Write Protected LED only indicates the
write-protect status and the Tape in Use LED only indicates the drive activity and load status.
Table 4–4 describes the status conditions represented by the LEDs. Refer to Figure 4–1 to
identify the LEDs on the front panel.
4–6Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
Table 4–4 Tape Drive LED Status
StatusWrite Protected LEDTape in Use LED
No tape loaded.OffOff
Tape loaded, write en-
abled.
Tape loaded, write-
protected.
No SCSI/drive activity.Off
SCSI/drive activity.Off
Load sequence.Off
Yellow (steady)
Blinks on and off to track activity
Blinks yellow @≈1-second interval
(25% on).
Yellow continuously when done.
Indicates drive activity.
(25% on).
Goes off when done.
Indicates drive activity.
†
Off
Flashes orange @ 2 Hz for
first few seconds, then goes
off for remainder of powerup test sequence.
Resume normal operation,
†
.
off
Yellow, blinking.
Normal indications.
Double-flashes yellow @≈1-second
interval for length of test.
Normal activity indications when
test complete.
interval.
4.5CompacType IV DLT Tape Cassette
The data tape cartridge is a 4-1/8-inch, gray, plastic cartridge containing 1800 feet of 1/2inch magnetic metal particle tape. The medium is a half-inch cartridge or ANSI-compatible
equivalent. It is written and read using the interchange format proposed in the applicable
pending ANSI X3B5 project.
NOTE
You can order the CompacTape IV data cartridge (Part No.
TK88-01) and/or the cleaning cartridge (Part No. TK85-HC) from
your reseller or by calling DECdirect at 800-DIGITAL in the U.S.A.
or 800-27-6215 in Canada. (Refer to Table 1-1 for tape cartridge
part numbers.)
CAUTION
Appropriate label cards are supplied with each tape cartridge. Always place the label in the recessed area on the cartridge. Never
affix a label over another label. Also, please note that any substitute media must meet ANSI X3B5 certification requirements.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–7
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
To ensure optimal performance from your cassettes tapes, observe the care and handling
guidelines provided in Section 4.5.7, Preserving Cartridges.
4.5.1 Write-Protect Switch
The tape cartridge has a write-protect slide-bar switch on the right side of its front surface so
that you can prevent the accidental overwriting of data stored on the tape (see Figure 4–2).
To read or copy from
orange area is exposed in the rectangular aperture directly over the left-side arrow on the
switch, indicating that the tape is in its “write-protected" state. This prevents writing to the
tape and ensures that data will not be accidentally overwritten. Use the following guidelines
when setting the write-protect tab:
• If you are reading data (copying from tape), set the write-protect tab to “Write Protected”
(to the left, orange area showing).
• If you are writing data (writing to tape), set the write-protect tab to “Write Enabled” (to
the right, orange area not
• When loading a tape cassette into the drive, make sure the cassette's write-protect tab is
on the right, facing you.
the tape cassette, slide the write-protect bar-switch to the left, so that an
showing).
Figure 4–2 CompacTape IV Data Tape Cartridge
4.5.2 Data Protection
If you move the cartridge write-protect switch to the left, the drive turns on the Write Protected LED immediately. If the drive is writing to the tape when you move the switch, however, write-protection does not take effect until that write has been completed.
Table 4–5 describes what happens to data protection when you move the write-protect switch
before loading the cassette.
4–8Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
Table 4–5 Moving Write-Protect Switch Before Tape Drive Operation
If you move the Write Protect switch ...Then ...
To the left, with the orange area showing
through the aperture above the left arrow symbol on the switch ...
To the right, with no orange area showing in the
aperture above the left arrow on the switch ...
The tape drive cannot write data to the
tape.
The tape drive can write data to the tape (if
the tape is not software write-protected).
Table 4–6 describes what happens to data protection when you move the write-protect switch
during operation.
Table 4–6 Moving Write-Protect Switch During A Read/Write Operation
If you move the Write Protect switch ...Then ...
From the write-protected position (left) to the
write-enabled position (right, no orange area
showing in aperture above left arrow symbol) ...
From the write-enabled position (right) to the
write-protected position (left, orange area
showing in aperture) ...
The tape becomes write-enabled after
variable amount of time (in the order of
seconds).
The tape becomes write-protected after a
variable amount of time (in the order of
seconds, unless write operation is in process, in which case the effect does not become active until that write operation is
completed).
a
4.5.3 Loading A Cartridge
The cartridge insert/release handle on the front of the drive provides outline procedures for
loading a cartridge into the tape drive (right side of handle) and unloading a cartridge from
the drive (left side of handle). The following is a more detailed version of the procedure for
loading a cartridge (refer to Figure 4–3).
CAUTION
Never operate the cartridge insert/release handle unless the green
Operate Handle indicator is steadily lit.
1. When the green Operate Handle indicator is lit steadily, pull the cartridge insert/release
handle open by pulling the bottom edge up and forward.
2. Insert the rear end of the cartridge (opposite from the surface containing the write-protect
switch) into the aperture behind the handle, right side up (name on top, with arrows on
write-protect switch on front pointing down).
3. Push the cartridge assembly into the drive until the cartridge reaches its full-stop position, with the cartridge fully pressed into the unit.
4. Push the insert/release handle closed by pushing front edge back and down.
After the door becomes closed, the green Operate Handle indicator goes out and the yellow Tape in Use indicator blinks to show that the tape is loading. When the tape is at the
BOT (beginning of tape) marker, the yellow Tape in Use indicator lights steadily. The
tape is then ready for use.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–9
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Figure 4–3 Loading Cartridge Into Tape Drive
4.5.4 Tape in Use
When the yellow Tape in Use light is on steadily, the tape is ready for use. While the tape i s
being read, written to, or rewound, the yellow Tape in Use indicator blinks. Table 4–7
describes what is happening during cartridge use:
Table 4–7 What is Happening During Cartridge Use (Right-Side Indicators)
If ...It means ...
1.The yellow Tape in Use indicator is
on steadily.
2.The yellow Tape in Use indicator
blinks irregularly.
3.The yellow Tape in Use indicator
blinks regularly.
4.The audio transducer beeps and the
green Operate Handle indicator
turns on.
5.All four right-side indicators blink.An error has occurred during operation.
A cartridge is loaded, but the tape is not moving.
This condition can mean that no application is communicating with the controller, or that the application
is communicating but is not delivering commands for
tape motion.
A read or write is in progress.
The tape is loading, unloading, or rewinding.
The tape is unloaded.
