Overland Data DLT LibraryXpress Series User manual

104140-101, Revision A 7/97
LibraryXpress™ Series
DLT Library System
Including
LXG, LXB, and LXC Modules
and XpressChannel
Service Manual
DIGITAL Part Number
EK–TL890–SV. A01

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iii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................1
MODULES ..........................................................................................................................1
SmartScale Storage™ Architecture............................................................................... 2
The Global Control Module .......................................................................................... 2
The Base Module .......................................................................................................... 3
The Capacity Module....................................................................................................3
SCSI INTERFACE CONFIGURATIONS ....................................................................................3
SCSI BUS PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................4
Data Transfer Rate .......................................................................................................4
Drives...........................................................................................................................4
Internal Cabling Configuration.....................................................................................4
Bus Length Limitations .................................................................................................4
PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................4
SYSTEM EXPANSION...........................................................................................................5
Conversion of Free-Standing Base Modules for System Use..........................................5
FEATURES.......................................................................................................................... 5
Control Panel ...............................................................................................................6
Power Supply................................................................................................................7
Tape Cartridge Magazines............................................................................................7
Integral Fan Cooling ....................................................................................................9
Library Robotics...........................................................................................................9
Bar Code Reader ..........................................................................................................9
ADVANCED DESIGN FEATURES ...........................................................................................9
Embedded Diagnostics................................................................................................ 10
Error Checking........................................................................................................... 10
Buffer.......................................................................................................................... 10
Compression...............................................................................................................10
Capacity ..................................................................................................................... 10
Media Life .................................................................................................................. 11
RELATED PUBLICATIONS .................................................................................................. 11
CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION.................................................................................. 13
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 13
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION....................................................................................... 13
Positioning the Modules.............................................................................................. 14
MECHANICAL INSTALLATION............................................................................................ 14
Identifying the Parts of the XpressChannel .................................................................14
Orientation of Parts During Assembly......................................................................... 16
Preparing to Assemble the XpressChannel.................................................................. 17
Assembling the XpressChannel....................................................................................17
Installing the Belt........................................................................................................19
Adding to an Existing XpressChannel ......................................................................... 23
Mounting the Module Rack Slides............................................................................... 23
Installing the XpressChannel in the Rack.................................................................... 26
INTERFACES AND CABLING ............................................................................................... 28
XpressChannel Motor Cable.......................................................................................29
Control Cables............................................................................................................29
Power Cord ................................................................................................................ 29
SCSI Interfaces........................................................................................................... 29
Interface Cable Specifications..................................................................................... 30
