Exabyte 8505XLS User manual

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Copyright
Copyright 1992 by EXABYTE Corporation. All rights reserved. This
item and the information contained herein are the property of
EXABYTE Corporation. No part of this document may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into
any language or computer language in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or
otherwise, without the express written permission of EXABYTE
Corporation, 1685 38th Street, Boulder, Colorado 80301.
Disclaimer
EXABYTE Corporation makes no representation or warranties with
respect to the contents of this document and specifically disclaims any
implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Further, EXABYTE Corporation reserves the right to revise
this publication without obligation of EXABYTE Corporation to notify
any person or organization of such revision or changes.
Trademark Notices
EXABYTE is a registered trademark and EXATAPE is a trademark of
EXABYTE Corporation. AMP is a trademark of AMP Incorporated.
dataMate is a registered trademark of Methode Electronics, Inc.
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 when the equipment is operated in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, 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:
■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 the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
■Shielded cables are required for this device to comply with FCC Rules.
Use shielded cables when connecting this device to others.
2520156

Welcome
Thank you for selecting the Mini Tabletop 8mm Cartridge
Tape Subsystem (CTS). You have chosen the leading
half-high 8mm cartridge tape subsystem, fully enclosed in
an air-cooled, shielded container complete with a universal
self-switching power supply, two Small Computer Standard
Interface (SCSI) connectors, a SCSI ID switch, and a Monitor
port. The Mini Tabletop CTS is available in either a
single-ended or differential SCSI configuration. The CTS in
your Mini Tabletop CTS offers helical scan recording on
8mm tape with data compression.
Use this guide to help you unpack, install, and maintain
your new CTS.
Read Section 1 to learn about the features of the Mini
Tabletop CTS, the enclosed CTS, and EXATAPE™, the
data-grade, metal-particle data cartridges we recommend
using with your new Mini Tabletop CTS.
Read Section 2 to learn about saving your packaging, how
to repack your Mini Tabletop CTS, and which power cord
you should use with your Mini Tabletop CTS.
Read Section 3 tolearnhowtoinstallyourMiniTabletop
CTS including setting the SCSI ID, placing orientation pads,
connecting SCSI cables and terminators, and powering on
the Mini Tabletop CTS.
Read Section 4 to learn about maintaining your Mini
Tabletop CTS, including cleaning instructions and how to
remove and replace the cover of the Mini Tabletop CTS.
October 1992 3

For Quick Reference...
NAME NUMBER
Sales Representative’s Name
Sales Representative’s Number
Service Number
Mini Tabletop CTS Serial Number
Purchase Date
4520156

Contents
1MiniTabletopCTSoverview............. 6
Catridge tape subsystem overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
EXATAPE overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2Beforeyoubegin.....................8
Checkingthepowercord..................8
3InstallingyourMiniTabletopCTS..........9
SettingtheSCSIID.....................9
Placingtheorientationpads ...............10
Placingtheexternalterminator..............11
Connecting the SCSI cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Powering on the Mini Tabletop CTS . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Observing the power-on self-test . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4Maintenance..................... 16
CleaningtheCTS.....................16
Replacingthepowercord.................18
Removing and replacing the cover . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Repacking instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
October 1992 5

1Mini Tabletop CTS overview
The Mini Tabletop CTS is a fully integrated, half-high,
tabletop 8mm cartridge tape subsystem. The EXABYTE®
design provides temperature control and allows the CTS to
stand alone in either a vertical or horizontal position. The
Mini Tabletop enclosure offers the following features:
■A thermistor-controlled fan
■A universal self-switching power supply
■A SCSI ID switch
■Two SCSI connectors
■A Monitor port used for diagnostics by your vendor
Cartridge tape subsystem overview
The enclosed CTS offers the following features:
■Advanced helical scan recording technology
■Sophisticated error detection, correction, and recovery
procedures
■Ability to record on data quality 8mm data cartridges
■Read and write compatibility with other 8mm CTSs
6520156

■1-MByte speed-matching data buffer to enable operation
as a streaming or start/stop tape device
■High-speed search capability
■SCSI-1 and SCSI-2 support
■Custom EEPROM options
■Intelligent IDRC data compression
For more information about your CTS, contact your vendor.
EXATAPE™ overview
We strongly recommend that you use EXATAPE
data-grade metal-particle media with your CTS.
EXATAPE media is specifically controlled for use in a data
storage environment and offers extended durability,
long-term archivability, and greater reliability. In addition,
exclusive use of EXATAPE media with 8mm tape storage
systems prolongs head and tape life. EXATAPE data
cartridges are available in the following three lengths:
■EXATAPE 15m
■EXATAPE 54m
■EXATAPE 112m
October 1992 7