4–10Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
4.5.5 Unloading A Cartridge
NOTE
The following procedure presumes that the operator manually initiates the unloading sequence by pressing the Unload pushbutton. In some host-driven applications, the application software
may issue the appropriate system software command to initiate
the unloading sequence, producing the same effect.
1. Press the Unload push-button on the front panel’s right side (or issue the appropriate
system software command). The yellow Tape in Use indicator blinks as the tape rewinds.
2. When the internal audio transducer beeps and the green Operate Handle indicator lights
steadily, pull the cartridge insert/release handle open by pulling the bottom edge up and
forward. (Refer to Figure 4–4).
3. Remove the cartridge by pulling it forward from the aperture.
4. Push the insert/release handle closed by pushing front edge back and down.
Figure 4–4 Unloading Cartridge From Tape Drive
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–11
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
4.5.6 Using the Tape Cleaning Cartridge
Table 4–8 explains when you should use the cleaning cartridge.
The cleaning cartridge expires after approximately 20 uses, after
which time there is insufficient cleaning area remaining on the
cleaning tape to adequately clean the heads.
Table 4–8 When To Use the Cleaning Cartridge
If ...It means ...And you should ...
1.The yellow Use
Cleaning Tape indicator lights.
2.A particular cartridge causes the
Use Cleaning Tape
indicator to turn on
frequently.
3.The Use Cleaning
Tape indicator
turns on after you
clean the drive
heads and reload
your data cartridge.
4.The Use Cleaning
Tape indicator is
on after you load
the cleaning cartridge.
The drive heads need
cleaning or the tape is
defective (see Item 3, in
this table).
The data cartridge may
be defective.
Your data cartridge may
be causing the problem.
Cleaning has not been
done and the cleaning
cartridge has expired.
NOTE
Use the cleaning cartridge. Follow the
instructions in Section 4.5.5 for unloading the data cartridge, then follow the
instructions in Section 4.5.3 to load the
CompacTape III Cleaning tape into the
drive. The cleaning operation begins
automatically as soon as the cartridge
insert/release handle becomes closed.
When cleaning is complete, the internal
beeper sounds to tell you to remove
the cleaning cartridge.
Back up this data on another cartridge,
and then discard the old cartridge. A
damaged cartridge may cause unnecessary use of the cleaning cartridge.
Try a different data cartridge.
Discard and replace the cleaning cartridge.
4.5.7 Preserving Cartridges
Remove a cartridge from the tape drive before turning off or powering down the host system. Failure to remove a cartridge can result in damage to the cartridge and/or to the tape drive.
To prolong the life of a cartridge, return the cartridge to its plastic
case and secure the case cover when you remove the cartridge
from the tape drive.
4–12Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
CAUTION
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
To maximize the life of recorded or unrecorded cartridges, store cartridges in a clean environment with the following conditions:
• Do not drop or bang the cartridge. Doing so can displace the tape leader, making the car-
tridge unusable and possibly damaging the drive.
• Keep tape cartridges out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and other heat sources.
o
• Store tape cartridges in temperatures between 10
C and 40o C (50oF to 104oF). For
longer cartridge life, always store the cartridge in its plastic container and in room envi-
o
ronment conditions of 72
F ± 7oF (22oC ± 4oC).
• If the tape cartridge has been exposed to heat or cold extremes, stabilize the cartridge at
room temperature for the same amount of time it was exposed—up to 24 hours.
• Do not place cartridges near electromagnetic interference sources, such as terminal, mo-
tors, video, or X-ray equipment. (Data stored on the tape can be altered by the electromagnetic interference created by such sources.)
• Store tape cartridges i n a dust-free environment where the relative humidity is between
20% and 80%. For longer cartridge life, store the cartridge at 40% ± 20% relative humidity.
• Place an identification label only in the slide-in slot on the front of the cartridge; do not
affix any adhesive label to the surface of the cartridge.
• Do not adhere labels to the cartridge anywhere except in the slide-in slot.
4.6Selecting Density
The TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive is designed to write and read in either
20-GB (uncompressed) or 40-GB (compressed) data format on DLT cartridge tapes. The tape
drive also can both read and write in lower-density formats used in earlier DLT systems, as
designated in Table 4–9. All selections, including the compression mode (which constitutes
another density selection), are selectable by the Density Select push-button switch. This section describes the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive’s density select features.
Table 4–9 Density Selections Available On TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT
Cartridge Tape Drive
Front Panel
DesignationCartridge Type/FormatStorage Capacity
2.6CompacTape III/TK852.6 GBF
6.0CompacTape III/TK866.0 GBF
10.0CompacTape III/TZ8710.0 GBF, uncompressed;
20.0CompacTape IV/TZ8820.0 GBF, uncompressed;
20.0 GBF, compressed
CompacTape IIIXT/TZ87X15.0 GBF, uncompressed;
30.0 GBF, compressed
40.0 GBF, compressed
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A014–13
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
If you reuse a tape on which other data was previously recorded,
and write from the Beginning Of Tape (BOT), all previously recorded data is lost, including density changes.
4.6.1 How To Select Density At The Front Panel
To select density with the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive:
1. Insert a tape cartridge into the tape drive. The yellow Tape in Use indicator blinks while
the tape loads and calibrates.
2. Wait until the yellow Tape in Use indicator becomes and remains steadily lit, indicating
completion of the calibration process.
3. Press and release the Density Select push-button on the front panel’s left side one time
(momentary depression only; do not hold down) to enter the density-select mode. The
Density Override indicator lights. If this is a previously recorded cartridge, the indicator
corresponding to the density selection used the last time this tape was written to also
lights.
CAUTION
4. Press and release the Density Select switch again (momentary depression, only) to cause
the indicator corresponding to the next-in-sequence density option to blink, and repeat
this action as necessary until the indicator corresponding to the desired density option is
blinking. (If this cartridge was previously recorded in a different format, the indicator
corresponding to the tape’s current density selection remains steadily lit. If this is a blank
tape, each indicator goes out when the next-in-sequence density is selected, except that
the 10.0 or 20.0 indicator remains lit if you press the Density Select button again to enable compression mode, in which case both the density indicator and Compress indicators will be blinking.)
5. After the host system writes new data to the tape in the selected format, the indicator corresponding to the selected density lights steadily, and the indicator identifying the lastused density option goes out.
