Freecom VALUELOADER LTO User manual

ValueLoader™
LTO Tape Autoloader
User Manual
6326709-01
Ver. A, Rel. 01

6207947-00sN 44
ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual, 6326709-01, Ver. A, Rel. 01, June 2003, Made in USA.
This publication is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but
not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This publication
may be revisee from time to time without notice.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Copyright 2003 by Quantum Corporation. All rights reserved.
Your right to copy this manual is limited by copyright law. Making copies or adaptations without prior
written authorization of Quantum Corporation is prohibited by law and constitutes a punishable violation of
the law.
TRADEMARK STATEMENT
ValueLoader is a trademark of Quantum Corporation, registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. DLTtape
and Super DLTtape are trademarks of Quantum Corporation. Products mentioned herein are for
identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual iii
Contents
Preface xi
Chapter 1 Installing the ValueLoader 1
Installation Overview ............................................................................2
Understanding ValueLoader Features ................................................2
Barcode Reader.................................................................................3
SCSI Requirements .......................................................................... 3
Product Overview............................................................................4
Choosing a Location...............................................................................6
Unpacking the ValueLoader.................................................................7
Identifying ValueLoader Accessories.................................................. 9
Installing the ValueLoader into a Rack .............................................11
Connecting the SCSI and Power Cables............................................13
Preparing the Host and Verifying the Connection..........................15
Installing Device Drivers ..............................................................17

iv ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
Chapter 2 Operating the ValueLoader 21
Operator’s Panel Overview.................................................................22
LED Indicators................................................................................24
Operator’s Panel Control Buttons................................................25
Understanding the Menu Structure...................................................26
Using Cartridges...................................................................................27
Importing Cartridges.....................................................................27
Exporting Cartridges .....................................................................29
Loading Cartridges........................................................................30
Unloading Cartridges....................................................................30
Write-Protecting Cartridges .........................................................31
Maintaining Cartridges.................................................................31
Cleaning the Tape Drive......................................................................32
Creating an Inventory of Cartridges..................................................33
Chapter 3 ValueLoader Administration 35
Configuring the ValueLoader.............................................................35
Resetting the ValueLoader ...........................................................36
Changing the SCSI ID....................................................................36
ValueLoader Operating Modes ...................................................38
Updating Firmware..............................................................................40
Using a Firmware Upgrade Tape ................................................40
Using SCSI.......................................................................................42
Running the ValueLoader System Test.............................................42
Retrieving Information About the ValueLoader..............................43
Cycle Count.....................................................................................43
View Event Log ..............................................................................43
Product Revision ............................................................................44
Firmware Revision.........................................................................44
Chapter 4 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 47
Troubleshooting....................................................................................47
Installation Problems.....................................................................48
Troubleshooting Table ..................................................................50
Removing Stuck Cartridges ................................................................55

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual v
ValueLoader Error Codes....................................................................59
Appendix A Technical Specifications 65
Appendix B Customer Support 69
Information Needed.............................................................................69
Information Needed by Software Vendors ......................................70

vi ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual vii
Figures
Figure 1 Front Panel...........................................................................4
Figure 2 Rear Panel ............................................................................5
Figure 3 Basic ValueLoader Accessories.........................................9
Figure 4 Rack Kit Components.......................................................10
Figure 5 Installing Mounting Brackets (Left Side Shown) ......... 11
Figure 6 Installing Rails in the Rack (Left Side Shown)..............12
Figure 7 Sliding the ValueLoader into the Rack Slot ..................13
Figure 8 Attaching SCSI and Power Cables .................................14
Figure 9 Operator’s Panel—Drive Empty.....................................22
Figure 10 Operator’s Panel—Drive Loaded ...................................23
Figure 11 Operator’s Panel Menu Structure...................................26
Figure 12 Importing a Cartridge ......................................................28
Figure 13 Exporting a Cartridge.......................................................29
Figure 14 Write-Protect Switch.........................................................31
Figure 15 Removing Mounting Brackets (Left Side Shown)........56

Figures
viii ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
Figure 16 Pulling the Cartridge Release Lever...............................57
Figure 17 Installing the Carrier ........................................................58

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual ix
Tables
Table 1 Location Criteria .................................................................6
Table 2 LEDs.................................................................................... 24
Table 3 Control Buttons .................................................................25
Table 4 Common ValueLoader Problems ...................................50
Table 5 Error Codes........................................................................60
Table 6 Physical Specifications .....................................................65
Table 7 Operating Specifications.................................................. 66
Table 8 ValueLoader Environmental Specifications..................66
Table 9 HP LTO Drive Specifications ..........................................67
Table 10 Media Specifications.........................................................68

Tables
x ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual xi
Preface
This chapter describes the ValueLoader User Manual’s audience,
purpose, organization, document conventions, and product safety.
Audience This user manual is designed and written for end users and field
service engineers.
Purpose The purpose of this manual is to provide end users with the
following information:
• ValueLoader™ LTO description and specifications.
• ValueLoader installation and configuration
• Tape cartridge description and general overview
• ValueLoader operation
• Troubleshooting
• Customer-replaceable components

xii ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
Document
Organization
This manual is organized as follows:
•Chapter 1, Installing the ValueLoader - This chapter describes
ValueLoader features, accessories, and installation tasks.
•Chapter 2, Operating the ValueLoader - This chapter describes
the front panel menu structure, menu tree, and drive and tape
operations.
•Chapter 3, ValueLoader Administration - This chapter
describes how to configure the ValueLoader, upgrade
firmware, and retrieve ValueLoader information.
•Chapter 4, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting - This chapter
describes how to identify and troubleshoot ValueLoader
problems and resolve error conditions.
•Appendix A, Technical Specifications - This appendix
describes ValueLoader environmental, operational, drive, and
media specifications.
•Appendix B, Customer Support - This appendix list support
information for the ValueLoader.