2Before you begin...
Before installing your Mini Tabletop CTS, save the original
packing materials. If you need to ship the Mini Tabletop
CTS, use the original shipping carton and packing materials.
Do not ship any other items with the CTS.
Checking the power cord
Before you begin, check that you have the proper power
cord to connect your Mini Tabletop CTS.
Your package includes a 120 VAC three-conductor power
cord for use in the United States and Canada as shown
below.
If you are using 220 volts within the United States or
Canada, you must provide a power cord that meets the
following requirements:
■NEMA 6-15P male connector on one end
■IEC type CEE-22 female connector on the other end
■SJT type, three-conductor, 18 AWG cord
If you are using 220 volts outside the United States or
Canada, you must provide a power cord that meets the
following requirements:
■IEC type CEE-22 female connector on one end
■Attachment plug appropriate for your country on the
other end
■Cord that meets the requirements of CENELEC
publication HD-21
8520156

3Installing your Mini Tabletop CTS
As described in this section, installing the Mini Tabletop CTS
includes the following steps:
1. Setting the SCSI ID
2. Placing the orientation pads
3. Placing the external terminator
4. Connecting the SCSI cable
5. Powering on the Mini Tabletop CTS
6. Observing the power-on self-test
1. Setting the SCSI ID
The SCSI ID is the address of the CTS on the SCSI bus. The
Mini Tabletop CTS can have a SCSI ID of 0 through 7. Each
device on the bus must have a unique SCSI ID. The Mini
Tabletop’s SCSI ID setting is 0 when shipped.
Note: Changes in the SCSI ID setting take effect after a
normal power-on, SCSI bus reset, or Bus Device
Reset message has been sent.
➥To set the SCSI ID, use a fine-tipped instrument to depress
the incremental switch until you reach the address number
desired for your device.
October 1992 9

2. Placing the orientation pads
When shipped, the Mini Tabletop CTS includes five
self-adhesive orientation pads. You apply four pads to either
the bottom or right side of your Mini Tabletop CTS
depending on the orientation. The pads protect the surface
of the CTS and allow air to flow through the vents in the
vertical orientation.
If you use a vertical orientation, place the pads on the right
side of the device (the side with the external vents).
If you use a horizontal orientation, place the pads on the
bottom of the device.
➥To place the orientation pads, remove the backing from the
orientation pads. Place the pads within 1⁄2inch (1.3 cm) from
the sides at each corner with the adhesive side against the
Mini Tabletop CTS.
CAUTION
Failure to place pads on the Mini Tabletop CTS for a vertical
orientation can block the air flow vents and cause overheating of
the enclosed CTS.
10 520156

3. Placing the external terminator
If the Mini Tabletop CTS is the last device on the SCSI bus,
place an external terminator into either SCSI connector.
Single-ended and differential configurations use different
terminators.
If you use a single-ended configuration, we recommend a
Methode Electronics, Inc. dataMate®DM800-09-0
single-ended external terminator or equivalent.
If you use a differential configuration, we recommend a
Methode Electronics, Inc. dataMate DM800-08-0 differential
external terminator or equivalent.
➥Place the terminator into either connector on the Mini
Tabletop CTS.
4. Connecting the SCSI cable
You must provide a shielded SCSI cable that complies with
the appropriate safety and regulatory agency requirements.
To comply with FCC, Canadian DOC, and VDE limits, you
must use shielded cables with the Mini Tabletop CTS. To
minimize discontinuities and signal reflections, make sure
all cables on the bus have the same impedance.
October 1992 11

The SCSI connectors on the back of the Mini Tabletop CTS
are 50-pin female ribbon cable connectors. Use the following
table to select the correct SCSI cable and connectors.
Configuration type
Differential Single-ended
Recommended
cable impedance 122 ohms 132 ohms
Acceptable cable
impedance greater than 90 ohms
Maximum cable
length 25 meters
(82 feet) 6 meters (19.7 feet)
Minimum conductor
size 28 AWG
(same for both cable types)
Shielded ribbon
male connector AMP™No. 554953-1
➥To connect the SCSI cable, plug the shielded SCSI cable into
either one or both of the connectors.
12 520156

5. Powering on the Mini Tabletop CTS
➥To connect the power, plug in the appropriate power cord
described in “Checking the power cord” on page 8.
Before powering on the Mini Tabletop CTS, check the
following:
■Is the power cord fully inserted correctly?
■Is the power source providing power?
■Is the CTS connected to the SCSI bus?
■Is the SCSI bus properly terminated?
■Is the SCSI ID set?
➥To power on the Mini Tabletop CTS, flip the power switch
onthebacktothe1position.
October 1992 13