4.6.1.1 Selection of 40-GB Compression Mode
Depending on the type of data involved, the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Tape Drive can
store up to double the amount of data on a tape. This compression capability is another density selection. When the tape drive is operating in regular 20.0 mode (only the yellow 20.0
indicator is lit), the tape drive can store up to 20 GB on a CompacTape IV DLT data cartridge and can transfer data (read or write) at a rate of up to 1.5 MB/s. When the tape drive is
operating in compressed 40.0 mode (both the yellow 20.0 indicator and the adjacent Compress indicators are lit), the tape drive can store up to 40 GB on a CompacTape IV cartridge
with data transfer rates of up to 3.0 MB/s (write) and 3.5 (read).
4–14Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 4. Controls, Indicators and Operation
4.6.1.2 Reformatting a 2.6-GB Formatted Tape to 10-GB
CAUTION
If you reuse a tape on which other data was previously recorded,
and write from the Beginning Of Tape (BOT), all previously recorded data is lost, including density changes.
Suppose, for example, that you have installed a CompacTape III tape cartridge with a prerecorded 2.6-GB density, and you use the Density-Select push-button to select the 10.0 density. You should observe the following:
• The Density Override indicator i s lit, indicating that a density selection has been made
from the front panel.
• The 2.6 indicator lights and remains lit, indicating that the tape was previously re-
corded at the 2.6-GB density.
• After you momentarily press the Density Select push-button a second time, the 10.0
indicator blinks, the 2.6 indicator remains steadily lit. The reformatting write process
begins after the appropriate command is issued from the host computer.
After the completion of the write from BOT, you should observe the following:
• The 10.0 indicator becomes steadily lit.
• The 2.6 indicator goes out.
• The Density Override indicator remains lit.
If you momentarily press the Density Select push-putton after the drive has completed the
10-GB reformat, the tape drive goes into its compression mode. The 10.0 indicator remains
lit and the Compress indicator lights. Assuming a 2:1 data compression ratio, 20-GB of data
can be stored on a CompacTape III.
4.6.2 Density Selection Rules
Density selection occurs in accordance with the following rules (See also Table 4–10):
READ or WRITE APPEND Density Selection
The indicator on the left side of the front panel of the drive will designate the density of the
tape currently mounted in the drive.
WRITE From BOT Density Selection
Full-tape density for a new tape or one that is to be reused may be selected by:
• Use of the front-panel Density Select push-button. (Using the Density Select push-
button always overrides an existing selection.)
• Programmable host commands from the application software.
• If neither of these two conditions exists, however, the selected density will be the de-
Regardless of the operating conditions, a write from BOT destroys
existing data on the tape.
You can use the drive’s control panel at various times, not just after loading a tape. Density selection will be inactive until a write
command is issued (at BOT). The controller remembers the lastused density selection state until you do one of the following:
• Change the density selection.
• Unload the tape.
Table 4–10 Results of Density Selection
If ...Then ...
You did not press the Density Select
push-button.
You pressed the Density Select pushbutton, and the actual (last-used) density of the tape loaded in the drive is the
same as the density you selected.
You pressed the Density Select pushbutton, and the actual (last-used) density of the tape loaded in the drive differs
from the selected density option.
CAUTION
NOTE
The corresponding indicator on the left side of the front
panel lights to show the actual density of the loaded
tape while the tape is reading or writing. The applicable
drive density indicator lights steadily, and the Density
Override indicator is not lit.
Both the indicator for the actual density and the Density Override indicator light.
The following conditions should occur during the initial
portion of the writing process:
The Density Override indicator lights steadily.
The indicator next to the designation of the actual (last-
used) density designation lights steadily.
The indicator next to the designation of the desired
density option blinks.
If the actual/default density of the currently loaded tape
is 6.0 GB, for example, and you have selected the 10.0
density option, the 6.0 indicator initially lights steadily
to show the current format, the 10.0 indicator initially
blinks to show that you have selected that format, and
the Density Override indicator remains steadily lit until
the BOT signal is processed, marking the actual beginning of writing. After that actual writing begins, the
Density Override indicator remains steadily lit during
the writing process, but the 6.0 indicator goes out and
the 10.0 indicator becomes steadily lit.
4–16Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
5
Maintenance
This chapter describes preventive maintenance and troubleshooting for the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT
Cartridge Tape Drive. It identifies common errors, describes how to clean the heads of the tape drive, and
provides a troubleshooting table to help diagnose common problems.
5.1Introduction
This chapter describes what to do if you have problems with your tape drive or tape.
5.2Common Errors
5.2.1 Avoiding Basic Problems
You can avoid some errors by following these basic guidelines:
• Use the correct cartridge type, as delineated in Chapter 1, Table 1–1. (Any substitute
media must comply with ANSI X3B5 certification requirements.)
• Care for your cartridges (both data and cleaning) in accordance with the guidelines in
Chapter 4.
• Make sure the cartridge leader and the drive leader are i n their correct positions. (Refer to
Section 5.4.)
• Unload the cartridge before powering down the tape drive.
• Do not load a cartridge until after tape drive is initialized.
5.2.2 Error Influences
If an error occurs during tape drive operation, you may be able to correct the error yourself.
Factors influencing errors include the following:
• Defective media.
• Dirty drive heads.
• Operator or user errors.
• Incorrect backup commands.
Use Table 5–1 to interpret error symptoms, determine their cause, and to take corrective
action.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A015–1
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Table 5–1 Possible Corrections for Common Error Situations
SymptomProbable CausePossible Correction
Failure to mount or
read/write with new or
used cartridge.
Application softwaregenerated initialize
command fails with
parity error.
Green Operate Handle
indicator stays lit and
tape does not move;
Yellow Tape in Use indicator is lit but does
not blink.
All right-side or left-side
indicators are blinking.
Bad cartridge.Retry same operation with a different car-
Dirty drive head(s).Use CleaningTape III head-cleaning car-
Tape calibration failed.Use CleaningTape III head cleaning car-
Cartridge loading error.Dismount the cartridge and inspect it for a
Drive failed self-test or
detected a hard error
during operation.
tridge.
tridge (see Section 4.5.6).
tridge, or else try a different data cartridge.
mispositioned leader (see Section 5.4.1 in
this chapter). If the drive leader is not in the
correct location, call your reseller or Digital
services.
Inspect the drive for a damaged, misplaced,
or unhooked leader (see Section 5.4.2 in
this chapter). If the drive leader is not in the
correct location, call your reseller or Digital
services.
Try to clear the error by pressing the Unload button, or turn power off and then
back on again. If the error does not clear
(the tape does not rewind and unload, and
the lights blink), you have a hardware failure; call your reseller or Digital services.
