Digital Equipment TU58 DECtape II User manual

EK-OTU58-UG-004
TUS8 DECtape II
User Guide

, EK·OTU58·UG·004
TUS8 DECtape II
Prepared by Educational Services
of
Digital Equipment Corporation
User Guide

Copyright () 1978, 1981, 1982. 1983
by Digital Equipment Corporation
All Rights Reserved
1st Edition, October 1978
2nd Edition, June 1981
3rd Edition, October 1982
4th Edition, December 1983
The reproduction of this material, in part or whole, is
strictly prohibited. For copy information, contact the Edu-
cational Services Department. Digital Equipment Corpo-
ration, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754.
The information in this document is subject to change
without notice. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this
document.
Printed in U.S.A.
This equipment generates, ml.($, and may emit radio fre~
quency. The equipment has been type tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A computing device
pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against such
radio frequency interference. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area may cause interference in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to take
whatever measures may be required to correct the
.interference.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Cor-
poration, Maynard, Massachusetts.
DEC
DECUS
DIGITAL
RIIID
UNIBUS
DECtape
DECtape II
DECnet
DECsystem-l0
DECSYSTEM-20
DECwriter
DIooL
EduSystem
VAX
MASSBUS
OMNIBUS
OS/8
PDT
RSTS
RSX
VMS
lAS
VT

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope ... "' ... ........ "' ...... " . " ...... " " ...... " " ...... " " "' .. "' ......... " . "' ........... " .. 1-1
1.2 General Description ..............................•..........•....... 1-1
1.3 Block Diagram .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.3.1 Drive Control ... , , ... " . . . . . .. . .. . ....... . ........ , .... " ....... ,. 1- 3
1.3.2 Processor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.4 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . 1-4
1.4.1 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.4.2 Electrical ...........................................•........... 1-5
1.4.3 Mechanical" .......... "....... "'"." "" .... " .. ".,,"' "'"'." """ .. "'''''"."' .. ,,"' "'.,,"' ""'. '" 1-6
1.4.4 Environmental ................. . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . . • . • . . •. . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.S Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . 1-7
1.6 Hardware Documentation Ordering Information ' ........ " ........ , , ........ ' 1-9
1. 7 Digital Repair Service ........•.......•.......................•.•... " 1-10
CHAPTER 2 OPERATION
2.1 TU58-DA, -CA Rackmount Controls and Indicators ........•....•.....•.... 2-1
2.1.1 Front Panel .•..............................................•.... 2-1
2.1.2 Run Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . • . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.3 Application and Removal of Power ................................... 2-1
2.2 TU58·EA, -EB Controls and Indicators ...........................•...... 2-2
2.2.1 Front Panel ".""""""1O""""" .. "" .. .,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ... ,,,,,,,,,, '" " " " " " .. " • " ,. .. " " " " ,. " " .. 2-2
2.2.2 Run Indicator" """"""""""""""""""" .. """". """""""""""""... """""""""" ~ 2",,2
2.2.3 Application and Removal of Power ................................... 2-2
2.3 TU58-VA Controls and Indicators
...............•......•..•.••.....•.•. 2-2
2.3.1
Front Panel •........................................•........... 2-2
2.3.2 Run
Indicator. • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • •. • . •• • • . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.3.3 Application and Removal of Power ..•.......•.•..•..•................ 2-3
2.4 TU58 Components Controls and Indicators
...•......... ' ...•... , ........ .
2.4.1 Application and Removal
of Power .........•......................... 2-3
2.5 Cartridge . it it it '" ••••••• it Ii • it •••• it • Ii it ••••• it • it •• it •••• " it it •••• it ... it •• it • ,. • it 2-3
2.5.1 Cartridge Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . •• . . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.5.2 Cartridge Unloading • . . • . • . •• •• . . . . • . • •. . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.5.3 Keeping Track of Cartridges. . . •. . . . . . •. • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.5.4 Write Protect Tab. . . • . . . • . •. . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . •. . . . 2-3
2.5.5 Cartridge Storage and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-S
.Maintenance .. , ,. ....... ,. ........ ,. •..... ,. , ............ , . , . , . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.6.1 Head and Puck Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-S
2.6.2 Operator Trouble Isolation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-S
2.6.3 Cartridge Wear •.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-S
iii

