Exabyte VXA-2 AUTOPAK1X7 User manual

1010964-000
EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1X7
AUTOLOADER
PRODUCT MANUAL

ii PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
COPYRIGHT Copyright 2002 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 norepresentation or warranties with respectto 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, Exapak, VXA, and VXAtape are registered trademarks; M2, MammothTape,
SmartClean, EZ17 and NetStorM are trademarks; People Working for You and
SupportSuite are service marks of Exabyte Corp. All other product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
PART NUMBER
REVISION HISTORY
1010964-000
NOTE: The most current information about this product is available at Exabyte’s World
Wide Web site (www.exabyte.com).
Revision Date Description
000 October 2002 Initial release

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER iii
PRODUCT
WARRANTY
CAUTION
The Exabyte VXA-2 AutoPak1x7 Autoloader is warranted to be free from defects in
materials, parts, and workmanship and will conform to the current product
specification upon delivery. For the specific details of your warranty, refer to your sales
contract or contact the company from which you purchased the autoloader.
The warranty for the autoloader shall not apply to failures caused by:
!Physical abuse or use not consistent with the operating instructions or product
specifications.
!Repair or modification by any one other than Exabyte’s personnel or agent in a
manner differing from the maintenance instructions provided by Exabyte.
!Removal of the Exabyte identification label(s).
!Physical abuse due to improper packaging of returned autoloader.
If problems with the autoloader occur, contact your maintenance organization; do not
void the product warranty by allowing untrained or unauthorized personnel to attempt
repairs.
Caution Returning the autoloader in unauthorized packaging may damage the equipment
and void the warranty. If you are returning the autoloader for repair, package it
in its original packaging (or in replacement packaging obtained from your ven-
dor).

iv PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
CONTACTING
EXABYTE
Note: If it is more convenient to your location, contact Exabyte Technical
Support in Europe at the following numbers:
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
To obtain general information
Exabyte Corporate Headquar-
ters
Exabyte Corporation
1685 38th Street
Boulder, CO USA 80301
[phone]
To obtain technical support
Exabyte Technical Support 1-303-417-7792
1-303-417-7190 (fax)
World Wide Web www.exabyte.com
To order supplies and accessories
Exabyte Sales Support 1-800-774-7172
1-800-392-8273 (Exabyte Media)
To return equipment for service
Exabyte Service 1-303-417-7791 (US)
Teleplan-800-673-5719 (Canada)
1-303-417-7199 (fax)

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER v
Contents
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
1
11
1Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Autoloader Features ......................................................................... 2
Autoloader Components................................................................... 3
2
22
2Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Unpacking the Autoloader................................................................ 8
Obtaining Accessories and Equipment ............................................ 10
Preparing for Installation ................................................................. 11
Preparing and Installing Cartridges .................................................. 12
Connecting the Autoloader to the SCSI Bus .................................... 14
Powering on the Autoloader ........................................................... 15
Verifying the Hardware Installation ................................................. 16
3
33
3Configuring the Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using the Operator Panel ............................................................... 18
Setting Configuration Options......................................................... 22
Checking the Setup ........................................................................ 32
4
44
4Operating the Autoloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Removing and Replacing the Magazine........................................... 34
Cleaning the Tape Drive ................................................................. 36
Ejecting a Cartridge Manually ......................................................... 38
Monitoring the Tape Drive’s LEDs .................................................. 39
Resetting the Autoloader and Tape Drive ...................................... 41
Viewing Autoloader and Tape Drive Information ........................... 41
Performing Hardware Exercises....................................................... 48
Storing Cartridges ........................................................................... 52

