Freecom ValueLoader DLT VS80 Operating instructions

FreecomTapeWare
DLT-VS80i, DLT-VS80es
Installation and Operations Guide

Version History
Version Date Revised Section Details
01 2001-2-02 Initial Preliminary Release
02 2001-2-06 Updated LED Sequence
03 2001-2-16 Updated External SCSI ID
Setting
04 2001-4-05
Updated logo and product
name
05 2001-5-04 Edits per Jeff Faucet
06 2001-07-03
Updated internal unit mounting
to include screw length Section 2.4

i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Chapter Overview...............................................................................................................1-1
1.2 c Drive Overview...............................................................................................................1-1
1.2.1 Fast Data Transfer ......................................................................................................1-1
1.2.2 High Capacity..............................................................................................................1-2
1.2.3 Data Compaction.........................................................................................................1-2
1.2.4 Durable Media.............................................................................................................1-2
1.2.5 Compatibility................................................................................................................1-2
1.2.6 Firmware Update Capability ........................................................................................1-2
1.2.7 Embedded Diagnostics................................................................................................1-2
1.3 Scope of This Guide...........................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2 Installing Your DLT-VS80............................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Chapter Overview...............................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Preparation.........................................................................................................................2-1
2.2.1 SCSI Requirements.....................................................................................................2-1
2.2.2 Before You Start..........................................................................................................2-1
2.3 Installing your DLT-VS80es Desktop Drive........................................................................2-2
2.3.1 Installation Overview...................................................................................................2-2
2.3.2 Unpacking your Drive and Selecting a Location...........................................................2-2
2.3.2.1 Unpacking your Drive...........................................................................................2-3
2.3.2.2 Selecting a Location for your Drive.......................................................................2-3
2.3.3 Configuration...............................................................................................................2-4
2.3.3.1 Setting the SCSI ID..............................................................................................2-4
2.3.3.2 When to Use Termination.....................................................................................2-5
2.3.4 Connecting the Cables................................................................................................2-5
2.4 Installing your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive.............................................................................2-8
2.4.1 Installation Overview...................................................................................................2-8
2.4.2 Unpacking your Drive..................................................................................................2-9
2.4.2.1 Unpacking your Drive...........................................................................................2-9
2.4.3 Configuration...............................................................................................................2-9
2.4.3.1 Setting the SCSI ID..............................................................................................2-9
2.4.3.2 When to Use Termination...................................................................................2-10

ii
2.4.4 Installing your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive ................................................................... 2-12
2.5 Testing your DLT-VS80 Drive.......................................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 2-17
Chapter 3 Using Your DLT-VS80...................................................................................3-1
3.1 Chapter Overview .............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Key to Indicators .........................................................................................................3-2
3.2.1.1 Indicator Activity During Power-On Self-Test (POST)........................................... 3-2
3.2.1.2 Indicator Activity During Drive Operation.............................................................. 3-3
3.3 Using Cartridges ................................................................................................................ 3-5
3.3.1 Loading a Cartridge..................................................................................................... 3-5
3.3.2 Unloading a Cartridge................................................................................................. 3-5
3.3.3 Cartridge Write-Protect Switch.................................................................................... 3-6
3.3.4 Caring for your Cartridges........................................................................................... 3-7
3.3.5 Using the Cleaning Cartridge ...................................................................................... 3-8
Chapter 4 Updating Your Drive Firmware......................................................................4-1
4.1 Chapter Overview .............................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Firmware Update Overview................................................................................................ 4-1
4.3 Creating a Firmware Update Cartridge............................................................................... 4-2
4.3.1 UNIX Systems.............................................................................................................4-2
4.4 Updating the Firmware.......................................................................................................4-2
4.4.1 Firmware Upgrade Troubleshooting............................................................................ 4-3