·CHAPTER 3 PROGRAMMING
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.1.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.3.1
3.2.3.2
3.2.4
3.2.4.1
3.2.4.2
3.2.5
3.3
3.4
General Principles
.......................•.............•.............
Block Number, Byte Count, and Drive Number ............••.•..•......•
Special Handler Functions ....•...••.•.••.•...........•.............
Radial Serial Protocol (RSP) and Modified RSP (MRSP) ......•.•...••..•..•.
Packets ....... """"""" .. """"""" .. """"""""""""""""" .. " .. ", "" .. ". ". """" ...
Packet Usage "".""""" ... " .. """" .. """.".""""""".,."" ... "".,." .. "., .. "
Break and Initialization "."""." .. "."" .... """.,,, ... ,,.,, .. ,, .. ,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,, .... ,,,,,,,,.
Command Packets .. """".,,,.,,,,,,,," ... ,,.,,,,,, .. ,, .. ,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.,, ... ,, .... ,,,,,,.,, ...
Maintenance Mode ...........•............•.•...................
Special Address Mode ...•.•.•..........•••.....•••...........•...
Data Packets" " .. "" .. """, .. " .... """" .... " .. " ...... """" ... "". " .. " .... "" .... "" .. """. ",
Radial Serial Protocol .......................••..•......•......•..
Modified Radial Serial Protocol ...........•......•...••...•..•.•.••
End Packets .. "... " .. " .. " .... to ...... " ... " ..................... " .. " " ... " .... " .... " .. " ....... " • " " ..
Instruction Set .... " .. "" .. " .... "....... "......... ". "... ., "....... "..... " .. " .. " .... "........ "... ""
PASCAL TU58 Handler Algorithm Definitions
CHAPTER4 INSTALLATION
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-3
3-4
3-4
3-4
3-4
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-11
4.1 Introduction" .. ", """"", "", , """""""", """"" .. """"""""""""""" .. " "" """"""" 4-1
4.2 Rack Installation (-DA Version) . . . . . . . . . . . •• •. •. . . • . . . . . •. •. •• . • . . • . . . . 4-1
4.2.1 Rackrnount .. """"""""""""""" .... ,, 111 , , " , , , " .. , , , , " , " , " , , , , " , " , , , • " , " • , 4-1
4.2.2 Unpacking .. """ .. """""".""." •. " .. """""""."" .. ,, ... ,,",, .... ,,"",, ... ,,"""""" 4-1
4.2.3 Power Selection "" .. """""""" .. ".""" .. "."."."""" .. ,,""",,.,,"""",, .. ,,"",,.,," 4-1
4.2.4 Removing Bottom Plates for Controller Board Configuration ............•.• 4-2
4.2.5 Rackmounting Procedure. . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . • . •••••••. •••. ••. . . . •. . . •• • 4-2
4.3 Rack Installation (-CA Version) . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . •. . • . . ••• . . . •. •• • •• . 4-7
4.3.1 Rackmount """." .. " .. ""."""""""".""."."""""""""" ... "".""" .... ",, ... ,,,,.... 4-7
4.3.2 Power Selection for the Rack Version .....•.....•••••.••.••..•.••..•.. 4-8
4.3.3 Removing Module from Chassis. • •. •. •. . .. . •• • •• •• . . •. ••. . .. . . . .. . • •. 4-10
4.3.4 Reinstalling the Module
..••..•.............••••.•.•••••.••••.•••.•. 4-10
4.4 Installation
(-EA and -EB Versions) ..................................... 4-12
4.4.1 Tabletop Installation
.....••..•.............•.•••.....•.••.••..••.• 4-12
4.4.2 Solid Mounting Installation
......................................... 4-12
4.5 Installation
(-VA Version) .•••..•.•....•.••..•...•......•••.••••.••.•. 4-13
4.5.1 Tabletop Installation
.•........•••.•••••••....•.••••..•.••........• 4-13
4.5.2 Solid Mounting Installation
.......•.•.•...............•...•...•..••. 4-13
4.5.3 Mounting the TU58-VA
to the SBll (or BAll-VA) ...................... 4-13
4.6 Components" ... , """"""", """""""""""""" e." .... " .. " " " " " .. " " " " " " " " • " " ...... .. " 4-13
4.7 Interface Standards Selection and Setup ...•••..•.•..•.....•..•.......... 4-16
4.7.1 Selecting Interface
Standards.. • . • . . ••• •. • . •. . . . ••. . •. ... • •. • .. . •. . •. 4-17
4.7.2 Connecting Standards Jumpers
..•..•.•......•..•••..••..•.•.....•.... 4-19
4.8 Operational Checkout
.....••••.•......•......•.••..•..........••••.• 4-19
4.8.1 Checkout
of Interface •.•......•••••••.•..•••.••...•••...•....•.... 4-19
4.8.2 Configuring Interface Modules •• ••. •. . . . . . . . . . . . •. • •. ••. •. . ••. . . . •.
.• 4-21
4.8.3 Checkout of Drive Command Function ...••...........••....••........ 4-31
iv