5.3Cleaning the Heads
This section describes how to clean the heads of the tape drive. The heads are the components that physically read and write data to and from the cassette tape (media). We recommend that you perform the head-cleaning procedure approximately every two weeks, or after
50 hours of drive usage. Under normal conditions, it should not be necessary to exceed this
cleaning schedule. If a particular cassette causes problems, try another data cassette.
Never attempt to clean the heads in a manner other than
described in the following procedure. Doing so will void the product
warranty.
To clean the heads, use the CleaningTape III head-cleaning cartridge, as follows:
1. Apply power t o the tape drive and wait for the internal audio transducer to beep and the
green Operate Handle indicator to light.
2. Pull open the cartridge insert/release handle and insert the yellow CleaningTape III head-
cleaning cassette (Part No. TK85HC) into the drive for its full length, then close the
handle (refer to Figure 4–3).
CAUTION
5–2Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Chapter 5. Maintenance
3. When you close the cassette insert/release handle after inserting the tape, the drive auto-
matically executes the head-cleaning operation, which takes at least 30 seconds. When the
head-cleaning cassette has completed this task, the tape drive electronics (1) stop the
drive, (2) unlatch the cartridge insert/release handle, and (3) turn on the green Operate
Handle indicator so that you can remove the head-cleaning cartridge.
4. Mark the frequency-of-use label on the head-cleaning cassette, placing a check mark in
the next-available square on the card each time you use the head-cleaning cassette.
CAUTION
Remove the head-cleaning cassette as soon as possible following
completion of the cleaning operation. Leaving a head-cleaning
cassette in the drive might result in redundant cleaning operations
each time power to the tape drive unit is turned off and on,
resulting in unnecessary wear on the tape drive’s read/write
heads.
Under normal conditions, the head-cleaning cassette is effective for about 20 cleanings. If the
head-cleaning cassette has been overused, so that it i s expired, the Use Cleaning Tape will
remain lit after you load the cleaning cassette, and no cleaning action will take place. If this
happens, try another cleaning tape.
5.4Inspections
5.4.1 Checking the Cartridge Leader
Before you use a tape cartridge, be sure its tape leader is in the correct position, as illustrated
in Figure 5–1. Lift the door latch with your thumb and open the small door on the rear face
of the cartridge to expose the leader.
5.4.2 Checking the Drive Leader
To examine the drive take-up leader, tilt the cartridge receiver door on the front of the drive
and look inside to see that the drive leader is connected to the buckling link-hook, which
should be engaged in the leader slot as illustrated in Figure 5–2 and Figure 5–3.
CAUTIONS
Do not touch exposed magnetic tape inside your tape cartridge;
the normal oil on your skin can damage the tape and cause
subsequent problems with respect to writing new data or reading
data already stored.
If the tape leader inside the cartridge is not in the correct position,
do not try to fix it. Instead, discard that cartridge and substitute a
different cartridge.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A015–3
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Figure 5–1 Checking the Cartridge Leader
Figure 5–2 Correct Engagement of Take-Up Leader in Tape Drive
5–4Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Figure 5–3 Correct and Incorrect Positions of Tape Drive Leader
Chapter 5. Maintenance
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A015–5
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
5.5Troubleshooting
Table 5–2 describes some common drive problems and suggests possible solutions.
Table 5–2 Troubleshooting Table
SymptomProbable CausePossible Solution
Unable to back up or
copy data to tape.
Write Protected
indicator flashes
orange.
Tape in Use and Write
Protected LEDs flash
rapidly in unison.
Cartridge writeprotected.
No tape in drive.
Excessive tape errors.Perform head cleaning procedure
Dirty heads or bad
media.
1. Set write-protected tab on cartridge
to write-enabled.
2Insert tape.
(Section 5.3) . If error repeats, try
another tape.
Eject tape. Perform head cleaning
procedure (Section 5.3) . If error
repeats, try another tape.
After applying power,
nothing happens. All
indicators off, except
green Operate Handle
indicator.
Drive not available to
system.
Drive error, possibly a
hard failure.
No tape loaded.Load tape.
Drive not plugged in. (If
SBB unit, Storage
Expansion Pedestal may
not be plugged in.)
SCSI ID switches set to
incorrect address.
Defective SCSI cable.
Eject tape. Power off and power on the
drive. If error repeats, replace the
drive.
1. Check ac power source.
2. Check SCSI ID switch settings.
3. Ensure power cable is plugged in
and SCSI cable is seated properly.
5–6Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
A
Specifications
This appendix describes the physical, electrical, and environmental specifications for the TZ88 Model
20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive, covering both the SWXTL-CA StorageWorks Building Block (SBB) & the
SWXTL-CT Tabletop DLT Cartridge Tape Drive.
Read/write speed110 in/s, streaming
Transfer rate, raw native2.5 MB/s
Transfer rate, user native1.5 MB/s
Transfer rate, user
compressed
Repositioning time (typical)1.3s
Error rate, detected1 in 1017 bits read
Error rate, undetected1 in 1030 bits read (calculated)
Error correction codeCustom Reed-Solomon ECC
Drive interfaceSCSI-2
Passes per cassette tapeOver 500,000 passes
Power requirements (SWXTL-
CT)
Over 3.0 MB/s maximum Write
Over 3.5 MB/s maximum Read
120/240 Vac @ 60/50 Hz
Data organization
Recording format128-track serial serpentine fixed block
Recording density62,500 bits/in
Track density256 tracks/in
Data encoding2,7 RLL
Record sizeVariable up to 64 KB with 4-KB blocking factor
Data compression algorithmDLZ
Maximum capacity (formatted)40 GB (per cartridge)
†
Assumes a 2:1 compression ratio.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01A–1
†
DLT 20/40 GB Cartridge Tape Drive
Table A–1 TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape
Drive Specifications (Continued)
CharacteristicSpecification(s)
Recording medium:
Tape0.5 metal particle (MP) tape, 1400 to 1500 Oersted, 360
LengthType IV: 1780 ft (usable)
CartridgeCompacTape IV 0.5-in tape in a 4.1x4.1x1 in cartridge
Durability500,000 tape-head passes
Shelf life10 years minimum @20°C and 40% RH (noncondensing)
Operating environment:
Temperature10°C to 40°C
Relative humidity20% to 80% noncondensing
Altitude (maximum)8,000 ft
Software support
Physical Characteristics
SWXTL-CA SBB Tape Drive
Height14.52 cm (5.72 in)
Width23.49 cm (9.25 in)
Length33.22 cm (13.08 in)
Weight7.7 Kg (15.9 lb)
SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drive
Height13.49 cm (5.31 in)
Width23.50 cm (9.25 in)
Length33.22 cm (13.08 in)
Weight7.7 Kg (16.9 lb)
micro inches thick
Refer to Appendix B
A–2Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
B
Product Notes for
™
Windows NT, Novell
This appendix provides information for the system administrator, who should read this appendix before
installing and using the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive (SWXTL-CA o r SWXTL-CT) with a
host system operating under the Windows NT, Novell, MS-DOS, or MS-DOS/WINDOWS operating systems.
and MS-DOS
B.1Host SCSI Interface
The TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive devices (SWXTL-CA and SWXTLCT) use the standard SCSI-2 command set to interface to the PC-based host system.
