Bering OptiPac 7698NH User manual

OptiPac 7698NH
User's Manual
Manual No. 11-17698-01
Revision A
Copyright © 2023
Bering Engineering LLC
www.bering.com

OVERVIEW
OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual I
Important Notice
Copyright © 20 by Bering Engineering LLC All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced in any way without the express written
permission of Bering Engineering LLC.
Printed in the United States of America.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice. Every reasonable precaution has been taken in the preparation of
this manual to insure its accuracy. However, Bering Engineering LLC assumes
no liability resulting from any errors or omissions in this manual, or from the
use of the information contained herein, nor does it make a commitment to
update the information contained herein.
OptiPac™ is a trademark of Bering Engineering LLC
HP 7906H is a trademark of Hewlett Packard Corp.
Important FCC
Information
This peripheral device generates and uses radio frequency energy and if it is
not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with this manual,
it may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type
tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class-A computing device in
accordance with the specifications in subpart J of part 15 of FCC Rules, which
are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when operated in a commercial environment. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference and is up to the user, at his own expense, to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference. You can test to see
whether this equipment does cause interference with radio or television
reception by turning the disk drive off and on. If it is causing interference, try
to correct the problem by one or more of the following measures:
Be sure you're using shielded interconnect cables.
Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the drive with respect to the receiver.
Move the receiver away from the disk drive, or vice versa.
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver
are on different circuits.
If necessary, consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. You may also find a booklet prepared

OVERVIEW
Important FCC Information
II OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
by the Federal Communications Commission helpful. It is entitled How to
Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. Request Stock No.
004-000-00345-4, from the U.S. Government Printing, Washington, D.C.,
20402.
Warning
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.


OVERVIEW
Printing History
OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual III
Printing History
If the Revision level of the manual does not change from one printing to the
next, this indicates that the newer printing is a maintenance upgrade, i.e.
typographic errors, page references, etc.
New revision levels of the manual indicate a new rewrite of the manual. This
may include new ROM Version of the OptiPac subsystem. If the new revision
is because of a difference in the operating procedures for the system, the
ROM Version associated with the manual Rev letter will be listed in the ROM
Ver column. You can determine the ROM Version of your OptiPac by using
the front panel LCD controls. See chapter 4 for details.
If you have upgraded your OptiPac to a later version than the last one listed
in the following table, you should contact Bering Customer Service to
determine the proper revision of the OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
required for your OptiPac subsystem.
Date = Date this manual was printed
Rev = Revision level of this manual
ROM Ver = Applicable subsystem ROM level
Date
Rev
Rom
Ver
Changes to manual
February
2017
A
D.24

OVERVIEW
Warranty Statement
IV OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
Warranty
Statement
OptiPac products sold in the U.S.A. and Canada carry a standard one year
warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.* During the
warranty period, Bering will, at its option, repair or replace equipment which
proves to be defective.
OptiPac CF Card media is warranted against defects for one year from the
date of purchase. If the media becomes defective, Bering will replace it upon
receipt of the defective media from the customer.
All repairs will be performed at the factory. Any other arrangement, such as
on-site service, will be at your expense. Before any product is returned for
repair, a Return Materials Authorization number (RMA#) must first be
obtained from a Customer Service representative.
Customer Service
Bering Engineering LLC
The selection and use of media, supplies, and consumables is the customer's
responsibility. Bering reserves the right to exclude from the warranty any
damage caused by misuse of the product, unauthorized modification,
shipping damage, non-Bering-approved media, interface, software, or
cleaning supplies.
NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BERING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RELATED TO THE USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF BERING PRODUCTS.
For products sold outside the U.S.A. and Canada, contact your local Bering
distributor, representative, or dealer for warranty terms.

Table of Contents
OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual V
Chapter
1
2
3
4
Introduction.................................................................................1
Features ...................................................................................1
Compatibility........................................................................2
Conventions in this Manual .....................................................3
Unpacking ................................................................................3
Installing the Disk Drive ...............................................................5
Quick-Start Procedure..............................................................5
Connecting the OptiPac Drive..................................................6
Operating the Disk Drive..............................................................7
7698NH Controls......................................................................7
Loading a CF Card.....................................................................8
New CF Cards .......................................................................8
Unloading a CF Card.................................................................8
OptiPac System Functions............................................................9
System Menu .........................................................................10
Main Menu.............................................................................11
Change Ring .......................................................................11
Configurations....................................................................12
Utilities...............................................................................12
Display Time and Messages ...............................................12
Configurations Menu .............................................................13
Change HP-IB Address........................................................13
Change Format Switch .......................................................13
Use 12 / 24 Hour Clock.......................................................14
Set Time .............................................................................14
Set Date..............................................................................15
Utilities Menu.........................................................................16
Ring Utilities.......................................................................17
Change Ring....................................................................17
Label Ring.......................................................................18
Copy Ring........................................................................18
Compare Ring.................................................................19
Backup Rings ..................................................................19