CHAPTER S OPTIONS
5.1 Run Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.1.1 Installation . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5-1
5.2 Boot Switch.......................................... ..................................................................... 5-2
5.2.1 General.............. ................ .......... ...........•..... 5-2
5.2.2 Operation ......................................................
e" .................................. if ................ ..
5-2
S.2.3 Installation~ .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . . 5-2
APPENDIX A TUS8/pDP-ll TOGGLE-IN BOOT
APPENDIX B RSP SEQUENCE
APPENDIX C SAMPLE DEVICE HANDLERS
APPENDIX D CARTRIDGE REPAIR
APPENDIX E FffiLD REPLACEABLE UNIT SPARES LIST
FIGURES
I-I Tape Cartridge Partially Inserted into Drive (Top View) •.......•............ 1-2
1-2
An Exchange in Radial Serial Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1-3 TU58 Block Diagram ......................................................................................... 1-4
1-4
Block Locations on Tape ...........•........................•..•..... 1-5
2-1 TU58-DA and -CA Rackmount Front Panel. •• • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2-2 TU58-EA, -EB, and -VA Front Panel ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2-3
Cartridge Loading. . . . . . •• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2-4 Write Protect Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . 2-4
2-5 View Into Tape Drive Cartridge Slot .................................... 2-5
3-1 Read Command Packet Exchange ...................................... 3-8
3-2 RSP Write Transaction . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3-3
MRSP Write Transaction ............................................• 3·10
4-1 TU58-DA Rear Panel ................................................................................ 4-2
4-2 Installing Support Brackets ..................................•...•.... 4-3
4-3 Installing Mounting Brackets ••......•.......•......................... 4-4
4-4 Front Vertical Rail U-Nut Retainers. . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . •. . . . . . 4-4
4-5 Rackmounting the TU58·DA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . 4-5
4-6 Rear Vertical Support U-Nut Retainers ..•.....•..........•...•.......... 4-6
4-7 Fastening Support Bracket Extenders ...•......................•........ 4-6
4-8 Installing the Bezel . • . •. . • . . . . . . •. . . •. • •• . • •• . . . . . . . • . •.
... • •• • . ... •• . ... . . 4-7
4-9 Bezel and Ball Stud .................... '" . •. . • • . •. . . •. • . . •. • • •. . . ••. •. . . . 4-8
4·10 Rackmounting the TU58-CA .......................................... 4-9
4-11 TU58-CA Rear Panel ................ ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . • •. • . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-10
4-12 Installing Cage and Retainer Bar. • . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . • •. . . . . . .. 4-11
4-13 Mounting the TU58-EA and
-EB ....................................... 4-12
4-14 Mounting Choices for the TU58·VA . • . . . .
.. . . . .... . .... . . . . .. . . . . . .. . ... 4-14
4-15 Interfacing the TU58-VA
..•...••.. '. ........•...•••...•............... 4·14
4-16 Drive Outline Drawings . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . .
.. 4-15
4-17 Board Outline Drawings
•. • . . . ... . . • • . . •. • •. • . . • •• •. •. • . • •. . • . . •. . •. . . .. 4-16
4-18 TU58 Drive Mounting Hardware
....................................... 4-17
4-19 Data Rate and Cable Length for RS-423
............••.......•.•......... 4-19
4-20 Interface Selection Jumper Pin Locations ..•...............•............. 4-20
v

4-21 Factory Wiring " .. " ....... " .... ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 4-21
4-22 TUS8 Wiring (9600 Baud) ............................................ 4-21
4-23 OLVII-J Factory Conftguration Summary ............................... 4-25
4-24 MXVII-A Jumper Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . .
.. 4-26
5-1 Installation of Run Indicator ..........•...•. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
D-l Baseplate Screw Locations ....... "". """""" ... ". " .. "" ....... ". ". ". ". . . . 0-1
0·2 Threading the Metal·Base Cartridge •.•...•.....•........................ 0-2
0·3 Head Gate and Spring. . . •. • . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 0-3
D-4 Stretch the Belt with the Floating Roller . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . 0-3
0-5 Threading the Plastic-Base Cartridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . .
.. D-4
TABLES
2-1 Operator Trouble Isolation. . •. . •. . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . • . •. . . . . . . . . . . . • . . 2·6
3-1 Command Packet Structure ... ".""" .... "" ...... " ... " ... " ... "" .. ".".,, 41 • 3-3
3-2 Data Packets" .... " ... "" .. " .. "" ... " ...... " ...... " ............ " .. ". . . 3-5
3-3 End Packet . ••. . . . . . . . . • ••. •. •. . . . . . . . . . . .. . •• . . . . . ••. . • . . . •. . . . . • • . 3·5
34 Instruction Set "" ". ". ". . "". ". "" .. ". " ... ". "". "". ". . . ". """. . ". "". . . """ 3-7
4-1 TU58 Module Connections .....•.............................•........ 4-18
4·2 MXVII-A Standard Factory Conftguration
............................... 4-27
vi