Therefore, the host system must be equipped with a SCSI adapter to properly interface the
tape drive with the host. For example, the host SCSI adapter might interface the computer's
PCI bus to the SCSI-2 port of the tape drive.
A host PC SCSI adapter is normally supplied with a compatible software driver for use with
its operating system. When operating under the Novell and MS-DOS or under the MSDOS/WINDOWS operating systems, the software driver must be preloaded in accordance
with the SCSI adapter manufacturer’s installation procedure in order to ensure a proper
interface between the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive and the host. In
addition, a user-level tape read/write software program may be required to implement tape
support under the Novell, MS-DOS, or Windows NT
commercial software products available that provide host or network-based functionality
(data backup and restore, archiving, data logging, etc.) for these operating systems.
1
environments. There are many
™
Before purchasing a user-level software product, ensure that the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT
Cartridge Tape Drive is supported by that product (see note below). Commercial software
vendors usually publish a supported hardware list, or have telephone technical support
personnel that will answer questions regarding compatibility of a particular tape drive or
other storage devices. When choosing a software product suitable for your application,
follow the software vendor's installation procedure to implement support for your tape drive.
Finally, if your host is operating under Novell Netware, Novell, Inc. provides a software
product called "Server Backup" with some of its operating system products. This program
has been found to work well with the SWXTL-CT Tape Drive SBB.
1
Windows NT support under Version 3.51 with a service pack.
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01B–1
C
Product Notes for Sun™
This appendix describes how to include the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive SBB in a Sun
SPARC system running Solaris™ 2.3 (or later) and SunOS™ 4.1.x. The information covers the installation of
the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT tape drive hardware and configuring the system to communicate with the drive.
C.1General Information
Densities can only be changed at the beginning of the tape.
Front panel operation will override software control of density and compression settings.
To use software-controlled density selections, the drive must first be placed in “automatic”
mode. To accomplish this, press the D
until only the D
Compression can be enabled or disabled at any time, with the change taking effect
immediately when writing TZ88 density.
ENSITY OVERRIDE light is blinking.
ENSITY SELECT button the required number of times
C.2Modifications Required for SunOS 4.1.x
C.2.1 Installation Procedure
NOTE
In order to support the addition of this device, the applicable drive
information must be supplied in the
/sys/scsi/targets/st_conf.c file. For additional information,
read the man pages for "st".
C.2.1.1 System Modification
Perform the following steps to modify the system for communication with the TZ88 Model
20/40 GB DLT tape drive:
1. From the command line, type:
cd /sys/scsi/targets
2. Edit the "st_conf.c" file and carefully add the following structure before the entry for "/*
DEC TZ88) is the vendor ID. (Ensure that five spaces are
DEC” and “TZ88” elements.)
• The fourth parameter (
• The fifth parameter (
0) is the block size in bytes. Zero “0” means variable
block size.
• The sixth parameter (
ST_KNOWS_EOD
ST_BSF | ST_VARIABLE | ST_BSR | ST_LONG_ERASE |
) comprises the drive options.
• The seventh parameter (
• The eighth parameter (
• The ninth parameter (
0x80, 0x81, 0x82, 0x83) comprises the density codes (low-
high) as defined below:
In our example entry we choose to use TZ87 native and
compressed modes for the two lower densities and TZ88 native
and compressed modes for the two higher density drivers.
Because your situation may demand something other than these
settings, we have included Table C–1 which lists
all other valid density values. Refer to Table C–1 for other density
settings.
12) is the length of the vendor ID provided by the "inquiry"
ST_TYPE_DEFAULT) is the drive type for the driver.
5000) is the maximum number of read retries.
5000) is the maximum number of write retries.
NOTE
• 0x80 is the vendor-unique density code for the TK87 (10 GB).
• 0x81 is the vendor-unique density code for TK87 (20 GB).
• 0x82 is the vendor-unique density code for the TK88 native in the uncompressed mode
(20 GB).
• 0x83 is the vendor unique code for the TK88 in the compressed mode (40 GB).
• The tenth parameter (0,0 . . .) is the speed code (not used).
C–2Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Table C–1 Density Codes for Sun and Solaris
Density CodeMeaning
00hUse default density
0AhTK50 – 6667 bpi MFM serial cartridge tape X3B5/86-199 (read-only)
16hTK70 – 10000 bpi MFM serial cartridge tape X3.193-1990 (read-only)
17hTK85 – 42500 bpi FMF serial cartridge tape X3B5/91-1174, 2.6 GB
18hTK86 – Same as TK85 except with 56 track pairs versus 24, 6.0 GB
19hTK87 – 62500 bpi, 64 track pairs, serial cartridge tape, 10 GB
1AhTK88 – 81633 bpi, 64 track pairs, serial cartridge tape, 20 GB (without
compression)
7FhNo change from previous density (Mode Select)
80hTK87 – 62500 bpi, 64 track pairs, serial cartridge tape, 10 GB (without
After you have edited the "st_conf.c" file and added the above entry, rebuild thekernel
using the standard procedure (for further help, refer to the man pages of the configcommand).
C.2.1.3 Installation of tape drive
Install the tape drive into the storage subsystem and power on the workstation. We
recommend that the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT SCSI device address be set to
ID 4 or 5.
NOTE
If your SCSI host adapter is supported by the “probe-scsi”
command, you can use this command at the boot prompt t o verify
that the connected device is correctly attached to the system.
C.2.1.4 Rebooting of system
Reboot the system, using the following command at the boot prompt:
>boot
The system reboots with the newly compiled kernel and creates special files in /dev so that it
can communicate with the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT SBB. Verify that “
Cart. DLT Streaming /w Compression
” is displayed as a target when the system is
DEC TZ88 20GB
booting.