iii
List of Tables
Table 1: Setting the SCSI ID Jumper Block.................................................................................2-10
Table 2: Drive Troubleshooting...................................................................................................2-19
Table 3: Drive Status and Indicator Activity...................................................................................3-3
Table 4: Indicator Activity..............................................................................................................3-4
Table 5: Firwmare Upgrade Troubleshooting................................................................................4-3
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive Rear Panel Layout...........................................................2-4
Figure 2-2: SCSI ID Switch ...........................................................................................................2-4
Figure 2-3: Attach SCSI Cable to Server or Workstation or to Previous SCSI Device...................2-6
Figure 2-4: Attach Terminator if necessary, SCSI, and Power Cables to your Drive......................2-7
Figure 2-5: SCSI ID Jumper Block Location................................................................................2-10
Figure 2-6: Installing the Terminator............................................................................................2-11
Figure 2-7: SCSI Ribbon Cable with Terminator Built-in..............................................................2-12
Figure 2-8: Remove Server/Workstation Cover...........................................................................2-13
Figure 2-9: Install Drive in an Open Drive Bay: Tower, 2U server shown ....................................2-14
Figure 2-10: Attach SCSI and Power Cables to your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive ..........................2-15
Figure 2-11: Secure DLT-VS80 Internal Drive in Installation Bay...............................................2-16
Figure 3-1: DLT-VS80 Front Panel...............................................................................................3-2
Figure 3-2: Loading a DLTtape™IV Cartridge...............................................................................3-5
Figure 3-3: Unloading a DLTtape™IV Cartridge............................................................................3-6
Figure 3-4: DLTtape™IV Cartridge Write-Protect Switch...............................................................3-6

iv

1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Chapter Overview
This chapter introduces your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive, DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, and this
Installation and Operations Guide.
1.2 DLT-VS80 Drive Overview
Your DLT-VS80 is a value-priced, high-performance, high-capacity streaming cartridge tape
drive designed for use on entry to mid-range computing platforms. With a combination of
data compression and compaction, your DLT-VS80 offers a formatted, native cartridge
capacity of 40 GB (80 GB assuming a 2:1 compression ratio) and a sustained user data
transfer rate of 3 MB/s (up to 6 MB/s with 2:1 compression). The capacity you realize in
practice depends on the data set, which affects the actual compression ratio.
Your DLT-VS80 is built on a 5-¼ inch, half-height form-factor, using a ½-inch tape. Its
design includes a dual-channel read/write head, Lempel-Ziv (DLZ) high-efficiency data
compression, and tape-mark directory to achieve the fastest data throughput and data
access times.
1.2.1 Fast Data Transfer
Whether you use your DLT-VS80 for unattended backups or archiving, the data transfer
rate your drive achieves is higher than many competing products. Your DLT-VS80’s native
(uncompressed) data transfer rate is 3.0 MB/s. With 2:1 data compression, the data transfer
rate increases to as much as 6.0 MB/s.

1-2
1.2.2 High Capacity
Your DLT-VS80 uses DLTtape™IV cartridges, which offer 40 GB of native storage or up to
80 GB of compressed data using Benchmark Storage Innovations’ enhanced format.
The data set determines the actual data compression rate, which may vary from 2:1.
1.2.3 Data Compaction
Your DLT-VS80 includes a data compaction feature that helps it store data efficiently. A
read/write buffer of up to 2 MB provides working space for the compaction feature, allowing
you to get the most of the available tape space.
1.2.4 Durable Media
The tape media is designed to endure 1,000,000 passes and has a shelf life of 30 years,
providing superior media durability and data reliability.
1.2.5 Compatibility
Your DLT-VS80 is read-compatible with the DLT4000 format using DLTtape™IV cartridges.
For current information on operating system, application, and driver compatibility, visit:
www.4benchmark.com/support/compat.cfm
www.4benchmark.com/support/drivers.cfm
1.2.6 Firmware Update Capability
Your DLT-VS80 includes Flash EEPROM technology that makes on-site firmware
(microcode) updates from tape or SCSI bus fast and easy.
1.2.7 Embedded Diagnostics
Your DLT-VS80 has embedded diagnostic software that indicates diagnostic results and
drive operating status and even tells you when head cleaning is needed. The drive also has
embedded error logging to help you diagnose any problems.
1.3 Scope of This Guide
This Installation and Operations Guide is intended to provide all the information you need to
install and use your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive or DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive.