1.1 SCOPE
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCfION
The TU58 DECtape II is a low-cost, mass-storage device that may be used in a wide variety of applications.
This manual provides information that a user needs to install, interface, and operate the tape system. (For
specific information about using the TU58 under DIGITAL operating systems, refer to the individual sys-
tem manuals.)
Chapter 1 provides a general description of the TU58 and a list of its specifications, including electrical and
mechanical requirements. The configurations section describes the available variations of the TU58.
Chapter 2
contains important information for daily operation and routine maintenance. It is the system
operator's reference section.
Chapter 3 is a programming guide. It contains functional descriptions of the TU58 command set, illus-
trates command sequences, explains the details of the radial serial protocol (RSP) and the modified radial
serial protocol (MRSP), lists system instruction codes and byte sequences, and includes a general purpose
programming example for a TU58 device handler.
Chapter 4 describes instructions for jumper selection; mechanical, electrical, and interface installation; and
operational checkout of the tape system.
Chapter 5 describes the optional features available in the TU58.
Appendix A lists a PDP-II toggle-in bootstrap for the TU58.
Appendix B contains an RSP sequence to exercise a new cartridge.
Appendix C lists sample device handlers written in POP-ll FORTRAN IV and PDP-ll MACRO-ll
assembly language.
Appendix 0 covers cartridge repair procedures.
Appendix E lists the field replaceable units (FRUs) in the TU58.
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The TU58 is a random-access, fixed-length-block, mass-storage tape system. It uses preformatted tape
cartridges
which store 262 kilobytes of data in 5I2-byte blocks. There are 256 blocks on each of two
tracks. They may be accessed by a program in a fashion similar to that employed for data stored on
disks or DECtape, using a new, high-level instruction set. A file-oriented structure is easily imple-
mented in an operating system by setting aside several blocks on the tape to store a directory.
1-1

The TU58 is compact and mechanically simple. The tape cartridges are DIGITAL-preformatted, min-
iature, reel-to-reel packages containing 42.7 m (140 ft) of 3.81 mm (0.150 in) wide tape. A single puck
drives the tape by engaging a roller which moves an elastomer drive belt in the cartridge. This belt
loops around both tape spools and provides uniform tension and spill-free winding without mechanical
linkages (Figure I-I). The simple, single-point drive mechanism provides high reliability for the entire
system.
The control and drive circuitry of the TU58
is located on a single circuit board. The controller uses a
microprocessor
(p.P) to reduce the tape handling and communications management load on the host
system.
The motor and tape head control, driver, and switching circuits that manage the two tape drives are
on
the printed circuit board with the p.P. The controller supports one or two drives, but only one drive can
operate
at a time. The p.P controls all activities of the TU58. Head and motor selection, speed and
direction changes, etc. are managed by outputs from
I/O ports on a peripheral integrated circuit (IC).
The mechanical actions ofthe drives are supervised by the
p.P in order to improve system performance.
Operational amplifiers, comparators, and logic circuits perform amplification, signal switching and con-
ditioning, proportional control, and logic steering functions in the controller. The tape is protected by
motor current limiting and an anti-runaway timer.
The
p.P intelligence requires that requests from the host for data retrieval or storage contain only simple
specifications about the transfer. The controller positions the tape and performs the transfer without super-
vision from the host.
The host and controller communicate in a format called either radial serial protocol (RSP), or modified
radial serial protocol (MRSP). RSP uses two kinds of byte sequences called message packets. Both com-
mand and data packets have protocol information placed in specific locations in the byte sequence. This
format
is easily generated by the TU58, making host-peripheral interaction possible at a high level with low
cost. Figure 1-2 illustrates a typical RSP exchange between a host computer and the TU58. See Chapter 3
for a full discussion of RSP implementation
..
MICROSWITCHES
WRITE PROTECT
TAB
DRIVE PUCK
HEAD
SWINGOUT
GATE
DRIVE TAPE
ROLLER
TAPE ELASTOMER
CARTRIDGE BELT MA·2380
Figure I-I Tape Cartridge Partially Inserted into Drive (Top View)
1-2

When, owing to the data transfer rate selected, the buffer is unable to accept an entire transaction, modi-
fied serial protocol (MRSP) is utilized. MRSP is implemented by using the command packet switch byte.
See Paragraph 3.2 for a more detailed description of MRSP implementation.
The serial host interface operates on full-duplex, asynchronous, 4-wire lines
at jumper-selectable rates of
150 to 38.4K baud. Send and receive rates may be independently set with jumpers to operate in accordance
with Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standards R8-422 or RS-423. When set to R8-423, the TU58
is also compatible with devices complying with R8-232-C.
1.3 BLOCK DIAGRAM
Figure 1-3 illustrates the structure of the TU58 system. The data path is along the top of the diagram,
passing to the host through the processor
at the right. The drive control is at the lower left, also closely
associated with the processor through the
I/O ports. The ports, memory, and universal asynchronous
receiver-transmitter (UART) are connected to the processor by an 8·bit-wide data/address bus.
1.3.1 Drive Control
The cartridge drive motors are powered by servo-regulated speed and direction circuits. These are con-
trolled by the processor, which monitors with tachometers and with signals from the tape. The heads
are selected by processor-controlled switches and either feed the automatic-gain-controlled
(AGe) read
amplifier and decoder circuits or are driven by write currents encoded by the processor.
1.3.2 Processor
The processor consists of an 8085 processor supported by firmware in a 2-kilobyte, read only memory
(ROM) and by scratchpad and
data buffer memory in a 256-byte random access memory (RAM). The
processor communicates with the drive control circuitry through a bidirectional
I/O port. The UART
exchanges data between the TU58 processor bus and the host computer via the serial line drivers and
receivers.
HOST I TU58
ICOMMAND II •PACKET
..
I
CONTINUE I
I
DATA
I
PACKET I •
I CONTI~UE
..
I
DATA
I
PACKET I •
END
I MESSAGE
PACKET
MA·2384
Figure 1-2 An Exchange in Radial Serial Protocol
1-3