At this time the tape is configured in the /dev directory with "rst" (rewind on close) and
"nrst" (no rewind on close) format. If the entry in the kernel configuration file for the SBB
were st4, for example, then "rst" would be "rst4, rst12, rst20, rst28" and nrst would
be"nrst4, nrst12, nrst20, nrst28".
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01C–3
Appendix C. Product Notes for Sun
• rst4 and nrst4 correspond to the 0x80 density mode (TK87 format)
• rst12 and nrst12 correspond to the 0x81 density mode (TK87 compressed format)
• rst20 and nrst20 correspond to the 0x82 density mode (TK88 native format)
• rst28 and nrst28 correspond to the 0x83 density mode (TK88, compressed format)
C.2.1.5 Testing the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT SBB
To test the drive, back up the “passwd” file to tape using the “tar” command, as follows:
tar cvf /dev/rst4 /etc/passwd
The system responds with:
a /etc/passwd 1 blocks
Note that depending on the size of the file, a different number of blocks may be reported.
C.2.1.6 Verification
Verify that the “passwd” file was written to tape using the following command:
tar tvf /dev/rst4
The system responds with:
/etc/passwd
The installation and verification procedure is now complete.
C.2.2 Dump Parameters for the Tape Drive
The parameters that should be used when running the dump utility with the tape drive are:
The following example shows backing up the entire disk partition onto the tape drive:
dump 0dsbf 81633 1800 126 /dev/rst28 /dev/sd0g
For further help, refer to man pages of the dump command.
C–4Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
C.3Modifications Required for Solaris 2.3 (or later)
C.3.1 Installation Procedure
NOTE
In order to support the addition of this device, drive information
must be supplied in the
that apply to each of the targets, or as properties that are
applicable to one target only. The "st driver" looks for the property
called "tape-config-list". For additional information, read the man
page “st”. We recommend here the use of the global properties
approach.
C.3.1.1 System Modification
Perform the following steps to modify the system to communicate with the tape drive:
1. From the command line, type:
cd /kernel/drv
/kernel/drv/st.conf
file as global properties
2. Edit the “st.conf” file by adding the following before the first occurrence of “name=":
# entry for TZ88 tape drive
tape-config-list = "DEC TZ88",
In our example entry we choose to use TZ87 native and
compressed modes for the two lower densities and TZ88 native
and compressed modes for the two higher density drivers.
Because your situation may demand something other than these
settings, we have included Table C–1 which lists
all other valid density values. Refer to Table C–1 for other density
settings.
Appendix C. Product Notes for Sun
4) defines the number of densities. The maximum definable
is a Sun Operating System limitation.
NOTE
–The sixth parameter (0x80) is the vendor-unique density code for the TK87, 10
GB.
–The seventh parameter (
0x81) is the vendor-unique density code for TK87, 20
GB compressed mode.
–The eighth parameter (
0x82) is the vendor-unique density code for the TK88, 20
GB.
–The ninth parameter (
0x83) is the vendor-unique density code for the TK88 40
GB compressed mode.
–The last parameter in the SWXTL-data parameter is the default density 3, TK88
in the 40 GB compressed mode.
C.3.1.2 System Shutdown
After you have edited the “st.conf” file, shut down the system as follows:
sync
cd /
shutdown -i0 -g0 -y
C.3.1.3 Installation of the Tape Drive
Install the tape drive into the storage subsystem and power on the workstation. We
recommend that the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT SCSI device address be set to
ID 4 or 5.
If your SCSI host adapter is supported by the “probe-scsi”
command, then you can use this command at the boot prompt to
verify that the connected device is correctly attached to the
system.
C–6Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
NOTE
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
C.3.1.4 Rebooting of System
Reboot the system using the following command at the boot prompt:
>boot -rv
Note that the switch "r" forces the kernel to be re-configured, and switch "v" enables a
display of the system configuration at boot time.
The system compiles the kernel and creates special files in /dev so that it can communicate
with the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT SBB. Since you booted the system using the verbose
switch, the system displays all of its SCSI targets. Verify that “DEC 40GB Cart. DLTStreaming /w Compression” is displayed as a target when the system is booting.
At this time, the tape drive is configured in the /dev directory in two ways: rmt format, and
rst format.
“rmt” format
In this format, the drive is configured with various options. For further explanations, see the
man pages on “st” (the modes are x, xl, xm, xh, xc, and xu, where x is the rmt number).
• Options x, xu, and xc, correspond to the 0x83, (TK88, compressed) density mode.
• Option xl, corresponds to the 0x80 (TK87) density mode.
• Option xm corresponds to 0x81 (TK87) density mode.
• Option xh corresponds to 0x82 (TK88, native) density mode.
• Option b associates with the BSD behavior and is for backward compatibility on all of
the above options. For further information, refer to the man pages of “mtio”.
• The n option provides access to the device with no rewind, similar to nrst (below), and
is also applicable to all of the above options.
“rst” format
Special files “rst” (rewind on close) and “nrst” (no rewind on close) are also built and reside
in the /dev directory. For example, if the SCSI target ID for the drive is 4 and
the drive is
connected to the native SCSI bus, then “rst” will be “rst4, rst12, rst20, and rst28” and nrst
will be “nrst4, nrst12, nrst20, and nrst28”.
• rst4 and nrst4 correspond to the 0x80 density mode (TK87 native format)
• rst12 and nrst12 correspond to the 0x81 density mode (TK87 compressed format)
• rst20 and nrst20 correspond to the 0x82 density mode (TK88, native format)
• rst28 and nrst28 correspond to the 0x83 density mode (TK88, compressed format)
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01C–7
Appendix C. Product Notes for Sun
C.3.1.5 Test
To test the TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT drive, back up the “passwd” file to tape using the
“tar” command, as follows:
tar cvf /dev/rst4 /etc/passwd
The system responds with:
a /etc/passwd 1 blocks
Note that, depending on the size of the file, a different number of blocks may be reported.
C.3.1.6 Verification
Verify that the “passwd” file was saved to tape using the following command:
tar tvf /dev/rst4
The system responds with
/etc/passwd
The installation and verification procedure is now complete.
C.3.2 Running Sun Diagnostics (Optional)
The diagnostic exerciser provided with the Sun operating system (“sundiag”) does not
support the generic DLT tape drive configuration. In order to run “sundiag”, you must
modify the st.conf file in the /kernel/drv directory. Change the “tape type” in the
SWXTL-data parameter from 0x36 (generic other type of drive) to 0x29 (Exabyte 8500
8mm cartridge) and re-boot the system with the “boot -r” option. You can now run
“sundiag” when the system is up and running.