Terminators ................................................................................................................31

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Interface Cable and Terminator Installation............................................................... 32
CONFIGURATION.............................................................................................................. 33
Setting Slave Configuration (Base Module Only)........................................................ 33
A Configuration Example - Setting the SCSI ID.......................................................... 35
Setting Up a Mail Slot................................................................................................. 37
Reserved Slots............................................................................................................. 38
Descriptions of Configuration Options........................................................................ 39
CHAPTER 3 - OPERATION ....................................................................................... 43
GLOBAL CONTROL MODULE............................................................................................. 43
Front Panel ................................................................................................................43
Front Panel and Media Locks..................................................................................... 47
STARTING THE SYSTEM..................................................................................................... 48
Display Messages ....................................................................................................... 48
SELECTING CONTROL PANEL DISPLAY MODES .................................................................. 51
The LibraryXpress Menu Structure ............................................................................. 51
Entering the Menu Mode ............................................................................................ 52
Exiting the Menu Mode............................................................................................... 54
Navigating Through the Menu Structure..................................................................... 54
Displaying Firmware Revision.................................................................................... 59
Displaying Error Logs ................................................................................................ 59
Loading and Unloading Tapes.................................................................................... 60
INSERTING AND REMOVING CARTRIDGES .......................................................................... 63
Removing a Magazine.................................................................................................64
Emergency Magazine Removal ................................................................................... 65
Inserting Cartridges Into the Magazine....................................................................... 65
Inserting a Magazine.................................................................................................. 65
BASE MODULE................................................................................................................. 67
CAPACITY MODULE ......................................................................................................... 68
TAPE REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................... 68
Cartridge handling and Storage.................................................................................. 68
Write Protection ......................................................................................................... 69
BARCODE LABELS............................................................................................................ 69
CHAPTER 4 — MAINTENANCE............................................................................... 71
CLEANING CARTRIDGE..................................................................................................... 71
Required Location for the Cleaning Cartridge............................................................ 72
Installing a Cleaning Cartridge .................................................................................. 72
When to Run the Cleaning Cartridge .......................................................................... 73
Running the Cleaning Cartridge................................................................................. 73
Removing the Cleaning Cartridge............................................................................... 74
UPDATING FIRMWARE...................................................................................................... 75
CHAPTER 5 — TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................... 79
DIAGNOSING PROBLEMS................................................................................................... 79
ERROR RECOVERY ........................................................................................................... 79
Error Recovery Procedures ........................................................................................ 80
FAULT SYMPTOM CODES (FSC)........................................................................................ 81
USING CE DIAGNOSTICS .................................................................................................. 82
Cartridge Cycle Diagnostic ........................................................................................ 83
Tach Feedback Diagnostic.......................................................................................... 84
Scanner Feedback Diagnostic..................................................................................... 84
USING THE DEMO SUBMENU ............................................................................................. 84
CHAPTER 6 - PARTS REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT..................................... 85