Figure 1-3 TUS8 Block Diagram
1.4 SPEOFICATIONS
1.4.1 Performance
Capacity per cartridge
Data transfer rate
Read/write on tape
Data buffer to interface
Cartridge life
Data reliability
Soft data error rate
Hard error rate
Hard error rate with
write-verify and
system correction
Error checking
262,144 bytes, formatted in 512
blocks of512 bytes each
41.7
ps/data bit, 24 Kbits/s
150 to 38.4 kbaud, jumper selected
5000 minimum end-to-end-and-back
tape passes
1 in
10
7 bits read (before self-
correction)
1in
10
9 bits read (unrecoverable
within 8 automatic retries)
2 in
1011 bits read/written
Checksum with rotation
1-4
TO HOST

Average access time
Maximmn access tirnc
Read/write tape speed
Search tape speed
Bit density
Flux reversal density
Recording method
Medium
Track format (Figure 1-4)
Drive
Drives
per controller
1.4.2 Electrical
Power consumption
Board and 1
or 2
drives
\
JBOT #128
200
( BOT
#0
0
#384
600
#256
400
BOT: BEGINNING OF TAPE
EDT: END OF TAPE
#129 #385
201
601
#1 #257
1 401
9.3 seconds
28 seconds
76 cm/s (30 in/s)
152 cm/s (60 in/s)
315 bits/em (800 bits/in)
945 fr/cm (2400 fr/in)
Ratio encoding
DECtape II cartridge with 42.7 m
(140 ft) of 3.81 mm (0.150 in) tape.
Size: 6.1 X 8.1 X 1.3
em (2.4 X 3.2
X 0.5 in).
Order TU58-K.
Two tracks, each containing 1024
individually numbered, firmware-
interleaved
"records." Firmware
manipulates four records
at each
operation to form 512-byte blocks.
Single motor,
head integrally cast
into molded chassis.
1
or 2 (only one may operate at a
time)
11 W typical, drive running
cor. 5 V :t5% at 0.75 A maximum
+12 V + 10% -5% at 1.2 A, peak
0.6 A average running
0.1 A idle
These voltages need not stabilize
simultaneously
upon power-on.
#130 #386
~lJ
#254 #510
#255
#511
202 602 376 776
377
777
#2
#256
~3(
2 402 #126 #382 #127 #383
176
576
177
577
# DECIMAL
OCT.AL
Figure 1-4 Block Locations on Tape
1-5
~1\~;a37""

Rackmount
Serial interface standards
1.4.3 Mechanical
Drive
Board
TU58-DA
TU58-CA rackmount
cabinet
TU58-EA, -EB, -VA
Power connector
to
board
Power connector to
rackmount
Interface connector to
board
1.4.4 Environmental
90- 128 Vac, 180 -256 Vac,
47 - 63 Hz, 35 W maximum
In accordance with RS-422 or RS-423;
compatible with RS-232-C.
8.1 H X 8.3 D X 10.6 W cm (3.2 X 3.3
X
4.1 in) with 19 cm (7.5 in) cable;
0.23 kg (0.5Ib)
13.2 H X 26.5 D X 3.5 W cm (5.19 X
10.44 X 1.4 in); 0.24 kg (0.53Ib)
Same rackspace as -CA. See -EA for
chassis.
13.2 H X 38.1 D X 48.3 W
cm (5.19 X
15.0 X 19.0 in); 9 kg (20 lbs)
9.2 H X 29.5 D X 33.7 W
cm (3.6 X
11.6 X 13.3 in); with rubber feet,
add
1.5 H cm (0.6 in)
AMP 87159-6 with 87027-3 contacts
DIGITAL PN 12-12202-09,
12-12203-00)
European IEC standard
AMP 87133-5 with 87124-1 locking
clip contacts and 87179-1 index pin
(PN 12-14268-02, 12-14267-00,
12- 15418-00)
When the TU58-AB
or -BB is integrated in a host device such as a terminal, convection provides ade-
quate cooling
if the interior temperature is below 50° C (122° F) dry bulb, 26° C (79° F) wet bulb.
Maximum dissipation
TU58-CA, -DA, -EA, -EB
TU58-AB, -BB, -VA
Temperature
TU58 operating
TU58 nonoperating
Maximum temperature
difference between
ambient and TU58 board
120 Btu/hour
34 Btu/hour
15° C (590 F) to 42° C (1080 F) ambient
-34° C (-30° F) to 60° C (1400 F)
18° C (32.4° F)
1-6