2-1
Chapter 2
Installing Your
DLT-VS80
2.1 Chapter Overview
This chapter explains how to configure and install your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive or DLT-
VS80 Internal Drive. Configuration and installation are not difficult and require only that you
follow the steps and instructions presented in this chapter.
2.2 Preparation
This section helps you prepare to install your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive or DLT-VS80
Internal Drive.
2.2.1 SCSI Requirements
Your DLT-VS80 (desktop and internal) requires a wide, SCSI-2, Low-Voltage Differential
(LVD) or Single-Ended (SE) SCSI bus. Make sure your SCSI host adapter or controller
supports these standards. If you connect your DLT-VS80 to an SE SCSI bus, the drive’s
performance is limited to the maximum data transfer speed of the SE bus. Your DLT-VS80
is not compatible with a standard differential or High-Voltage Differential (HVD) SCSI bus.
Your DLT-VS80 is compatible with a narrow (50-pin) SCSI bus using a customer-supplied
68-pin to 50-pin adapter that terminates the unused 18 pins. These adapters are sometimes
labeled high-byte termination.
2.2.2 Before You Start
Installing your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive requires no special tools. You will need a ballpoint
pen to change the SCSI ID switch on the rear panel of the drive. Installing your DLT-VS80

2-2
Internal Drive requires only the usual tools needed to install an internal drive in the computer
you have chosen to house the DLT-VS80.
If you are installing a DLT-VS80esInternal Drive, refer to page 2-8 for instructions.
2.3 Installing your DLT-VS80es Desktop Drive
This section contains step-by-step instructions for installing your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive.
2.3.1 Installation Overview
Installing your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive is fast and easy when you follow the instructions
in this section in the order presented. Installing your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive consists of
the following steps, covered in the next few sections:
1. Unpack and check your drive for shipping damage.
2. Select a location near the server or workstation that is to be the host for your DLT-
VS80esDesktop Drive.
3. Set the SCSI ID for your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, if necessary.
4. Shut down and turn off the server or workstation that is to host your DLT-
VS80esDesktop Drive. Remove the power cable from the selected server or workstation.
Turn off and remove the power cables from all devices attached to the selected server or
workstation.
5. Install an LVD/SE SCSI host adapter in the server or workstation that is to be the host
for your drive, if necessary.
6. Attach the SCSI cable to your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive and SCSI host adapter.
7. Install the terminator on your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive if it is the last or only device on
the SCSI bus.
8. Attach the power cable to your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, server or workstation, and all
attached devices, plug in the power cable to the nearest power outlet, and turn on all
devices.
9. Check your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive to make sure it is working properly.
2.3.2 Unpacking your Drive and Selecting a Location
Before you begin, clear a desk or table so that you can unpack your DLT-VS80esDesktop
Drive. You also need to select a location near the server or workstation that is to host your
drive.
Note: If the room in which you are working differs from the temperature at which your DLT-
VS80esDesktop Drive was shipped or stored by 30° F (15° C) or more, let the drive
acclimate to the surrounding environment for at least 12 hours before opening the shipping
carton.

2-3
2.3.2.1 Unpacking your Drive
Before you do anything else, unpack and inspect your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive for
shipping damage. To do a thorough job, follow these steps:
1. Inspect the shipping box for damage. If you notice any damage, report it to the shipping
company immediately.
2. Open the shipping box and remove the accessories package. Open the accessories
package so that the accessories are handy during installation.
3. With the drive still in the shipping box, reach under and around the drive, carefully lift it
out of the shipping box, and place it on the work surface, top facing up. Do not stand the
drive on either end.
4. Carefully remove the remove the drive from the protective bag.
Note: Save the packing materials in case you need to move or ship your drive in the future.
You must ship your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive in the original or equivalent packing
materials to preserve your warranty.
2.3.2.2 Selecting a Location for your Drive
Select a location for your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive that is flat, sturdy, level, and close to
the host server or workstation. A desk or table-top is most suitable. Regardless of the
location you choose for your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, make sure the environment is free
from dust and excessive temperature and humidity. See the DLT-VS80 Product
Specification manual for acceptable operating temperature and humidity limits.
Be sure to follow these additional guidelines when selecting a location for your DLT-
VS80esDesktop Drive:
• Allow at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) behind the drive for proper cooling.
• Avoid locations near printers or photocopy machines, both of which produce paper fiber
and other types of dust and airborne contaminants.
• Do not place your drive on the floor.
• Avoid locations near generators, electric motors, audio speakers, or other sources of
magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can adversely affect your drive and media.

