ADIC VLS AIT Installation guide

Installation
and
Operating Guide
VLS AIT

ii
Copyright Notice
©Copyright ADIC 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another
language without the prior written consent of ADIC.
ADIC shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages
(including lost profits) in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material
whether based on warranty, contract, or other legal theory.
Printed in the U.S.A.
June 1999
Document Number 62-0113-01 Rev B
Corporate Headquarters:
Advanced Digital Information Corporation
Shipping Address: 11431 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 97057
Redmond, WA 98073-9757
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
Customer Assistance: [phone]
World-wide web: http://www.adic.com
BBS: [phone]
ADIC Europe
ZAC des Basses Auges
1, rue Alfred de Vigny
78112 - Fourqueux, FRANCE
33 (0)1 30 87 53 00
Fax: [phone]
ADIC™and ADIC Europe™are trademarks of Advanced Digital Information Corporation.
Sony®is a registered trademark and AIT™, AME™, and MIC™are trademarks of Sony
Corporation. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.

iii
Copyright Notice (Europe)
© Copyright ADIC Europe 1995, 1996, 1999
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by
any means, without prior written permission of ADIC Europe, ZAC des Basses Auges 1, rue
Alfred de Vigny 78112 - Fourqueux, FRANCE.
ADIC Europe assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document, and
retains the right to make changes to these specifications and descriptions at any time, without
notice.
This publication may describe designs for which patents are pending, or have been granted. By
publishing this information, ADIC Europe conveys no license under any patent or any other
right.
ADIC Europe makes no representation or warranty with respect to the contents of this
document and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. Further, ADIC Europe reserves the right to revise or change this
publication without obligation on the part of ADIC Europe to notify any person or
organization of such revision of change.
Every effort has been made to acknowledge trademarks and their owners. Trademarked names
are used solely for identification or exemplary purposes, any omissions are made
unintentionally.

iv
EMI/RFI Compliance
United States – FCC
WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception (which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on) the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is
available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-
000-00354-04.
Canada – Department of Communications
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled "Digital
Apparatus", ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils
numériques de Class B prescriptes dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur: "Appareils
Numériques", NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communications.
Shielded Cables
Shielded data cables are required in order to meet EMI/RFI limit specifications. The ADIC
data cable meets this requirement. If you need a replacement cable, be sure to use an ADIC-
approved shielded cable (to assure acceptability to EMI/RFI requirements).
Two or more VLS units cabled to each other on the same SCSI channel must have a ferrite
bead clamped on the interface cable between the units. The ferrite bead is required to satisfy
the EMI/RFI limit specification. See Appendix A for instructions on installing the ferrite bead.

v
Declaration of Conformity
according to EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name: Advanced Digital Information Corporation
Manufacturer’s Address: 10201 Willows Road
Redmond, Washington 98052
U.S.A.
21-23 Av. Saint-Fiacre
F-78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
France
declares, that the product:
Product
(Produit, Erzeugnis):
VLS Series Library
Model Number
(Marque Commercial,
Warenbezeichnung):
VLS AIT
conforms to the following international specifications, as required by 89/336/EEC &
92/31/EEC:
EMI: EN 50081-1, EN-55022 Class A
EMC: EN 50082-1, IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4
Safety: EN 60950
Supplementary Information:
Redmond, Washington U.S.A. 2/28/97 Product Engineering Mgr.
Location Date Signature/Title

vi
Safety Warnings
This symbol should alert the
user to the presence of
"dan
g
erous volta
g
e" inside
the product that mi
g
ht cause
harm or electric shock.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION :
TO REDUCE
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Caution
All safety and operating instructions should be read before this product
is operated, and should be retained for future reference. This unit has
been engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety.
Improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. In
order not to defeat the safeguards, observe the following basic rules for
its installation, use and servicing.
1. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
2. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
3. Ventilation - The product should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere
with proper ventilation.
4. Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
furnaces, or other heat producing appliances.
5. Power Sources - The product should be connected to a power source only of the type directed
in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.
6. Power Cord Protection - The AC line cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against it, paying particular attention to the cord
at the wall receptacle, and the point where the cord exits from the product.
7. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken to insure that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the product’s enclosure through openings.

vii
8. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
Precautions
•Do not use oil, solvents, gasoline, paint thinners or insecticides on the unit.
•Do not expose the unit to moisture, to temperatures higher than 140ºF (60ºC) or to
extreme low temperatures.
•Keep the unit away from direct sunlight, strong magnetic fields, excessive dust, humidity
and electronic/electrical equipment which generates electrical noise.
•Hold the AC power plug by the head when removing it from the AC source outlet; pulling
the cord can damage the internal wires.
•Use the unit on a firm level surface free from vibration, and do not place anything on top
of unit.