Relative humidity, noncondensing
TU58 operating
Maximum dew point
Minimum dew point
Relative humidity
23° C (73.4° F)
2° C (36° F)
10% to 90%
TU 58 nonoperating .
5% to 98%
CAUTION
If a cartridge bas been exposed to eitber tbe max-
imum or minimum temperature extreme, tbe tape
should be rewound one complete cycle before using.
This is done to bring tbe tape to tbe proper tension.
1.5 CONFIGURATIONS
The TU58 is available in the following configurations with accompanying designations.
TU58·CA
TU58-DA
TU58-EA
TU58-EB
TU58-VA
Additional Supplies
8C220-lO
Rackmount, large chassis, two drives, serial interface controller board, power
supply
115/230 V switch-selectable, detachable line cords and fuses for 115 V
and 230 V, two cartridges, boot ROM for MRII-EA, User Guide, Field Main-
tenance Print Set (MPOO747), two I/O cables (BC17A-18 and BCI7B-18), di-
agnostic kit (ZJ287-RG).
Rackmount, tabletop chassis, two drives, serial interface controller board, pow-
er supply 115/230 V switch-selectable, detachable line cords and fuses for 115
V and 230 V, two cartridges, two I/O cables (BCI7A-18 and BCI7B-18), boot
ROM for MRll-EA, accessory assembly hardware kit (70-16753-00), User
Guide, Field Maintenance Print Sets (MPOlOI4 and MPOI063).
Tabletop, two drives, serial interface controller board, power supply 115/230 V
switch-selectable, detachable line cord and fuse for 115 V, accessory assembly
hardware kit (70-16753-00), User Guide, Field Maintenance
Print Set
(MPOlOI4).
Tabletop, two drives, serial interface controller board,' power supply
115/230 V
switch-selectable, detachable line cords and fuses for liS V and 230 V, two car-
tridges, two I/O cables (BCI7A-18 and BCI7B-18), boot ROM for MRll-EA,
accessory assembly hardware kit (70-16753-00), User Guide, Field Mainte-
nance Print Set (MPOlOI4).
Tabletop, two drives, serial interface controller board,
dc power cable (70-
17569-1C), I/O cable (70-17568-1F), two cartridges, MXVII-A-2 boot ROM,
User Guide, Configuration Guide, Field Maintenance Print Set (MPO1013), ac-
cessory assembly hardware kit (70-16753-01).
NOTE
BCllO-lO replaces BCl7A-l8 and BC17B-l8. The
new cable has an improved shield connection to com-
ply witb FCC regulations.
Interface cable from TU58 to host.
1-7

BC17A-18
BC17B-18
BC21B-05
TU58-K
TUC-OI
ru58-DB
TU58-EC
TU58-ED
TU58-VB
17-00090-00
70-16753-00
70-16753-01
23-126F3-O-O
MXVI1-A-2
23-765A9-OO
Interface cable from TU58 to DL-ll and DLV-ll, 5.4 m (18 ft) (lO-pin-to-40-
pin connector).
Interface cable from TU58 to
DLV-IlJ and MXV-ll, 5.4 m (18 ft) (to-pin-to-
100pin connector).
Modem cable from TU58 to EIA connector,
1.5 m (5 ft) (lO-pin-to-DB25-P
male).
Preformatted tape cartridges, available singly or in packs of five.
Tape Drive Cleaning Kit.
Rackmount installation kit for tabletop versions -EA, -EB,
-VA.
Accessory kit containing detachable line cord for 115 V. accessory assembly
hardware kit (70-16753-00), User Guide, Field Maintenance Print Set
(MPOI014).
Accessory kit containing detachable line cords for
115 V and 230 V and fuse for
230 V, two cartridges, two I/O cables (BCI7A-18 and BCI7B-18), boot ROM
for
MRII-EA, accessory assembly hardware kit (70-16753-00), User Guide,
Field Maintenance Print Set (MPOI014).
Accessory kit containing dc power cable (70-17569-1C),
I/O cable (70-177568-
IF), two cartridges, MXVI1-A2 boot ROM, User Guide, Configuration Guide,
Field Maintenance Print Set (MPOlO13), accessory assembly hardware kit (70-
16753-01).
Line cord 250
V.
Accessory assembly hardware kit with brackets for mounting TU58 tabletop
versions to flat surface.
Accessory assembly hardware kit with brackets for mounting TU58 tabletop
versions below a flat surface.
Boot ROM for BDVl1.
Boot ROM for
MXVII.
Boot ROM for MRII-EA.