PARTS LOCATIONS ........................................................................................................... 86

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ACCESS PLATES................................................................................................................ 88
CARTRIDGE MAGAZINE REMOVAL .................................................................................... 90
Module Operates Normally......................................................................................... 90
Module Operates in Part, But Will Not Release Magazine .......................................... 90
Module Will Not Operate............................................................................................ 91
BAR CODE READER ASSEMBLY......................................................................................... 91
DRIVE CADDY ASSEMBLY (BASE MODULE ONLY)............................................................. 92
CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY............................................................................................. 94
CONTROLLER PWB ASSEMBLY......................................................................................... 96
Connector Locations................................................................................................... 96
DOOR OPENER/MAGAZINE LOCK ASSEMBLY..................................................................... 98
FAN ASSEMBLY.............................................................................................................. 101
FRONT PANEL ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................... 104
LEADSCREW ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................. 105
MAGAZINE DOOR ASSEMBLY.......................................................................................... 107
MAGAZINE DOOR OPTO SENSOR ..................................................................................... 108
MAGAZINE OPTO SENSOR............................................................................................... 110
MAGAZINE UNLOCK/OPEN SWITCH, MAGAZINE SECURITY LOCK..................................... 111
MULTIPLEXER ASSEMBLY............................................................................................... 113
POWER SWITCH.............................................................................................................. 114
POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY............................................................................................. 114
SHUTTLE ASSEMBLY....................................................................................................... 119
SHUTTLE MOTOR ASSEMBLY .......................................................................................... 120
XPRESSCHANNEL PARTS REPLACEMENT.......................................................................... 121
APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................... 123
APPENDIX B - ACCESSORIES/SPARES/ FRUS..................................................... 131
APPENDIX C - ESD PRECAUTIONS....................................................................... 133
INDEX......................................................................................................................... 135
Figures
FIGURE 1-1 GLOBAL CONTROL MODULE FRONT VIEW.........................................................5
FIGURE 1-2 BASE MODULE FRONT VIEW............................................................................. 6
FIGURE 1-3 CAPACITY MODULE FRONT VIEW .....................................................................6
FIGURE 1-4 BASE MODULE 10-CARTRIDGE MAGAZINE........................................................7
FIGURE 1-5 GLOBAL CONTROL MODULE REAR VIEW...........................................................8
FIGURE 1-6 BASE MODULE REAR VIEW...............................................................................8
FIGURE 1-7 CAPACITY MODULE REAR VIEW .......................................................................9
FIGURE 2-1. XPRESSCHANNEL EXTERNAL PARTS .............................................................. 15
FIGURE 2-2. XPRESSCHANNEL CAR................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 2-3 CAR REAR VIEW SHOWING BELT BLOCK......................................................... 16
FIGURE 2-4 XPRESSCHANNEL ASSEMBLED........................................................................ 18
FIGURE 2-5 THREADING THE BELT THROUGH THE DRIVE SECTION ..................................... 20
FIGURE 2-6 THREADING THE BELT THROUGH THE BASE SECTION....................................... 20
FIGURE 2-7 CHECKING BELT LENGTH ............................................................................... 21
FIGURE 2-8. BELT BLOCK WITH BELT IN PLACE................................................................ 21
FIGURE 2-9 ALIGNING THE CAPTIVE SCREWS WITH THE BLOCK ......................................... 22
FIGURE 2-10 RACK SLIDE PARTS ...................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 2-11 SEPARATING A RACK SLIDE .......................................................................... 25
FIGURE 2-12 INSTALLING THE XPRESSCHANNEL IN THE RACK............................................ 27
FIGURE 2-13 GLOBAL CONTROL SCSI CONNECTORS, TERMINATOR AND CABLES............... 28
FIGURE 2-14 BASE MODULE SCSI CONNECTORS, TERMINATORS AND CABLES................... 32

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FIGURE 2-15 BASE MODULE SCSI CONNECTORS, TERMINATOR, JUMPERS AND CABLES..... 32
FIGURE 2-16 BASE MODULE DEFAULT SCREEN ................................................................. 33
FIGURE 2-17 BASE MODULE MAIN MENU......................................................................... 34
FIGURE 2-18 CONFIGURE SUBMENU.................................................................................. 34
FIGURE 2-19 CONFIGURE SUBMENU, SCROLLED................................................................ 34