viii
Blank Page

ix
Table of Contents
Copyright Notice .............................................................................................................................. ii
Copyright Notice (Europe) .............................................................................................................. iii
EMI/RFI Compliance ...................................................................................................................... iv
Safety Warnings............................................................................................................................... vi
Precautions...................................................................................................................................... vii
Quickstart................................................................................................................................................ xi
Chapter 1 Getting Started......................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 2
Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 2
Unpacking and Inspecting ......................................................................................................... 3
Equipment Description .............................................................................................................. 4
The VLS Unit ..................................................................................................................... 4
Magazine ............................................................................................................................ 5
Media.................................................................................................................................. 6
Cleaning Cassette ...............................................................................................................7
System Software ........................................................................................................................ 7
Preparing the Host Computer System........................................................................................ 8
Power Off the Computer..................................................................................................... 8
Confirm and/or Install the SCSI Host Interface.................................................................. 8
Chapter 2 Connecting the VLS ................................................................................................................ 9
Connecting the Interface Cables .............................................................................................. 10
Connecting More Than One VLS............................................................................................ 11
Powering on the System........................................................................................................... 12
Installing the Backup Software................................................................................................ 13
Chapter 3 Equipment Description.......................................................................................................... 15
Front Panel Switches and Indicators........................................................................................ 16
Rear Panel Switches and Connectors....................................................................................... 18
Main Menu Items..................................................................................................................... 18
Configuration Menu ......................................................................................................... 20
Buzzer Configuration ................................................................................................ 20
SCSI ID Config ......................................................................................................... 21
SCSI Parity................................................................................................................ 21
Off-Line Time ........................................................................................................... 22
Drive Configuration .................................................................................................. 22

x Table of Contents
On-Line Mode........................................................................................................... 23
Sequential-Access Mode Configuration.................................................................... 23
Diagnostics Menu............................................................................................................. 24
Write EEPROM Mode ..................................................................................................... 25
Chapter 4 Operation and Maintenance................................................................................................... 27
AIT Media............................................................................................................................... 28
Inserting the Data Cassettes into the Magazine ....................................................................... 29
Inserting the Magazine into the VLS....................................................................................... 30
Loading the Magazine ............................................................................................................. 32
Attempting to Load the Magazine with a Cassette Already in Drive................................ 33
Removing the Magazine from the VLS ................................................................................... 33
Removing the Magazine while a Cassette is in the Drive................................................. 34
Loading an Individual Cassette ............................................................................................... 35
Manually Removing a Cassette Loaded in the Drive............................................................... 36
Removing a Cassette from the Magazine ................................................................................ 37
Storing the Magazine............................................................................................................... 37
Cleaning the Drive Head .........................................................................................................37
Cleaning the Enclosure............................................................................................................ 41
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.......................................................................................... 43
VLS Error Messages................................................................................................................ 44
Error Messages................................................................................................................. 44
Drive Warning Signals ............................................................................................................ 46
LED Indicators ................................................................................................................. 47
Environmental Considerations................................................................................................. 50
When You Call ADIC Technical Assistance Center ............................................................... 50
Return for Repair RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) ................................................ 51
Appendix A Installing the Ferrite Bead ................................................................................................. 53
Appendix B Diagnostics Menu.............................................................................................................. 55
Appendix C Downloading New Firmware.............................................................................................63
Appendix D Glossary............................................................................................................................. 65
Appendix C Specifications .................................................................................................................... 69
Index...................................................................................................................................................... 73

xi
Quickstart
This Section…
❐provides a quick start guide for experts who are familiar with installing
computer hardware and software.

xii Quickstart
Note
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2 cUd Qd ²"³ Q^T dXU b_R_dYSc cUd Qd ²#³
❐Confirm that poer is off and that you have a SCSI interface (either a separate board as
offered by ADIC or integrated on the mother-board) installed in the host computer.
Consult your computer manual.
❐Place the ADIC VLS near the host computer to which it will be connected.
❐Connect the SCSI interface cable between the SCSI connectors on the computer and the
back of the VLS.
Make sure there is a terminator installed on the last device of the SCSI chain.
Note
1493 bUS_]]U^Tc ecY^W dXU &(`Y^ VQcdgYTU dUb]Y^Qd_b ceSX Qc 1493
`^ &!!!#( !
❐Connect the AC power cord first to the VLS and then to the AC outlet. Power on the
VLS. Power on the host computer.
VLS
Host Com
p
uter
SCSI Cable
Terminator

Quickstart xiii
❐Place the magazine on the carriage by slipping it over the left “magazine position”pin and
then rotating toward the right and pressing into place on the right “magazine position”
pin.
❐If the application has not already done so, load the magazine by pressing first the ALT
button and then the LOAD button. (If you are in sequential mode, the first cassette will be
inserted in the drive when the load finishes.)

xiv Quickstart
❐Install or confirm the backup software (to run the VLS) on the host computer.
❐Run any diagnostic tests provided with the backup software to make sure the VLS is
communicating correctly with the host computer.
You are now ready to run the VLS at a system level.

1
Chapter
1
Getting Started
This Chapter…
❐covers what you need (and what you need to know) to install the ADIC
Virtual Library System. Read this section before you begin installation.