1.6 HARDWARE DOCUMENTATION ORDERING INFORMATION
The following TU58 DECtape II Tape Subsystem hardware manuals can be purchased from
DIGITAL's Accessory and Supplies Group.
Title
Part No
EK-OTU58-UG
EK-OTU58-PS
EK-OTU58-TM
EK-OTU58-IP
MPOO747
MPOI014-00
MPO 10 13-00,
MPOI063
TU58 DECtape
II User Guide
TU58 DECtape II Pocket Service Guide
TU58 DECtape II Technical Manual (microfiche or paper)
TU58 DECtape II Illustrated Parts Breakdown
TU58-C Field Maintenance Print
Set
TU58-E Field Maintenance Print Set
TU58-V Field Maintenance Print Set
TU58-D Field Maintenance Print Set
ORDERING
You can order supplies and accessories from one of the following addresses, according to yourlocation.
Continental
USA
Call 800-258-1710, or mail order to:
Digital Equipment Corporation
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, NH 03061
New Hampshire
Call 603-884-6660, or mail order to:
Digital Equipment Corporation
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, NH 03061
Alaska or Hawaii
Call 408-7344915, or mail order to:
Digital Equipment Corporation
632 Caribbean Drive
Sunnyvale,
CA 94086
Canada
Call 800-267-6146,
or mail order to:
Digital Equipment
of Canada LTD.
P.O. Box 13000
Kanata, Ontario, Canada K2K 2A6
Au: A&SG Business Manager
Telex: 610-562-8732
1-9

1.7 DIGITAL REPAIR SERVICE
Digital Field Service offers a range of flexible service plans. Choose the one that is right for you.
ON SITE SERVICE offers the convenience of service at your site and insurance against unplanned repair
bills. For a small monthly fee you receive personal service from our Service Specialists. Within a
few hours
the specialist
is dispatched to your site with all the equipment and parts needed to give you fast and
dependable maintenance.
BASIC SERVICE offers full coverage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Options are
available to extend your coverage to 12-, 16-, or 24-hour days, and to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
DECsenice offers a premium on-site service that guarantees extra-fast response and nonstop remedial
maintenance. We don't leave until the problem
is solved, which makes this service contract ideal for those
who need uninterrupted operations.
Under Basic Service and DECservice all parts, materials, and labor are covered in full.
CARRY -IN SERVICE offers fast, personalized response and the ability to plan your maintenance costs
for a smaller monthly fee than On-Site Service. When you bring your unit in to one
of 160 Digital
Servicenters worldwide,
factory~trained personnel repair your unit within two days (usually 24 hours). This
service
is available on selected terminals and systems.
Digital Servicenters are open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Call one
of the
following numbers for the location
of the office nearest you.
DECmailer offers expert repair
at a per use charge. This service is for users who have the technical
resources to troubleshoot, identify, and isolate the module causing the problem. You mail the faulty
module to our Customer Returns Center where the module
is repaired and mailed back to you within five
days.
PER CALL SERVICE offers a maintenance program on a noncontractual, time-and-materials-cost basis.
This service
is available with either On-Site or Carry-In service. It is appropriate for customers who have
the expertise to perform first-line maintenance, but may occasionally need in-depth support from Field
Service.
Per Call Service is also offered as s supplementary program for Basic Service customers who need
maintenance beyond their contracted coverage hours. There is no materials charge in this case.
On-Site Per Call Service is provided on a best effort basis, with a normal response time of two to
three days.
It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Carry-In Per Call Service is available during normal business hours, with a two to three day
turnaround.
For more information on these
Digital Service plans, prices, and special rates for volume customers, call
one
of the following numbers for the location of the Digital Field Service office nearest you.
Digital International Field Service Information Numbers
U.S.A.
Canada
United Kingdom
Belgium
West Germany
Italy
Japan
France
1-(800)-554-3333
(800)-267-5251
(0256)-57122
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]/2
[phone]
1-6873152
1-10
Denmark
Spain
Finland
Holland
Switzerland
Sweden
Norway
430-1005
91-7334370
90-423332
(01820)-34144
01-8105184
08-987350
2-256422