FIGURE 2-20 SPECIAL CONFIG SUBMENU .......................................................................... 34
FIGURE 2-21 SPECIAL CONFIG SUBMENU, SCROLLED......................................................... 35
FIGURE 2-22 ACKNOWLEDGMENT SCREEN........................................................................ 35
FIGURE 2-23 DEFAULT SCREEN ........................................................................................ 35
FIGURE 2-24 MAIN MENU ................................................................................................ 35
FIGURE 2-25 CONFIGURE SUBMENU.................................................................................. 36
FIGURE 2-26 SET SCSI SUBMENU..................................................................................... 36
FIGURE 2-27 SET SCSI SUBMENU SCROLLED .................................................................... 37
FIGURE 2-28 SET MAIL SLOT SUBMENU............................................................................ 37
FIGURE 2-29 SET MAIL SLOT SUBMENU ENABLED............................................................. 38
FIGURE 2-30 SET RESERVED SLOTS SUBMENU................................................................... 38
FIGURE 3-1 GLOBAL CONTROL MODULE FRONT PANEL..................................................... 43
FIGURE 3-2 GLOBAL CONTROL MODULE AND CAPACITY MODULE CONTROL PANEL........... 44
FIGURE 3-3 BASE MODULE CONTROL PANEL .................................................................... 45
FIGURE 3-4 POST SCREEN............................................................................................... 48
FIGURE 3-5 INITIALIZATION SCREEN ................................................................................ 49
FIGURE 3-6 DEFAULT SCREEN .......................................................................................... 49
FIGURE 3-7 FAULT SCREEN .............................................................................................. 49
FIGURE 3-8 SLAVE MODULE DEFAULT SCREEN ................................................................. 50
FIGURE 3-9 LIBRARYXPRESS MENU STRUCTURE ............................................................... 52
FIGURE 3-10 MAIN MENU ................................................................................................ 53
FIGURE 3-11 PANEL LOCKED SCREEN............................................................................... 53
FIGURE 3-12 CODE ENTRY SUBMENU ............................................................................... 53
FIGURE 3-13 SHOW STATUS MENU ................................................................................... 54
FIGURE 3-14 LIBRARY STATUS SUBMENU ......................................................................... 55
FIGURE 3-15 DRIVE STATUS MENU................................................................................... 56
FIGURE 3-16 MAP INFO SUBMENU .................................................................................... 56
FIGURE 3-17 SECURITY MENU.......................................................................................... 57
FIGURE 3-18 CODE SELECT SUBMENU............................................................................... 58
FIGURE 3-19 CODE ACCEPT SUBMENU.............................................................................. 58
FIGURE 3-20 PANEL LOCKED SCREEN............................................................................... 59
FIGURE 3-21 CODE ENTRY SUBMENU ............................................................................... 59
FIGURE 3-22 CODE VALIDATE SUBMENU .......................................................................... 59
FIGURE 3-23 ERROR HISTORY SCREEN.............................................................................. 60
FIGURE 3-24 DEFAULT SCREEN ........................................................................................ 60
FIGURE 3-25 MAIN MENU ................................................................................................ 60
FIGURE 3-26 LOAD/UNLOAD INITIAL SCREEN ................................................................... 61
FIGURE 3-27 LOAD/UNLOAD ‘FROM’ ENTRY SCREEN........................................................ 62
FIGURE 3-28 LOAD/UNLOAD ‘TO’ ENTRY SCREEN............................................................ 62
FIGURE 3-29 CONFIRMATION SCREEN............................................................................... 62
FIGURE 3-30 LOAD/UNLOAD ‘IN PROGRESS’ SCREEN........................................................ 62
FIGURE 3-31 MAGAZINE IN PLACE.................................................................................... 63
FIGURE 3-32 MAIN MENU ................................................................................................ 64
FIGURE 3-33 MAIN MENU, SCROLLED .............................................................................. 64
FIGURE 3-34 SECURITY MENU.......................................................................................... 64
FIGURE 3-35 UNLOCK ALL MEDIA SCREEN ....................................................................... 64
FIGURE 3-36 10-SLOT TAPE MAGAZINE WITH CARTRIDGES INSTALLED ............................. 65
FIGURE 3-37 MAIN MENU ................................................................................................ 66
FIGURE 3-38 MAIN MENU, SCROLLED .............................................................................. 66
FIGURE 3-39 SECURITY MENU.......................................................................................... 66
FIGURE 3-40 UNLOCK ALL MEDIA SCREEN ....................................................................... 66

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FIGURE 3-41 LOCK ALL MEDIA SCREEN............................................................................ 67
FIGURE 3-42 BASE MODULE FRONT PANEL ....................................................................... 67
FIGURE 3-43 DLTTAPE CARTRIDGE.................................................................................. 69