2Getting Started
Introduction
ADIC has designed the Virtual Library System (VLS) for high-capacity, near and off-line
storage applications, such as backup, hierarchical storage management (HSM) and
video/design/data file libraries. For the most part, installation is simply a matter of checking
all necessary SCSI connections, installing the software (backup or otherwise) and applying
power. The defaults set at the factory should be sufficient for most applications.
Requirements
8.0 in.
20.3 cm
15.8 in.
40.1 cm
17.4 in
44.2 cm
❐Space requirements: the VLS has a footprint of 17.4" x 15.8". You must allow adequate
clearance to the rear (2 inches or more) and bottom (do not place on carpeting) to allow
air flow. Also allow enough room at the front to open the door (which is 8" high and
hinged at the bottom).
❐Host computer system: We assume that you are familiar with your computer system. The
VLS must be integrated with the host computer system. The backup software, SCSI host
adapter (if required) and any additional, or different, SCSI interface cables must be
purchased separately.
❐Mode of operation: You must know whether the VLS will be operating in sequential-
access or random-access mode. This will be determined by the backup software you use.
❐Necessary tools: No special tools are required to install the VLS. If you are installing a
SCSI host adapter at this time, refer to the installation manual for your host adapter.

Getting Started 3
Unpacking and Inspecting
Caution
If the operating environment differs from the storage environment by
15°C (30°F) or more, let the unit acclimate to the surrounding
environment for at least 12 hours.
❐Unpack all items from the carton. Save the packing materials in case you need to move or
ship the system in the future.
adic
ONLINE R ESET UP DOW N
MENU ENTER LEFT RIGHT POWER
LOCK
Caution
You must ship the ADIC VLS in the original or equivalent packing
materials or your warranty may be invalidated.

4Getting Started
Equipment Description
The VLS Unit
The VLS AIT™is a fully automated, high performance, high capacity, mass storage system
designed with a removable data cassette magazine. The door can be locked to deactivate the
unit's keypad, assuring only authorized removal of the magazine and media. In addition, to
protect the unit, data and media, the VLS will not operate unless the door is closed.
The VLS AIT includes either one or two 3.5”form factor Sony®AIT tape drives. The library
and drive(s) operate as separate SCSI devices on a single SCSI bus. When the library is
equipped with AIT-1 drives, the library is a differential SCSI-2 device and the drives are
differential Fast/Wide SCSI-2 devices. When equipped with AIT-2 drives, the library and
drives can be configured as high voltage differential (HVD) Wide Ultra SCSI devices, or as
low voltage differential (LVD) Wide Ultra SCSI devices.
When operating with two AIT-2 tape drives and assuming an average data compression ratio
of 2:1, the VLS AIT can store up to 1.1 Terabytes of information on 11 AIT-2 data cassettes
(SDX2-50C). It can reach a sustained maximum data transfer rate of over 720 MB per minute
(also assuming 2:1 compression). The AIT-1 or AIT-2 tape drives do not require periodic
head cleaning as often as many conventional tape drives. The drive constantly monitors head
output to check for possible contamination. If present, the drive will invoke a built-in Active
Head Cleaner. Under extreme operating conditions, a cleaning cartridge may be required and
the drive indicates this by displaying a Cleaning Request message on its front panel Status
LED.
The Sony SDX1-25C, SDX1-35C, SDX2-36C, and SDX2-50C data cassettes support the
Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) format, Adaptive Lossless Data Compression (ALDC),
Memory In Cassette (MIC™) technology capabilities and use Sony’s AME™media, which
incorporates dual cobalt magnetic layers, the absence of binder material tp prevent tape head
contamination and a super-durable “diamond-like carbon”protective coating for extreme
durability.

Getting Started 5
Magazine
Caution
Do not attempt to use 8mm media (such media can damage the head
and tape handling parts –voiding your warranty).
The magazine for the VLS holds eleven AIT cassettes. It includes a clear dust cover to protect
the cassettes and for ease of storage. Figure 1 shows an AIT cassette and a filled magazine
with the cover in place.
Figure 1. VLS Magazine with AIT Cassettes

6Getting Started
Media
Four types of AIT data cassettes are available for the VLS AIT: SDX1-25C, SDX1-35C,
SDX2-36C, and SDX2-50C. The SDX1-25C and SDX2-36C are 170 meters in length, while
the SDX1-35C and SDX2-50C are 230 meters in length and all use Sony’s Advanced-Metal
Evaporated (AME) tape. All cassettes employ Memory In Caassette (MIC) technology, which
incorporates a Flash memory IC inside the data cassette, allowing the architecture to capture
various system and user-related statistics directly within the MIC structure to enhance data
reliability, error prediction and successful performance.
Before inserting the cassette into the magazine check the position of the write-protect switch.
Set all switches to the enabled position (unless a tape contains data that you don't want erased)
–refer to Figure 2. (The write-protect switch enables or disables the ability to write [or delete]
files on the data cassette.)
To write-protect the data cassette, move the write-protect switch away from the edge of the
data cassette, as shown in Figure 2. If the red tab is visible, the cassette is write protected and
cannot be written to (or erased).
To write-enable the data cassette, move the write-protect switch toward the edge of the data
cassette, as shown. If the red tab is not visible, the data cassette is write enabled and can be
written to or erased. Use a ball-point pen or similar instrument to set the write-protect switch.
Write
Enabled
Protected
Write-Protect
Switch
Figure 2. AIT Cassette Showing Write-Protect Switch