vi PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
5
55
5Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cleaning the Autoloader ................................................................. 54
Using Touch-Up Paint on the Housing ............................................ 54
Upgrading Firmware and Creating Diagnostic Listings...................... 54
6
66
6Troubleshooting and Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 64
Error Codes..................................................................................... 67
7
77
7Shipping the Autoloader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Preparing the Autoloader for Shipping............................................. 74
Removing the Autoloader from a Rack ............................................ 77
Packing the Autoloader ................................................................... 79
A
AA
ASpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Storage Capacity ............................................................................. 82
Size and Weight.............................................................................. 82
Performance Specifications ............................................................. 82
Power Specifications ....................................................................... 84
Environmental Specifications........................................................... 85
Shipping Specifications.................................................................... 89
Safety and Regulatory Agency Compliance...................................... 90
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER vii
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual describes how to install, configure, operate, maintain, and
troubleshoot the Exabyte VXA-2 AutoPak1x7 Autoloader. It also provides
autoloader specifications.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION
Installation
If you are performing first-time installation:
!Read Chapter 1 for an overview of the autoloader’s features and
components.
!Read Chapter 2 for installation instructions, including unpacking the
autoloader, obtaining the necessary accessories, connecting the autoloader
to a SCSI bus, and powering on the autoloader.
!Read Chapter 3 for configuration instructions, including how to use the
operator panel to set autoloader options.
Operation
When you are ready to put the autoloader into operation:
!Read Chapter 4 to learn how to remove and replace the magazine, clean the
tape drive, reset the autoloader, and view autoloader information.
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Service
If you need to perform basic autoloader maintenance, troubleshoot problems,
or return the autoloader for service:
!Read Chapter 5 for maintenance information, including instructions for
uploading new firmware and creating diagnostic listings.
!Read Chapter 6 for troubleshooting tips, definitions of autoloader error
codes, and corrective actions for each error situation.
!Read Chapter 7 for packing and shipping instructions if you need to return
the autoloader for service.
Specifications
To learn about specifications for the autoloader:
!Read Appendix A for physical, performance, reliability, power,
environmental, and safety agency specifications.

viii PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
The following publications provide additional information for the autoloader.
Exabyte VXA-2 Tape Drive
!Exabyte VXA-2 SCSI Tape Drive Quick Start, 1009540
!Exabyte VXA-2 SCSI Tape Drive Product Manual, 1009541
!Exabyte VXA-2 SCSI Tape Drive SCSI Reference, 1009566
STANDARDS
!ANSI Small Computer System Interface (SCSI-2), X3.131-1994
!ANSI SCSI Parallel Interface-2 (SPI-2), X3T10/1142D, Rev. 11
!EIA Rack Standards, RS-310-B
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
This manual uses the following conventions:
[Enter] Boxed text indicates keys on the operator panel.
NOTE:Notes provide additional information or suggestions about the topic or
procedure being discussed.
Important Read text marked by the “Important” icon for information that
will help you complete a procedure or avoid extra steps.
Caution Read the text marked by the “CAUTION” icon for information you must know to
avoid damaging the autoloader, the tape drive, or losing data.
Warning Read the text marked by the “WARNING” icon for information you must know to
avoid personal injury.

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER 1
1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Congratulations on selecting the Exabyte® VXA-2 AutoPak1x7 Autoloader with
the Exabyte VXA-2 tape drive.
The VXA-2 AutoPak1x7 Autoloader (AutoPak1x7) is the ideal first step into
automated data storage, providing affordable, convenient automated backup
and restore for small- to medium-sized office environments. Occupying just
1 cubic foot of space, the AutoPak1x7 is optimized for desktop applications.
Easy to operate and designed to be compatible with all major software
applications, the AutoPak1x7 requires virtually no IS administration.
The AutoPak1x7 can store up to 1.1 terabytes (TB) of information on 7 data
cartridges, and can achieve a data transfer rate of up to 43.2 gigabytes per hour
(GB/hour), assuming a data compression ratio of 2:1.
This chapter provides an overview of the AutoPak1x7’s features and
components.

2PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
Chapter 1PRODUCT OVERVIEW
AUTOLOADER FEATURES
The AutoPak1x7 includes the following features:
!Removable cartridge magazine. The autoloader includes a removable
magazine containing seven storage slots. The magazine is easily accessible
from the front of the autoloader.
!Operator panel with LCD display. The operator panel allows you to
monitor autoloader operations, select configuration options, and control the
robot.
!Robotic cartridge handler (robot). The robot moves cartridges between
storage slots and the tape drive.
!Wide, low-voltage differential (LVD) SCSI interface. The autoloader and
tape drive each support independent sets of SCSI messages and commands
and can be connected to an LVD SCSI bus.
!Tabletop or rack-mount configuration. The autoloader is designed as a
tabletop unit, but can also be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack. If desired,
you can mount two autoloaders side-by-side on a single rack shelf.
Rack-mounting kits are available from Exabyte.