FIGURE 4-1 MAIN MENU .................................................................................................. 73
FIGURE 4-2 MAINTENANCE MENU .................................................................................... 73
FIGURE 4-3 CLEANING SUBMENU...................................................................................... 73
FIGURE 4-4 CLEANING CONFIRMATION SCREEN................................................................. 74
FIGURE 4-5 CLEANING IN PROGRESS SCREEN .................................................................... 74
FIGURE 4-6 MAIN MENU .................................................................................................. 75
FIGURE 4-7 MAINTENANCE SUBMENU............................................................................... 75
FIGURE 4-8 FLASH UPDATE SCREEN.................................................................................. 76
FIGURE 4-9 FLASH UPDATE IN PROCESS ............................................................................ 76
FIGURE 4-10 FLASH UPDATE CHECK SCREEN .................................................................... 76
FIGURE 4-11 FLASH UPDATE COMPLETION SCREEN ........................................................... 76
FIGURE 4-12 DEFAULT SCREEN......................................................................................... 77
FIGURE 5-1 TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHART................................................................... 80
FIGURE 5-2 MAIN MENU .................................................................................................. 83
FIGURE 5-3 MAINTENANCE SUBMENU............................................................................... 83
FIGURE 5-4 DIAGNOSTIC SUBMENU................................................................................... 83
FIGURE 6-1 PARTS LOCATIONS, BASE MODULE................................................................. 87
FIGURE 6-2 PARTS LOCATIONS, GLOBAL CONTROL AND CAPACITY MODULES.................... 87
FIGURE 6-3 COVER PLATE ................................................................................................ 89
FIGURE 6-4 BAR CODE READER........................................................................................ 92
FIGURE 6-5 DRIVE CADDY................................................................................................ 93
FIGURE 6-6 CONTROL PANEL............................................................................................ 95
FIGURE 6-7 CONTROLLER PWB CONNECTOR LOCATIONS.................................................. 96
FIGURE 6-8 CONTROLLER PWB CONNECTOR LOCATIONS, EARLY BASE MODULE .............. 97
FIGURE 6-9 DOOR OPENER/MAGAZINE LOCK ASSEMBLY................................................. 100
FIGURE 6-10 FAN ASSEMBLY, BASE MODULE ................................................................. 102
FIGURE 6-11 FAN ASSEMBLY, GLOBAL CONTROL AND CAPACITY MODULES .................... 103
FIGURE 6-12 FRONT PANEL ............................................................................................ 104
FIGURE 6-13 LEADSCREW ASSEMBLY ............................................................................. 106
FIGURE 6-14 MAGAZINE DOOR....................................................................................... 107
FIGURE 6-15 DOOR OPTO SENSOR................................................................................... 108
FIGURE 6-16 MAGAZINE TRACK AND SENSOR ................................................................. 110
FIGURE 6-17 MAGAZINE UNLOCK/OPEN SWITCH AND MAGAZINE SECURITY LOCK........... 112
FIGURE 6-18 MULTIPLEXER ASSEMBLY (GLOBAL CONTROL MODULE ONLY) ................... 113
FIGURE 6-19 POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY, CURRENT PRODUCTION.................................... 116
FIGURE 6-20 POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY, EARLY PRODUCTION........................................ 118
FIGURE 6-21 SHUTTLE MOTOR ....................................................................................... 120
Tables
TABLE 1-1 BASE MODULE TAPE CAPACITIES..................................................................... 10
TABLE 1-2 GLOBAL CONTROL AND CAPACITY MODULE TAPE CAPACITIES ......................... 10
TABLE 2-1 BELT LENGTH FOR VARIOUS SYSTEM SIZES...................................................... 19
TABLE 2-1 LIBRARYXPRESS CONFIGURATION OPTIONS ..................................................... 40
TABLE 3-1 CONTROL PANEL BUTTON FUNCTIONS ............................................................. 47
TABLE 5-1 ERROR RECOVERY PROCEDURES...................................................................... 81
TABLE 5-2 FAULT SYMPTOM CODES ................................................................................. 82

Chapter 1 - Introduction 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The DLT LibraryXpress™ System is an expandable, modular tape library system combining
DLT drive technology with advanced robotics. The LibraryXpress System is designed for
high duty-cycle on-line and near-on-line applications, such as hierarchical storage
management (HSM). It is a superior performer in high-volume backup and archival service as
well.
Modules
Available modules in the LibraryXpress series are the following.
• Global Control Module (LXG)
• Base Module (LXB)
• Capacity Module (LXC)
Every DLT LibraryXpress System consists of one Global Control Module, and any
combination of up to eight of the remaining modules stacked in a rack. The Global Control
Module can move media freely between itself, Base Modules, and Capacity Modules via the
robotically-controlled XpressChannel™.
In a DLT LibraryXpress System, you can combine modules to provide the right combination
of capacity and performance to meet your present requirements. Overland Data’s SmartScale
Storage™ architecture lets you change or add to the mix of modules to optimize throughput,
capacity, or both as your needs change.