CAUTION
Remember to change the “tape type” back to 0x36 and reboot the
system with the “boot -r” option after running “sundiag”.
C.3.3 Dump Parameters for the Tape Drive
The parameters that should be used when running the ufsdump utility with the tape drive
are as follows:
density (d) = 81633 (BPI)
blocking factor = 126
Example,
The following parameter is an example of how to back up the entire disk partition
(/dev/rdsk/c0t3d0s6) onto the tape drive:
ufsdump 0dbf 81633 126 /dev/rmt/dev/rdsk/c0t3d0s6
C–8Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
D
Product Notes for IBM™ RS/6000
This appendix provides information for the system administrator. It should be read before installing and using the
SWXTL-CA tape drive SBB with a host system with the AIX 3.2.5 (or later) operating system.
D.1Modifications Required to Operate the SWXTL-CA with AIX 3.2.5 (or later)
After the SWXTL-CA tape drive has been properly attached to the SCSI bus, install the device
using "smit" or by executing specific commands while logged into the root account. Section
D.1.1 below describes how to install the tape drive using the fast-path command (smit dev).
Section D.1.2 describes how to install the device using the command-line interface.
D.1.1Installing the SWXTL-CA Using the SMIT Command
While the SWXTL-CA can operate with a variable block size (0, specified) or the
conventional values of 512 or 1024, for best performance, use a block size of at least 10240.
1. From the command line, type:
# smit dev
2. Select menu entry "Configure the devices you have added after the IPL".
3. Select menu entry "Change/show the characteristics".
a) Select the entry that matches the controller and target ID of your installation.
Example: rmt1 available 00–03–00–50 other SCSI tape drive
where 3 is the SCSI controller number and 5 is the SCSI target ID
b) On the menu, change the settings of the "BLOCK size", "DENSITY setting #1", and
"DENSITY setting #2".
Set “BLOCK size” to 10240.
Set “DENSITY setting #1” to 131.
Set “DENSITY setting #2” to 130.
Density codes are listed in Section D.1.2 below.
c) Accept the changes.
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
D.1.2Installing the SWXTL-CA Using Command-Line Interface
<rmt*> is the tape drive added as shown by the lsdev command.
<SIZE> is the fixed block size (0 = variable, 10240 is suggested).
Density code “131” specifies compressed format while “130” specifies uncompressed format. In
rare cases, other density codes may be useful. The legal values for the density code are listed in
the following table:
Density CodeMeaning
10TK50 – 6667 bpi FMF serial cartridge tape X3B5/86-199 (read-only)
22TK70 – 10000 bpi FMF serial cartridge tape X3.193-1990 (read-only)
23TK85 – 42500 bpi FMF serial cartridge tape X3B5/91-1174, 2.6 GB
24TK86 – Same as TK85 except with 56 track pairs versus 24, 6.0 GB
25TK87 – 62500 bpi, 64 track pairs, serial cartridge tape, 10 GB
26TK88 – 81633 bpi, 64 track pairs, serial cartridge tape, 20 GB (without
compression)
127No change from previous density (Mode Select)
128TK87 – 62500 bpi, 64 track pairs, serial cartridge tape, 10 GB (without
1. The suggested values of
compressed and uncompressed format respectively. The only use
of uncompressed format is to determine the relative effectiveness
of the compressed mode.
2. The
3. IBM-supplied tape drives default to a block size of 1024 while tape
density value
TK70, TK85, and TK86 cartridges.
drives from other manufacturers default to a block size of 512.
StorageWorks recommends changing the block size of the SWXTLCA to be compatible with the IBM-supplied drives. However, for
some uses such as making bootable tapes or transferring tapes
between host systems, a value of 512 or 0 (variable size) may be
needed.
can be useful in reading tapes on earlier TK50,
density setting #1
and #2 are for
Order Number: EK–SMITF–UG. A01 D–3
E
Product Notes for Hewlett-Packard
This appendix describes how to include the tape drive in an HP 9000 Series 700 system running HP-UX 9.05 or
10.01 and an HP 9000 Series 800 running HP–UX 9.04 or 10.01. The information covers configuration of the
host system to communicate with the tape drive.
E.1General Information
If the necessary drivers are not already built into your existing kernel, you will need to
rebuild your kernel.
When using the dump utility, you must supply the correct density code and tape length size
for dump to use in its calculations. Refer to Section E.6 for details. We recommend a value
of 126 for the blocking factor parameter.
For this device to be recognized and operational on the S800 servers, its personality was
changed to that of an EXABYTE 8505. Ensure you have the SWHTL part number, not the
SWXTL one.
E.2Modifications Required
E.2.1 Installation Procedure
The "EXABYTE EXB–8505" designation in the following procedure
is the StorageWorks internal name for the SWHTL part number.
The “DEC TZ88” designator is the StorageWorks internal name f or
the SWXTL part number.
E.2.1.1 Installation of Tape Drive
Install the tape drive into the StorageWorks enclosure and power-on the workstation. Ensure
that the address of the tape drive does not conflict with the address of any other device on
that SCSI bus.
E.2.1.2 System Modification
Enter the System Administration Manager (SAM) as superuser. From the first-level menu,
choose Peripheral Devices. From the second-level menu, choose Tape Drives. The
system’s hardware will be scanned, and the “available tape drives” window will identify the
tape drive as a SCSI Tape Drive (HP–UX 9.05, 9.04) or as a “EXB–8505 5 GB 8mm Tape
Drive” (HP–UX 10.01) for the SWHTL, and as a “DEC TZ88” (HP-UX 10.01) for the
SWXTL with the appropriate hardware path. Highlight that selection and then pull down the
NOTES
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01E–1
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
Actions menu and select the Add function. The program at this time will check the kernel to
determine if the necessary drivers are built in, displaying the results.
If necessary, the program will rebuild the kernel. If this occurs, you will have to reboot the
system in order to use the tape drive. For further information on adding tape devices, refer to
Hewlett-Packard’s Installing Peripherals manual, P/N B2355-40041.
E.3 Series 700 System Device Files
The System Administration Manager program automatically creates the appropriate device
files and places them in the /dev/rmt directory, when adding the device through SAM.
Additionally, the device files are created automatically upon system initialization.