2-4
2.3.3 Configuration
Configuring your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive is fast and easy. You only need to select a
unique SCSI ID and decide if your drive needs to be terminated. The following sections
explain how to configure your drive.
2.3.3.1 Setting the SCSI ID
Each SCSI device attached to the server or workstation that is to be the host for your DLT-
VS80esDesktop Drive must have a unique SCSI ID. Check the SCSI IDs on all other
devices attached to the selected SCSI bus, including the SCSI host adapter itself, on the
selected server or workstation and select an unused SCSI ID for your DLT-VS80esDesktop
Drive. If the drive’s factory default SCSI ID is not being used by another device on the same
SCSI bus, you do not need to change the SCSI ID.
Figure 2-1: DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive Rear Panel Layout
Note: If your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive is attached to a narrow SCSI bus, only IDs 0
through 7 are valid.
To set the SCSI ID on your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, use a small screwdriver or ballpoint
pen to press the button above the SCSI ID display to select the next lower SCSI ID. Press
the button below the SCSI ID display to select the next higher SCSI ID. Each time you press
one of these buttons, the SCSI ID decreases or increases by one. Press the appropriate
button until the desired SCSI ID appears on the switch display.
Figure 2-2: SCSI ID Switch
68-pin high-
density SCSI
connectors
SCSI ID
Switch
Power Switch
Power Cable
Connector
Press here to decrease
SCSI ID
Press here to increase
SCSI ID

2-5
Note: If the drive is turned on when you change the SCSI ID, you must turn the drive off and
on again for the new SCSI ID to take effect.
2.3.3.2 When to Use Termination
If your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive is the only SCSI device – other than the SCSI host
adapter – on the selected server or workstation, it must be terminated. Likewise, if your DLT-
VS80esDesktop Drive is the last device on the selected server or workstation’s SCSI bus, it
must be terminated. If your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive is at the end of the SCSI cable, it is
the last device on the SCSI bus.
To terminate your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, locate the terminator in the accessories
package and press it firmly into either of the two SCSI connectors on the rear panel of the
drive. Secure the terminator by tightening the screws until snug.
2.3.4 Connecting the Cables
This is the final installation stage, which requires that you attach the SCSI and power cables
to your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive.
Note: If the selected server or workstation does not already have an installed SCSI-2
LVD/SE host adapter, install one now. For more information on SCSI host adapter
requirements, see page 2-1.
To connect the SCSI and power cables to your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive, follow these
steps:
1. Before you continue, shut down the operating system and turn off the selected server or
workstation. Turn off all attached accessory devices, such as printers and other SCSI
devices. Remove the power cable from the host server or workstation and all attached
accessory devices. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to your
DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive or other devices.
Do not move on to step 2 until you have shut down the operating system and turned
off the server or workstation that is to be the host for your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive.
Turn off all attached accessory devices, such as printers and other SCSI devices.
Remove the power cables from the host server or workstation and all attached
accessory devices.
2. Locate the SCSI cable in the accessories package.
3. Attach one end of the SCSI cable to one of the connectors on the rear panel of your
DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive.

2-6
4. Attach the other end of the SCSI cable to the connector on your SCSI host adapter or to
the connector on the previous SCSI device on the SCSI bus.
Figure 2-3: Attach SCSI Cable to Server or Workstation or to Previous SCSI Device
SCSI Host Adapter
FC Tw DLTVS80 e SCSI
Cable
To SCSI Host Adapter
To Next SCSI Device

2-7
Note: Figure 2-3 does not show a terminator because none of the three drives are at the
end of the SCSI bus.
5. Secure the SCSI cable connectors by tightening the screws until snug.
Note: If the supplied SCSI cable does not fit the connector on your SCSI host adapter, you
either have an incompatible SCSI host adapter or you need to purchase a cable adapter.
Contact Benchmark Storage Innovations or your SCSI host adapter manufacturer for
information.
6. Make sure the power switch on the rear panel of your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive is in
the OFF position. Attach the female connector on the power cable to the power
connector on the rear panel of the drive.
Use caution when plugging the power cord into an electrical outlet. Hazardous voltages
are present in the sockets of the outlet.
7. Plug in the power cable to a nearby power outlet.
Figure 2-4: Attach Terminator if necessary, SCSI, and Power Cables to your Drive
8. Attach the power cables to the host server or workstation and all attached devices.
Terminator
(or cable to
next SCSI
device)
FC Tw DLTVS80 e
SCSI Cable
To computer or
previous SCSI
device
Power Cable