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER 3
AUTOLOADER COMPONENTS
AUTOLOADER COMPONENTS
The following sections describe the autoloader’s front panel, internal, and
back panel components.
FRONT PANEL COMPONENTS
Figure 1-1 shows the autoloader’s front panel components.
!LCD and keypad (operator panel). The two-line LCD (liquid crystal display)
and keypad allow you to view the operational status of the autoloader,
access a menu of operations, and view status messages.
!Cartridge magazine. The autoloader includes one removable magazine that
stores up to seven cartridges.
Figure 1-1 Front panel components
ENTER
ESCAPE
MENU
STATUS
RESET
REMOVE
MAG.
Cartridge
magazine
Keypad
LCD

4PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
Chapter 1PRODUCT OVERVIEW
INTERNAL COMPONENTS
Figure 1-2 shows the autoloader’s internal components.
!Robot. The robot moves a cartridge between the magazine and the tape
drive.
!Magazine present sensor. The magazine present sensor detects whether the
cartridge magazine is installed.
!Tape drive. The autoloader contains one tape drive.
Figure 1-2 Internal components
Robot
Tape drive
Magazine present
sensor

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER 5
AUTOLOADER COMPONENTS
BACK PANEL COMPONENTS
Figure 1-3 shows the autoloader’s back panel components.
!Fan. The fan reduces the autoloader’s operating temperature.
!Power entry module. The power entry module includes the AC power
connector and the power switch.
!9-pin serial port. The serial port allows you to connect a serial cable to the
autoloader and use a terminal emulation program to perform diagnostics.
!SCSI connectors. The two wide SCSI connectors allow you to connect the
autoloader to a wide SCSI bus.
Figure 1-3 Back panel components
Power
entry
module
Fan
SCSI connectors
9-pin serial port

6PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
Chapter 1PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Notes

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER 7
2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
This chapter describes how to install the autoloader. Installation involves the
following steps:
!Unpacking the autoloader
!Obtaining accessories and equipment
!Preparing for installation
!Preparing and installing cartridges
!Connecting the autoloader to the SCSI bus
!Powering on the autoloader
!Verifying the hardware installation

8PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
Chapter 2HARDWARE INSTALLATION
UNPACKING THE AUTOLOADER
To unpack the autoloader, remove the packing material and lift the autoloader
out of the box.
Note: Save all the original packing materials, including the accessory box, in case
you need to ship or move the autoloader later.
To remove the shipping braces:
1.
1.1.
1. Remove the magazine by grasping it at the top (near cartridge slot 7) and
pulling out, as shown in Figure 2-1.
2.
2.2.
2. Remove the shipping braces as follows:
a.
a.a.
a. Grasp the cross-brace and disengage it from one side support. Then
remove it from the autoloader, as shown in Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-1 Removing the cartridge magazine
Cartridge
magazine
slot 7

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER 9
UNPACKING THE AUTOLOADER
b.
b.b.
b. Pull both of the side supports out of the autoloader.
Figure 2-2 Removing the shipping braces
Side
supports
Cross-brace