TABLE OF CONTENTS
VI OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
5
6
A
B
Restore Rings..................................................................20
Clear Ring .......................................................................21
Clear Rings......................................................................22
Erase Ring.......................................................................23
Erase Rings .....................................................................23
Fixed Disk Utilities..............................................................25
Show Disk Information...................................................25
Spin Down / Up Disk.......................................................26
Verify Disk ......................................................................26
Format Disk ....................................................................27
Erase Disk .......................................................................28
Removable Disk Utilities ....................................................29
Show CF Card Information .............................................29
Verify CF Card.................................................................30
Format CF Card...............................................................30
Erase CF Card..................................................................31
Tests Menu.........................................................................33
Test LCD Display .............................................................33
Show Command Trace ...................................................33
Caring for the Disk Drive & CF Card ...........................................35
General Safeguards................................................................35
CF Card Care...........................................................................36
Preventive Maintenance........................................................36
Troubleshooting & Service.........................................................37
Fuse Replacement..................................................................38
Specifications .............................................................................39
CF Card Drive..........................................................................39
1 GB Fixed Disk.......................................................................40
GENERAL ................................................................................41
Rack Mount................................................................................43
Installation .............................................................................43
Index ..........................................................................................45

OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual 1
Introduction
1
Congratulations on purchasing what we think is the finest removable
media system on the market. Bering OptiPac drives are built for years
of reliable service. We're sure you'll agree as you begin to work with
your drive.
Features
The Bering OptiPac 7698NH subsystem is a removable Compact Flash
Card (CF Card) drive with a 1GB fixed disk. In this manual we refer to
the Bering OptiPac disk drive as OptiPac and all HP systems as
computer unless otherwise indicated. Serving a wide range of storage
needs, the OptiPac series come in the following configurations with
HP7906H emulation. This provides a plug and play solution to the
aging inventory of HP7906H disk drives.
CF Card
•7698NH –a CF Card drive with a 1.0GB fixed disk. The CF Card
which can store up to 1.3GB of data. This means:
Your storage capacity is limited only by the number of cards
you use.
Your data is portable and secure. Just remove the card from
the drive and take it with you, or store it in a safe place.
Your data card is protected in a durable plastic case.
Your OptiPac can be used to back up the data on fixed disks if
your backup software supports that option.
Each CF Card contains multiple rings, so physical removal is
not required to change to another ring. Each ring emulates a
10MB HP 7906H cartridge.
•Security erase functions provide secure erasure of individual
rings, groups of rings or entire CF Cards.
•Local backup and restore functions provide image backups of any
ring or group of rings to any location on the subsystem.
•LCD display provides information on local functions.

1
INTRODUCTION
Features
2 OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
The OptiPac provides fast, reliable storage that's always on hand. The
installation procedure is almost identical for all models. No software
or hardware modifications are required. All OptiPacs support the
latest HP disk command sets.
The fixed disk and each CF Card is split into 10.1 MB Rings, which
emulate a 10MB cartridge in the HP 7906H. The fixed disk has 99
(H00–H98) rings and each CF Card has up to 99 (00–98) rings.
Selecting a ring from the front panel of the OptiPac is equivalent to
changing the cartridge in the 7906H. The first ring on the fixed disk
(H00) emulates the fixed disk in the 7906H.
The rings on the fixed disk will all have an ID on the LCD display
beginning with “H.” Each ring on the CF Card is just a number. So ring
23 on the hard drive will be displayed as “H23,” while ring 23 on the
CF Card will be displayed as “23.”
DANGER:
Use of the OptiPac other than as prescribed in this manual may result
in exposure to hazardous invisible laser radiation if the case is open
during operation. Avoid direct exposure to laser radiation. Do not
operate the OptiPac while the cover is removed.
Compatibility
The OptiPac 7698NH drives support CF Cards with maximum 8GB.
However, only a maximum of 99 rings is available.
Only the 2GB CF Card is recommended by Bering. For capacities and
specifications of CF Cards refer to Appendix A “Specifications.”