6. Observing the power-on self-test (POST)
When you turn on the power, the power-on LED on the
front of the Mini Tabletop CTS turns green, the
thermistor-controlled fan mounted at the back of the Mini
Tabletop CTS begins to rotate, and the CTS’s 32-second
power-on self-test (POST) begins.
The illustration below shows the placement of the power-on
indicator and the LEDs. The table on the following page
shows the LED combinations you may observe during the
POST.
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The following table shows the LED combinations that you
may observe during CTS operation. Occasionally, you may
observe some LED combinations and sequences not shown
in this table.
CTS State
POST
start
POST
end
POST
fail
ready
(no tape)
ready
(tape)
normal tape
motion
high speed
tape motion
SCSI
bus reset
error
time to clean
top LED
(errors) ●●
j
fast ❍❍❍❍●
j
slow ❊ fast
middle
LED
(SCSI)a ●
green
j
irreg
j
irreg
j
irreg
j
irreg
j
irreg
j
irreg
j
irreg
j
irreg ❊ irreg
bottom
LED
(motion) ●❍
b
❍❍● j
slow
j
fast ●❍❊
fast
aGreen–uncompressed format tape.
Amber–compressed format tape.
bIf a data cartridge is loaded, the bottom LED will flash slow and then fast
during the second part of the power-on self-test.
Key for table
●❍ j
The LED is on. The LED is off. The LED is flashing:
j slow = 1 flash/second (0.94 Hz)
j fast = 4 flashes/second (3.76 Hz)
j irregular = Rate of flash varies with
SCSI bus activity. If the device is not
connected to the bus, the LED is off.
October 1992 15

4Maintenance
The Mini Tabletop CTS requires only one maintenance
procedure (cleaning of the enclosed CTS) and has only one
field replaceable part (the power cord). The following
sections give information on cleaning the CTS and how to
remove and replace the cover if you need to check the label
of the enclosed CTS. If you need to replace the power cord,
read the section titled “Checking the power cord” on page 8.
Cleaning the CTS
The only cleaning material authorized for use with the CTS
is an EXABYTE 8mm Cleaning Cartridge.
n
Do not use cloth swabs, cotton swabs, or any cleaning
agents other than an EXABYTE-approved cleaning
cartridge.
n
After every 30 tape motion hours you should clean the
heads and tape path
n
The format in which you write and read data does not
affect cleaning frequency.
n
A dirty environment or infrequent operation requires that
you clean the CTS more often than every 30 tape motion
hours.
n
After 30 hours, the top and bottom LEDs will flash
rapidly and the middle LED will flash irregularly,
depending on SCSI bus activity.
n
To prevent contamination and damage to the heads, do
not use the cleaning cartridge for more than the number
of cleaning cycles specified on the cartridge label.
n
Do not rewind the cleaning cartridge and attempt to reuse
it.
16 520156

To use the cleaning cartridge, follow these steps:
1. Apply power to the CTS.
When the power-on self-test is complete, press the unload
button and remove any data cartridge from the CTS.
2. Check the cleaning record.
If there are no cleaning cycles remaining, discard the
cleaning cartridge and use a new one.
3. Insert the cleaning cartridge into the CTS.
The remainder of the cleaning cycle is performed
automatically by the CTS. When the cleaning cycle is
complete, the cleaning cartridge is unloaded and ejected
from the CTS. The cleaning cycle is about 2 minutes.
Note: If there are no more cleaning cycles remaining for
the cleaning cartridge, it is ejected.
4. Confirm that a cleaning was done.
Look at the LEDs on the front panel. If the cleaning cycle
was successful, the top and bottom LEDs will be off.
5. Record the date on the cleaning record.
Store the cleaning cartridge for future use if it still has cycles
remaining. Or, discard it if no more cleaning cycles remain.
October 1992 17

Removing and replacing the cover
If you need to remove the cover to view the information on
the enclosed CTS, follow the procedures listed below.
Before you begin...
n
Make sure the current operation has completed and that
the tape motion has stopped. The bottom LED stops
blinking when motion has stopped.
n
If necessary, unload the data cartridge by pressing the
unload button.
n
Place a static protection mat on the work surface. Use a
1-megaohm resistor to ground the static protection mat.
n
Make sure there is no activity on the SCSI bus before you
disconnect the SCSI cable from the CTS. The middle LED
does not blink when there is no SCSI bus activity.
n
Turn off the power switch.
n
Disconnect the power cord and SCSI cable from the Mini
Tabletop CTS.
Note: If this is the terminating device on the SCSI bus,
you must terminate the bus at another device
before disconnecting the SCSI cable.
18 520156

1. To remove the cover:
➥Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the single screw on
the rear panel.
➥Rotate the top cover upward on the front hinge and lift it off
the front hinge as shown.
October 1992 19

2. To replace the cover:
➥Slide the cover tabs through the chassis slot as shown.
➥Rotate the top cover down and engage the flanges on the
interior sides of the cover with the side panels of the Mini
Tabletop CTS as shown.
➥Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, replace the screw on the
back panel.
20 520156