10 PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
Chapter 2HARDWARE INSTALLATION
OBTAINING ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
Make certain you have all the accessories and equipment required for
autoloader installation and operation, as indicated in Ta b l e 2 - 1 . Many of these
items are included in the autoloader’s accessory box. If necessary, you can
purchase these items from Exabyte (see “Contacting Exabyte” on page iv)
Table 2-1 Accessories and equipment for installation and operations
Accessories and Equipment
Power cord Two power cords are provided with the autoloader: One for use
in the US and Canada and one for use in Europe. If you plan to
use the autoloader outside of these locations, refer to page 84 for
power cord requirements.
Cartridge
magazine
One cartridge magazine is included with the autoloader.
Cartridges One or more data cartridges and a cleaning cartridge may be
included with the autoloader. You can purchase data cartridges
and cleaning cartridges from Exabyte.
Caution The VXA-2 tape drive operates with VXAtape
cartridges only. Do not attempt to use other
types of data or cleaning cartridges, or you
may damage the tape drive.
SCSI cables One wide, multi-mode (single-ended/LVD) SCSI cable may be
included with the autoloader.
You can purchase additional cables from Exabyte or provide your
own. Follow these guidelines when selecting SCSI cables:
!Use wide LVD SCSI cables that conform to SCSI-3 specifications.
To comply with the regulations and standards listed in
Appendix A, all SCSI cables used with the autoloader must be
properly shielded.
!The maximum allowable length of an LVD SCSI bus is 12 meters
(39 feet) if you have more than two devices on the bus. To
determine the bus length, add together the lengths of all external
SCSI cables. Add 0.7 meters (27.2 inches) for the internal cable
length used by the autoloader. Add the internal cable lengths
for any other SCSI devices on the bus.
SCSI
terminators
One wide, multi-mode (single-ended/LVD) SCSI terminator may
be included with the autoloader.
You can purchase terminators from Exabyte or provide your own.
If you want to use your own terminator, use an active terminator
such as the AMP 796051-1 (SE/LVD Multi-mode) SCSI terminator.
Termination must be external; do not use an internal terminator.

OCTOBER 2002 EXABYTE VXA-2 AUTOPAK1x7 AUTOLOADER 11
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
Before you begin installing the autoloader, do the following:
!Make sure that the SCSI host bus adapter card installed in the host
computer and your backup software are compatible with the Exabyte
VXA-2 AutoPak1x7 Autoloader. Contact Exabyte Technical Support or your
sales representative for the latest compatibility information. If your
software application has not yet been certified for the AutoPak1x7 or Exabyte
EZ17 autoloader, you can use the autoloader’s emulation mode (see
page 24). If your software only supports the tape drive and not the
autoloader, you can run the autoloader in Sequential mode (see page 41).
You can install the software on the host computer before or after autoloader
installation. However, if you install the software first, you may need to
reconfigure it for use with the autoloader after autoloader installation is
complete.
!Locate an appropriate area for the autoloader. There must be
approximately 15 cm (6 inches) of open area behind the autoloader for
adequate air flow.
!Ensure that the work area is free from conditions that could cause
electrostatic discharge (ESD). Discharge static electricity from your body by
touching a known grounded surface, such as a computer’s metal chassis.
!Install the autoloader in a rack, if desired. As an option, you can install the
autoloader into a rack. Contact Exabyte (see page iv) for the rack-mount kit,
which includes hardware and installation instructions.
Rack-mount
hardware
(optional)
If you want to install the autoloader in a rack, contact Exabyte for
the required kit.
Serial cable If you want to connect to the autoloader’s Console interface for
firmware upgrades and diagnostics, use a straight-through 9-pin
serial cable (not a null modem cable).
Table 2-1 Accessories and equipment for installation and operations (continued)
Accessories and Equipment
Warning Before performing any installation or maintenance procedures, be sure that the
autoloader’s power switch is in the off position and the power cord is
disconnected from the autoloader and the outlet.

12 PRODUCT MANUAL 1010964
Chapter 2HARDWARE INSTALLATION
PREPARING AND INSTALLING CARTRIDGES
This section describes how to prepare cartridges and install them in the
autoloader.
1.
1.1.
1. Verify that the write-protect switch on each cartridge is set correctly, as
shown in Figure 2-3. You can use a ball-point pen or similar instrument to set
the write-protect switch.
2.
2.2.
2. Remove the magazine as described on page 8, if necessary.
3.
3.3.
3. Place the magazine on its back with the cartridge slots facing up. Orient the
cartridges as shown in Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-3 Setting the write-protect switch
Figure 2-4 Installing cartridges in the magazine
REC
SAVE
SAVE
REC
REC = Write-enabled
SAVE = Write-protected