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual xiii
Notational
Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions to designate specific
elements:
Customer Support
For information on support, or to access our “Frequently Asked
Questions” database, visit our Web site.
Note: Notes emphasize important information related to the
main topic.
Caution: Cautions indicate potential hazards to equipment
and are included to prevent damage to equipment.
Warning: Warnings indicate potential hazards to personal
safety and are included to prevent injury.

xiv ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual

ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual 1
Chapter 1
1Installing the ValueLoader
This chapter describes the following:
•Installation Overview on page 2
•Understanding ValueLoader Features on page 2
•Choosing a Location on page 6
•Unpacking the ValueLoader on page 7
•Identifying ValueLoader Accessories on page 9x
•Installing the ValueLoader into a Rack on page 11
•Connecting the SCSI and Power Cables on page 13
•Preparing the Host and Verifying the Connection on page 15

Installing the ValueLoader
Installation Overview
2 ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
Installation Overview 1
Use the following steps to perform the ValueLoader installation.
These steps are fully explained in this chapter.
1Choose a location for the ValueLoader (page 6).
2Unpack the ValueLoader (page 7).
3Identify the accessories for the ValueLoader (page 9).
4Install the ValueLoader in a computer rack or select a table or
desktop near the host server (page 11).
5Shut down, turn off, and remove power from the server and all
devices attached to the server (page 13).
6Attach ValueLoader to the SCSI bus.
7Attach the power cable between the ValueLoader and a
grounded power outlet. Power the ValueLoader on to ensure it
passes the power-on self test (POST).
8Set the SCSI ID for the ValueLoader, if necessary.
9Set up the host and verify the connection (page 15).
Understanding ValueLoader Features 1
The ValueLoader is a SCSI-2 low-voltage differential (LVD) data
storage device that incorporates an HP LTO tape drive and eight
tape slots. The ValueLoader operates as a dual SCSI device with
two SCSI IDs, one for the tape drive and the other for the
ValueLoader robotics. The ValueLoader uses up to eight LTO data
cartridges, providing a maximum formatted capacity of 1600
gigabytes (GB) assuming a 2:1 compression ratio.

Installing the ValueLoader
Understanding ValueLoader Features
ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual 3
The ValueLoader is compatible with most operating systems and
environments that support the SCSI interface, but requires either
direct support from the operating system or a compatible backup
application to take full advantage of its many features.
Barcode Reader 1Your ValueLoader may have come equipped with an optional
barcode reader. The barcode reader is enclosed in a plastic housing
that protrudes out of the rear panel of the ValueLoader, just above
the SCSI connectors. The barcode reader automatically scans each
cartridge in the carousel upon power up, after a reset, or when a
re-inventory command is issued. (See Creating an Inventory of
Cartridges on page 33 for instructions.) Beyond that, there is no
user interface with the barcode reader via the front panel operator
controls or LCD display. The information from each label is stored
in memory and available through SCSI to the computer’s
operating system or backup application upon request.
If you plan to utilize the barcode reader, you must adhere a
barcode label into the designated area on the front of each
cartridge. These labels must conform to ANSI/AIM BC1-1995,
Uniform Symbology Specification Code 39. To obtain additional
barcode labels, refer to our Web site.
SCSI
Requirements 1
The ValueLoader incorporates a wide SCSI-2, LVD SCSI bus, but
may also be attached to a single-ended (SE) SCSI bus. Make sure
your SCSI host adapter or controller supports these standards. If
you connect the ValueLoader to an SE SCSI bus or if there are SE
devices attached to the same SCSI bus, the ValueLoader’s
performance is limited to the maximum data transfer speed and
maximum cable lengths of the SE bus. The ValueLoader is NOT
compatible with a standard differential (Diff) or high-voltage
differential (HVD) SCSI bus. The ValueLoader 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.

Installing the ValueLoader
Understanding ValueLoader Features
4 ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
Product Overview 1Figure 1 describes front panel controls.
Figure 1 Front Panel
1Powerswitch
2 Import/export slot
3 Front panel LEDs
4 Front panel LCD screen
5 Control keys

Installing the ValueLoader
Understanding ValueLoader Features
ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual 5
Figure 2 describes the ValueLoader rear panel.
Figure 2 Rear Panel
Note: The arrows in the figure indicate screws that need to be
removed to remove the top cover. In addition to the
screws pictured, there are three screws on each side of
the ValueLoader.
1 68-pin SCSI connectors
2Fanvent
3 Power connector

Installing the ValueLoader
Choosing a Location
6 ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
Choosing a Location 1
Choose a location that meets the following criteria. (See
appendix A for more specifications.)
Table 1 Location
Criteria Requirement Description
Work surface
(standalone
installation)
Select a location that is flat, level, sturdy, and
close to a host server. Do not place the
ValueLoader on the floor or other carpeted
surface.
Caution: Do not place the ValueLoader on its
side or upside down, or stack items
that weigh more than 15 kg (33 lbs)
on top of the ValueLoader.
Rack requirements Standard 19-inch rack with a clearance of 2U.
Room temperature 10-35° C (50-95° F)
Power source AC power voltage: 100-127 VAC; 200-240 VAC
Line frequency: 50-60 Hz
Note: Locate the AC outlet near the
ValueLoader. The AC power cord is the
product’s main AC disconnect device
and must be easily accessible at all
times.
Weight 10 kg (22 lbs)
Air quality Minimal sources of particulate contamination.
Avoid areas near frequently used doors and
walkways, stacks of supplies that collect dust,
printers, or smoke-filled rooms.
Caution: Excessive dust or debris can damage
tapes and tape drives.