E.3.1 HP–UX 9.05
The following naming convention is used for the DLT-format tape drive, as shown in the
examples listed below:
/dev/rmt/
where:
c
#specifies the controller designation, which may contain either two or
three characters, specifies the following:
c#d
#[hlmc][n][b]
where # is sc[f], in accordance with the following:
sis the system bus module:
2 = core I/O (the default)
4 = EISA SCSI
cis the slot number:
0 for core I/O
n for EISA, the value is determined by the slot number as reported
by the H/W path reported by “ioscan.”
fis the function number. This value identifies the location on the core I/O
bus. For the SCSI interface, the value is 1. If you are using the EISA
SCSI interface, the f value is 0.
d
#designates the SCSI address of the tape drive, where # here identifies a
number value.
h/l/m/cspecifies density, with h meaning high density, l meaning low density,
m meaning standard DDS format, and c meaning data compression.
1
nspecifies no rewind on close.
bspecifies Berkeley behavior.
For additional information about magnetic tapes drive operation, refer to mt(7) of the
Reference
______________
1
The
compression.
E–2Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
manual (P/N B 2355-90033) or the Man pages.
h, l, and m device designations all yield the same result. The c device designation enables
HP-UX
Appendix E. Product Notes for Hewlett-Packard
Examples
For a tape drive SBB installed in slot location 4 of the StorageWorks SWXSE-02 expansion
enclosure connected to the main (core) SCSI bus, the following device files would be
produced in the directory /dev/rmt:
For a tape drive SBB installed in slot location 4 of the StorageWorks SWXSE-02 expansion
enclosure connected to a SCSI adapter in EISA slot 1, the following device files would be
produced in the directory /dev/rmt:
The following naming convention is used on systems which support long filenames for the
DLT format tape drive, as shown in the examples below:
/dev/rmt/c#t#d#BEST[n][b]
where:
c#specifies the instance number of the interface
card
t#specifies the SCSI address of the tape drive
d#specifies the device unit number (LUN) at the SCSI
address
BEST specifies the highest capacity density, which for
this device is the TK88 compressed format
nspecifies no rewind on close
bspecifies Berkeley behavior
Examples
For a tape drive SBB installed in slot location 4 of the StorageWorks SWXSE-02 expansion
enclosure connected to the main (core) SCSI bus, the following device files would be
produced in the directory /dev/rmt:
c0t4d0BESTc0t4d0BESTnb
c0t4d0BESTbc0t4d0BESTnb
For systems which do not support long filenames, the following device naming convention is
used:
#m#mb#mn#mnb
where:
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01E–3
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
# specifies an arbitrary number to distinguish this tape drive from others.
nspecifies no rewind on close
bspecifies Berkeley behavior
This tape drive will read TK85 (2.6 MB), TK86 (6.0 MB) and TK87
(10.0) densities but will not write these densities to the above
device files. Use the front panel override button to write these
densities.
To list the device files associated with each device, issue the command “ioscan -f -n|more”.
E.4 Series 800 System Device Files
The System Administration Manager program automatically creates the appropriate device
files and places them in the /dev/rmt directory, when adding the device through SAM.
Additionally, the device files are created automatically upon system initialization.
E.4.1 HP–UX 9.04
NOTE
The following naming convention is used for the tape drive SBB, as shown in the examples
listed below:
/dev/rmt/lu[1|m|h[c]][n][b]
where:
luspecifies the logical unit as reported for the tape drive using the “ioscan -f”
command:
h/l/m/cspecifies density, with h meaning high density, l meaning low density, m
meaning standard DDS format, and c meaning data compression.
1
nspecifies no rewind on close.
bspecifies Berkeley behavior.For additional information about DDS tapes, refer to mt(7) of the HP-UX Reference manual
(P/N B 2355-90033).
Example
If you were to install a tape drive SBB in the StorageWorks SWXSE-02 expansion
enclosure, the following device files would be produced for the device having a logical unit
number of 4 in the directory /dev/rmt:
The h, l, and m device designations all yield the same result. To disable compression, use the front panel
override button and select the desired density.
E–4Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Appendix E. Product Notes for Hewlett-Packard
E.4.2 HP–UX 10.01
The following naming convention is used on systems which support long filenames for the
DLT format tape drive SBB, as shown in the examples below:
/dev/rmt/c#t#d#BEST[n][b]
where:
c#specifies the instance number of the interface
card
t#specifies the SCSI address of the tape drive
d#specifies the device unit number (LUN) at the SCSI
address
BEST specifies the highest capacity density, which for
this device is the TK88 compressed format
nspecifies no rewind on close
bspecifies Berkeley behavior
Examples
For a tape drive SBB installed in slot location 4 of the StorageWorks SWXSE-02 expansion
enclosure connected to the main (core) SCSI bus, the following device files would be
produced in the directory /dev/rmt:
c0t4d0BESTc0t4d0BESTnb
c0t4d0BESTbc0t4d0BESTnb
For systems which do not support long filenames, the following device naming convention is
used:
#m#mb#mn#mnb
where:
# specifies an arbitrary number to distinguish this tape drive from others.
nspecifies no rewind on close
bspecifies Berkeley behavior
NOTE
This tape drive will read TK85 (2.6 MB), TK86 (6.0 MB) and TK87
(10.0) densities but will not write these densities to the above
device files. Use the front panel override button to write these
densities.
To list the device files associated with each device, issue the command “ioscan -f -n |more”
E.5 Testing the Tape drive
To test the tape drive, back up the “passwd” file to tape using the “tar” command, as follows
(use the correct device filename for the platform and operating system in use):
Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01E–5
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive
tar cvf /dev/rmt/c201d4h /etc/passwd
The system responds with something similar to the following:
a /etc/passwd 1 blocks
Note that depending on the size of the file, a different number of blocks may be reported.
E.5.1 Verification
Use the following command to verify that the “passwd” file was written to tape:
(use the correct device filename for the platform and operating system in use)
tar tvf /dev/rmt/c201d4h
The system responds with something similar to the following:
rw-r--r-- 0/10 535 Mar 23 16:31 1994 /etc/passwd
The installation and verification procedure is now complete.
E.6 Dump Parameters for the Tape Drive
The parameters that should be used when running the dump utility with the tape drive and a
CompacTape IV data tape are:
For further help, refer to man pages of the dump command.
E–6Order Number: EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
Reader’s Comments
Manual Order Number:
EK–SM1TF–UG. A01
TZ88 Model 20/40 GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive Family —
SWXTL-CA StorageWorks Building Block (SBB) & SWXTL-CT Tabletop Tape Drives
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