When connected as a system, the robotics in Base Modules and Capacity Modules act as
commanded by the Global Control Module. The host computer or computers need no
knowledge of the internal geometry of the system, or of the actions or capabilities of any of
the slave modules. The Global Control Module presents to the host or hosts a single SCSI
medium changer device with a single SCSI Medium Transport element, a number of SCSI
Storage elements equal to the total number of cartridge magazine slots, a number of SCSI
Import/Export elements as specified by the user during configuration of the Global Control
Module, and a number of SCSI Data Transfer elements equal to the total number of drives in
the system.

2Chapter 1 - Introduction
SmartScale Storage™ Architecture
Flexibility
The DLT LibraryXpress Smartscale Storage™ architecture is uniquely suited to growing
storage needs. Overland Data’s Smartscale Storage architecture enables the robotics in each
of the LibraryXpress modules to exchange cartridges by means of the XpressChannel™ pass-
through elevator, and integrates the robotics in the individual modules and the Global
Control’s XpressChannel into a single high-performance library robotics system. You can
start with a system configured to your present requirements, confident that as your storage
needs evolve, the LibraryXpress can easily be modified by adding modules and extending the
XpressChannel. Add drives for faster performance or magazine space for greater capacity, as
needed. Then just turn on the power, and immediately the system updates the system map so
the host is informed of the expanded capability.
Multi-Server Data Sharing
A host computer with a SCSI controller connected to a bus is a SCSI Initiator. The Global
Control Module is a SCSI Target. SCSI rules permit multiple Initiators on a single bus.
Therefore, with the proper host software, it is possible to connect multiple hosts to a single
Global control Module over a single SCSI bus. This allows multiple hosts to operate the
library robotics, loading and unloading cartridges as each host requires.
In a system with many drives, it is desirable to use multiple SCSI busses for the drives, so the
data transfer rate of the drives is not limited by bus bandwidth. In a large, high-performance
system, drives may be connected to separate hosts. Using special software, one of the hosts
can act as a master server, processing all robotics commands. In this way several hosts may
share a common data base.
The Global Control Module
Description
The LXG5016 Global Control Module integrates the robotics in the individual modules into a
single coordinated library robotics system. The Global Control Module performs and
maintains an inventory of all media present in the system, including bar code data, if the
modules are equipped with bar code readers. All necessary system control operations may be
performed from the control panel of the Global Control Module, as well as from the host via
software. The SCSI interface for the library robotics is designed for high-speed
communication with the host, and is available in standard SCSI-2, Fast SCSI-2 or Fast/Wide
SCSI configurations.
In addition to its system control functions, the Global Control Module has a 16-cartridge
magazine with a rugged random access robotic mechanism. The module robotics moves
cartridges between the XpressChannel and any of the 16 cartridge storage locations.
The user may designate a magazine in one of the slave modules as a mail slot for inserting or
removing one or more single cartridges, which implements the SCSI Import/Export
commands. Note: a magazine which has been reserved for Import/Export service may not be
used for data storage.

Chapter 1 - Introduction 3
The Base Module
Description
The Base Module has one or two DLT drives and a 10-cartridge magazine with a rugged
random access robotic mechanism.
Models
The DLT LibraryXpress Base Module is currently available in six models. The first digit of
the model number refers to the DLT drive model series. The second digit of the model number
denotes the number of drives. The third and fourth digits denote the number of slots in the
module’s magazine.
The LXB2110 and LXB2210, using 2000XT series drives, read from and write to the
DLTtape™ (formerly CompacTape®) IIIXT 1/2 inch cartridges, with a native capacity of 15
GB per cartridge. The LXB4110 and LXB4210, using 4000 series drives, can use both
DLTtape IIIXT and higher-density DLTtape IV cartridges. The latter have a native capacity
of 20 GB per cartridge. The LXB7110 and LXB7210, using 7000 series drives, also use the
DLTtape IV cartridges, but provide a native capacity of 35 GB per cartridge. All models can
also read and write DLTtape III cartridges. Both read and write densities are selectable from
the front panel, and under SCSI control from the host.
Note: It is strongly recommended that if you do not equip all Base Modules with the same
drive model, you set up tape grouping via host software. This will avoid tape interchange
problems among drives capable of writing different densities.