2-8
9. Turn on your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive and any other devices you turned off earlier.
10. Turn on the host server or workstation and allow its operating system to start.
Turn to page 2-17 to learn about your DLT-VS80esDesktop Drive’s self-test and initialization
features.
2.4 Installing your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive
This section contains step-by-step instructions for installing your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive.
2.4.1 Installation Overview
Installing your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive is fast and easy when you follow the instructions in
this section in the order presented. Installing your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive consists of the
following steps, covered in the next few sections:
1. Unpack and check your drive for shipping damage.
2. Select a server or workstation that is to be the host for your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive.
3. Set the SCSI ID for your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive, if necessary.
4. Shut down and turn off the server or workstation that is to host for DLT-VS80 Internal
Drive. Remove the power cable from the selected server or workstation. Turn off and
remove the power cables from all devices attached to the selected server or workstation.
5. Remove the cover from the selected server or workstation as explained in the server’s or
workstation’s manuals.
6. Install an LVD/SE SCSI host adapter in the server or workstation that is to be the host
for your drive, if necessary.
7. Install your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive in an open drive bay.
Note: Use screws provided. Using an alternative length screw could cause damage to the
unit. If an alternative screw must be used, it cannot extend more than 0.10” into the unit.
8. Attach the SCSI ribbon cable to your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive and SCSI host adapter.
9. Install an active LVD/SE terminator on the SCSI ribbon cable if your DLT-VS80 Internal
Drive if it is the last or only device on the SCSI bus.
10. Attach a power cable to your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive.

2-9
11. Secure your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive in the selected server or workstation.
12. Install the server or workstation's cover, attach power cables to all devices, and turn on
the server or workstation and other devices.
13. Check your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive to make sure it is working properly.
2.4.2 Unpacking your Drive
Before you begin, clear a desk or table so that you can unpack your DLT-VS80 Internal
Drive.
Note: If the room in which you are working differs from the temperature in which your DLT-
VS80 Internal Drive was shipped or stored by 15° C (30° F) or more, let the drive acclimate
to the surrounding environment for at least 12 hours before opening the shipping carton.
2.4.2.1 Unpacking your Drive
Before you do anything else, unpack and inspect your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive for shipping
damage. To do a thorough job, follow these steps:
1. Inspect the shipping box for damage. If you notice any damage, report it to the shipping
company immediately.
2. Open the shipping box and remove the SCSI cable and any other accessories.
3. With the drive still in the shipping box, reach under and around the drive, carefully lift it
out of the shipping box, and place it on the work surface, top facing up. Do not stand the
drive on either end.
4. Carefully remove the drive from the protective bag.
Note: Save the packing materials in case you need to move or ship your drive in the future.
You must ship your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive in the original or equivalent packing materials
to preserve your warranty.
2.4.3 Configuration
Configuring your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive is fast and easy. You only need to select a
unique SCSI ID and decide if your drive needs to be terminated. The following sections
explain how to configure your drive.
2.4.3.1 Setting the SCSI ID
Regardless of the number of SCSI devices attached to the server or workstation that is to be
the host for your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive, each device on the selected SCSI bus must
have a unique SCSI ID. Check the SCSI IDs on all other devices attached to the selected
SCSI bus, including the SCSI host adapter itself, on the selected server or workstation and
select an unused SCSI ID for your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive. The factory default SCSI ID is
5. If the factory default SCSI ID is not being used, you do not need to change the drive’s
SCSI ID.

2-10
Note: If your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive is attached to a narrow SCSI bus, only IDs 0 through
7 are valid.
Locate the SCSI ID jumpers on the rear panel of the drive as shown in Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-5: SCSI ID Jumper Block Location
To set the SCSI ID on your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive, use the supplied jumpers to select the
desired SCSI ID as shown in the following table:
SCSI ID 0 1 2 3 4 5* 6 7
Jumper
Block
SCSI ID 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Jumper
Block
Table 1: Setting the SCSI ID Jumper Block
* Factory default SCSI ID
2.4.3.2 When to Use Termination
If your DLT-VS80 Internal Drive is the only SCSI device – other than the SCSI host adapter
– on the selected server or workstation's SCSI bus, it must be terminated. Likewise, if your
DLT-VS80 Internal Drive is the last SCSI device on the selected server or workstation’s
SCSI bus, it must be terminated.
SCSI ID Jumpers68-pin high-density
SCSI Connector Power Connector