Z.1 TU58-DA, -CA RACKMOUNT CONTROlS AND INDICATORS
%01.1 Front Panel
CHAPTER 1
OPERATION
The front panel (Figure 2-1) has two slots for the tape cartridges and two tape motion indicators for the
drives. In addition, the decorative bezel has a small compartment that can store up to four cartridges
(six
on the -CA) in their boxes.
%o1.ZRua.Indicator
Each tape drive has
an indicator that lights to show tape motion. Since data loss can 'occur ifa cartridge
is removed while the tape is being written, the cartridge should not be removed if the indicator is on.
Z.I.3 Application and Removal of Power
The
TUS8-DA has a power switch on its backpanel, while the TUS8-CA does not. If an outlet is avail-
able on a system power controller, the TUS8 may be plugged into the controller. Otherwise, it does not
need to be turned off. Its idling power consumption is less than 20 W.
When power is applied, the TU58 initializes itself, performs internal diagnostic tests, and then asks the
host for an acknowledgement before it settles down to wait for instructions. See Paragraph 3.2.2 for a
description of the required exchange.
If power is removed while a tape is being written, data may be lost. There are no other restrictions on
power removal.
TAPE STORAGE
AREA
Figure 2-1 TU58-DA and -CA Rackmount Front Panel
2-1

1.1 TU58-EA, -ED CONTROlS AND INDICATORS
1.1.1 Front Panel
The front
panel (Figure 2·2) has two slots for the tape cartridges and two tape motion indicators for the
drives.
1.1.1 Run Indicator
Each tape drive
has an indicator that lights to show tape motion in that drive.
1.1.3 Application and Removal of Power
The TU58·EA and
-ED versions have power switches on their back panels. If an outlet is available on a
system
power controller, these versions may be plugged into the controller. Otherwise, they do not need
to be turned off. Their idling power consumption is less than 20 W.
When power is applied, the TU58 initializes itself, performs internal diagnostic tests, and then asks the
host for an acknowledgement before it settles down to wait for instructions. See Paragraph 3.2.2 for a
description of the required exchange.
If power is removed while a tape is being written, data may be lost. There are no other restrictions on
power removal.
1.3 TU58-VA CONTROlS AND INDICATORS
1.3.1 Front Panel
The front panel (Figure
2-2) has two slots for the tape cartridges and two tape motion indicators for the
drives.
1.3.1 Run Indicator
Each tape drive has
an indicator that lights to show tape motion in that drive.
RUN INDICATOR DRIVE 0
DRIVEO
Figure 2-2 TU58-EA, -ED, and -VA Front Panel
2-2

2.3.3 Application and Removal of Power
The TU 58-VA requires +5 V and + 12 V from the device to which it connects. See the electrical speci-
fications in Paragraph 1.4.2 for power requirements ofa controller board and two drives. The partnum-
ber of dc power cable supplied with the TU 58-VA is 70-17569-1C. See Chapter 4 for installation infor-
mation.
When power is applied, the TUS8 initializes itself, performs internal diagnostic tests, and then asks the
host for an acknowledgement before it settles down to wait for instructions. See Paragraph 3.2.2 for a
description of the required exchange.
If power is removed while a tape is being written, data may be lost. There are no other restrictions on
power removal.
2.4 TUS8 COMPONENTS CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
See Chapter 5 for installation and operation of optional features.
2.4.1 Application and Removal of Power
The TU58 may be supplied with power from a host system. It is ready for operation within one second
of voltage stabilization. It does not neep to be turned off when not in use; its idling power consumption
is less than 5 W.
. '.
When power is applied, the TU58 initializes itself, performs internal diagnostic tests, and then asks the
host for an acknowledgment before it settles down to wait for instructions. See Paragraph 3.2.2 for a
description of the required exchange.
If power is removed while a tape is being written, data may be lost. There are no other restrictions on
power removal.
2.S CARTRIDGE
2.5.1 Cartridge Loading
The TU58 drive is designed to make correct loading easy. To load the cartridge, hold it label-up, line it
up with the grooves in the chassis, and slide it in with a firm push. Figure 2-3 illustrates the fit ofthe
cartridge into the drive chassis grooves.
2.5.2 Cartridge Unloading
Unloading the cartridge is as simple as loading. Just pull it straight out. It is best to wait for the tape to
stop (run indicator turns off) before removing the cartridge. The mechanism cannot be damaged by
removing the cartridge while the tape
is moving, but if a write is in progress, data may be lost. An error
message
is sent to the host if a command is interrupted by removal ofa cartridge. The cartridge may be
left in the drive as long as needed.
2.5.3 Keeping Track of Cartridges
If the TUS8 is used in a non-file-structured system, the cartridge does not have an identifying number
or label recorded on the tape.
If a cartridge is changed, the TUS8 does not know that a different car-
tridge was loaded; the operator must keep track of the contents of various cartridges.
2.5.4 Write Protect Tab
Each tape cartridge has a movable tab which, when properly positioned, protects data on the tape from
unintended write operations. When this write protect tab (Figure 2-4)
is in the inner position (toward
the drive roller), it locks out the write circuitry.
When the write protect tab
is in the outer position, it closes a switch in the chassis and allows the con-
troller to write when it is commanded. The operator should be sure that system or program tapes are
backed up with copies before loading them into the TUS8 with their write protect tabs set to record.
2-3