INTRODUCTION
Conventions in this Manual
OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual 3
Conventions in this
Manual
We'll use the following conventions to make the information in this
manual more clear and predictable:
•The buttons on the OptiPac are indicated by underlined capital
letters alone followed by the word button, e.g., ENTER button.
•A bold font, LIKE THIS, indicates text you should see on the LCD.
Unpacking
Carefully unpack your OptiPac near the spot where you want to set it
up, noting the packing method as you go. Save the packing materials,
they'll come in handy if you ever want to ship the unit.
Besides this manual, you'll find:
•The OptiPac
•A CF Card
•An HP-IB cable
•A power cable
If any item is missing, please contact your dealer or Bering Customer
Service at [email protected].

OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual 5
This chapter describes the installation procedure for the OptiPac and
is divided into two sections. The “Quick-Start Procedure” section
enables experienced users to begin operation right away. The
“Connecting the OptiPac Drive” section helps new users connect the
disk drive before going on to the next chapter for additional operating
instructions.
Quick-Start
Procedure
This section describes the quick-start procedure to set up the OptiPac
for use on a Harris system. Most of the parameters are already set at
the factory. There may be some adjustments necessary before the
OptiPac can operate in your particular environment. Refer to Chapter
4 for detailed instructions.
The default parameter settings are as follows:
Time: Pacific time
Date: current date
HP-IB address: 0
1. Turn off your computer and connect the OptiPac.
If necessary, refer to the next section in this chapter.
2. Turn on the OptiPac and wait for the self-test to end.
3. When the test ends without incident, the date and time should
be displayed on the front panel LCD along with the current ring.
4. Check the time and date. Adjust the clock if required.
5. Check the HP-IB address in the configuration function. Make sure
all devices on the HP-IB have a unique address.
6. Load a CF Card.
7. Format the CF Card from the Removable Utilities Menu. This step
is not necessary if the CF Card was previously formatted.
8. Format the fixed disk from the Fixed Disk Utilities.
9. Turn on your computer.
10. Begin using the OptiPac.
Installing the Disk Drive
2

2
INSTALLING THE DISK DRIVE
Connecting the OptiPac Drive
6 OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
Connecting the
OptiPac Drive
These instructions are for connecting an OptiPac 7698NH model to an
HP-IB based computer with the OptiPac HP-IB connector.
Caution
Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the wall
outlet. Disconnect any other cables attached to the back panel of your
computer that may be in your way.

Figure 2-1: Connecting the OptiPac to an HP-IB computer

1. Turn off your computer and the OptiPac drive.
2. Connect one end of the HP-IB cable to the HP-IB connector on the
back of the computer and the other end to the HP-IB connector
on the back panel of the OptiPac. Tighten the thumb screws by
hand.
3. Connect the power cable to the back of the OptiPac. Make sure
there is at least one inch of space around the sides and two
inches at the back of the drive.
4. Plug the OptiPac and the computer into three-pronged
(grounded) electrical outlets or a surge protector.
Be sure that the outlets actually are grounded —that the third
prong really is connected to a ground. The OptiPac should be on
the same circuit as your computer.
Caution
Make sure that other equipment or appliances which might
generate electrical noise or a power surge (such as electric
heaters) are on separate circuits.

OPERATING THE DISK DRIVE
7698NH Controls
OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual 7
5. Turn on the OptiPac, the computer, and any other peripherals.
7698NH Controls
Figure 3-1 illustrates all controls and indicators required for operating
the OptiPac 7698NH.
Figure 3-1: OptiPac 7698NH front panel
CF Card Status
The status LED flashes when CF drive is not ready. When the CF Card
is loaded and ready, the status LED remains off.
Activity Indicator
The activity LED remains lit anytime the drive is being accessed.
Ejector
For easy removal of CF Card.
Fixed Disk Access
Indicator
The fixed disk access indicator is on the lower right side of the front
panel. Whenever the fixed disk is accessed the indicator will flash on
and off.
Operating the Disk Drive
3

3
OPERATING THE DISK DRIVE
Loading a CF Card
8 OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
Loading a CF Card
1. Remove the CF Card from the plastic storage case.
2. Insert the CF Card into the drive with the label side up.
3. Push the CF Card in until seated. The CF Card Status will stop
blinking when it is ready.
Figure 3-2: Loading a CF Card in the OptiPac
If the OptiPac shows Off-line on the LCD, you must use the
Change Ring function to change to an On-line ring.
New CF Cards
The first time a CF Card is used it may require a format from the
Removable Disk Utilities. Using an unformatted CF Card can cause
loss of data. Most CF Cards are preformatted at the factory and do
not require formatting. The LCD will indicate when an unformatted CF
Card has been inserted into the drive.
Unloading a CF Card
1. Push the Ejector in to unload the CF Card.
The CF Card will pop out part way and the CF Card Status starts
blinking.
2. Remove the CF Card carefully and place it in the protective plastic
storage case immediately.

OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual 9
This chapter describes the OptiPac configuration and operating
procedures. The OptiPac 7698NH features a push-button operation
for performing configuration and operating procedures. This
procedure is based on a hierarchical structure of system functions
displayed on the disk drive's LCD. All procedures can be performed
using the two front panel push-button controls: SELECT and ENTER.
These instructions should be used in conjunction with your specific
computer's configuration procedure in your computer’s user manual.
Figure 4-1: Front panel LCD and push-button controls
All system operations are performed by first selecting a function and
then entering it for execution. The SELECT button enables you to
scroll through all the available system functions and select desired
choices. The ENTER button enables you to execute the chosen
function.
•To select a system function, press the SELECT button until the
desired function appears on the LCD.
•To execute the chosen function or display its options, press the
ENTER button.
•If you want to abort the current operation, press the SELECT and
ENTER buttons simultaneously.
The abort function is allowed only during certain operations.
•To scroll or step backward in a menu, press and hold the SELECT
button first and then the ENTER button.
OptiPac System Functions
4
(SYSTEM FUNCTION)
SELECT ENTER

4
OPTIPAC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
System Menu
10 OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
System Menu
This section contains a menu structure of the commands which can
be accessed from the front panel LCD display and controls.
Time / Date
Change ring
Configurations
Change HPIB address
Change format switch
Use 12/24 hour clock
Set time
Set date
Return to main
Utilities
Bering Model
ROM Version
Serial Number
Ring Utilities
Change Ring
Label Ring
Copy Ring
Compare Ring
Backup Rings
Restore Rings
Clear Ring
Clear Rings
Erase Ring
Erase Rings
Previous menu
Fixed Disk Utilities
Show Disk Information
Spin down/up disk
Verify Disk
Format Disk
Erase Disk
Previous menu
Removable Disk Utilities
Show CF Card Information
Verify CF Card
Format CF Card
Erase CF Card
Previous menu
Tests
Test LCD display
Show command trace
Return to main
Display time and date

OPTIPAC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
Main Menu
OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual 11
Main Menu
The default display on the front panel LCD is the time/date. When the
SELECT button is pressed, the first choice of the Main Menu will be
displayed. You can scroll the Main Menu by repeatedly pressing the
SELECT button. To execute the selected function or to enter the
menu, press the ENTER button. The time/date display will look appear
similar to the following display when the system is first powered on
and when the unit is on-line:
4:15:12PM H34
LABEL ...
Note
Attempting to perform any function on an unformatted CF Card will
cause the following message to display:
Media not or CF Card not
initialized! Initialized!
The CF Card must be formatted from the Removable Utilities Menu
before it can be used. The following options are available from the
Main Menu:
Change Ring
Configurations
Utilities
Display time and messages
Change Ring
This function allows you to change the current ring. When you return
to the Main Menu, the current ring will be displayed. Rings that begin
with ’H’ indicate a ring on the hard disk. Ring H00 emulates the hard
disk in a 7906H, and is not accessible from the front panel controls,
except when copying to or from it. All other rings emulate removable
disks.
The fixed disk contains 99 rings, and 2GB CF Card contains 99 rings.
1. Press the SELECT button until the Change Ring function is
displayed on the Main Menu.
2. Press ENTER to select this option. You will see a display similar to
this.

4
OPTIPAC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
Main Menu
12 OptiPac 7698NH User's Manual
Change ring H02
LABEL ...
3. Use the SELECT button to scroll through the ring selections until
you see the desired ring, then press the ENTER button.
Off-line
When a CF Card is removed from the drive, the OptiPac will go Off-
line as indicated by the front panel LCD. When a CF Card is inserted in
the drive, you must use the Change Ring function to put the drive
back Online.
Configurations
This function sets the HP-IB address, changes format switch, selects
the 24 hour clock format, and sets the date and time. See the
“Configurations Menu” section for detailed information.
Utilities
This function shows CF Card/disk information; verifies, and formats
the CF Card, formats the fixed disk; erases CF Card data; performs
ring functions, and performs test functions. Refer to the “Utilities
Menu” section for detailed information.
Display Time and
Messages
This function exits the Main Menu and displays the current time, the
current ring, and ring label.