The Capacity Module
Description
The LXC5016 Capacity Module has a 16-cartridge magazine, and no tape drives, and a
rugged random access robotic mechanism. The module robotics, under control of the Global
Control Module, moves cartridges between the XpressChannel and any of the 16 cartridge
storage locations.
SCSI Interface Configurations
The DLT LibraryXpress system’s standard SCSI interfaces are SCSI-2 for systems equipped
with 2000XT drives and Fast SCSI-2 for systems equipped with 4000 drives. Both of these
use high-density 50-pin D-series connectors. Systems equipped with 7000 series drives, use a
Fast/Wide SCSI interface with high-density 68-pin D-series connectors. The section on SCSI
Interfaces in Chapter 2 - Installation describes the available interface options.

4Chapter 1 - Introduction
SCSI Bus Performance Considerations
Data Transfer Rate
The data transfer rate of the DLT LibraryXpress is dependent on the type of drives and on the
SCSI bus configuration. The bandwidth of the SCSI bus is limited. As a result, the transfer
rate of exceptionally fast drives such as the DLT 7000 series can be limited by sharing a
SCSI bus with another drive.
Drives
With a standard SCSI interface, modules equipped with 2000XT series drives can provide a
sustained native transfer rate of 1.25 MB/second. With both drives operating, the 2000XT’s
rate is 2.5 MB/second. For the 4000 series, the maximum sustained native rate is 1.5
MB/second. With both drives operating, the 4000’s native rate is 3.0 MB/second. In modules
equipped with 7000 series drives, the native data transfer rate is 5.0 MB/second, 10 MB/sec
for two drives. The rates for compressed data are the native rates multiplied by the
compression factor, which depends on file content, but averages approximately 2:1.
Internal Cabling Configuration
The LibraryXpress System is wired in an independent-bus SCSI configuration. That is, the
robotics and each of the drives has its own SCSI bus. SCSI jumpers are supplied for those
applications requiring that some combination of drives and robotics be daisy-chained to a
single SCSI bus. These configurations are described in more detail in the section on SCSI
Interfaces in Chapter 2 - Installation.
Bus Length Limitations
The single-ended SCSI-2 bus is limited to 6 meters overall length, and the single-ended Fast
SCSI-2 bus is limited to 3 meters overall length. In contrast, differential SCSI-2 and Fast
SCSI-2 buses may be up to 25 meters. The internal wiring of the modules in a single-ended
LibraryXpress system may consume a significant fraction of the allowed length, leaving very
little extra for interconnection between modules and for attachment to the host. Overland Data
strongly urges use of the differential configuration for best performance.
Physical Configuration
All modules in a LibraryXpress System must be mounted in a rack. When a system is ordered,
all of the modules are supplied in rack mount configuration. None of the modules may be
operated alone, except for the LibraryXpress Base Module, which may be converted to
operate as a free-standing 10-slot library. For users who wish to remove a Base Module from
a system and use it alone, a conversion kit is available to convert a rack mount module to
desktop configuration. Another kit is available for conversion in the opposite direction. See
Appendix B - Accessories/Spares/FRUs for the part numbers.

Chapter 1 - Introduction 5
System Expansion
A DLT LibraryXpress System may be expanded in capacity or performance or both by
adding or removing modules. Associated with each module is a section of the
XpressChannel™ pass-through cartridge elevator. Smartscale Storage system firmware
integrates the robotics in the individual modules and the Global Control’s XpressChannel into
a single high-performance library robotics system.
Conversion of Free-Standing Base Modules for System Use
Your existing LibraryXpress Base Modules may be added to your system by resetting internal
jumpers, removing the pass-through cover plate, and in some cases converting from desktop to
rack mount. An update of firmware may also be required. These tasks should be performed by
qualified service personnel.
Features
Figures 1-1, through 1-7 identify some of the external features of the Global Control Module,
the Base Module, and the Capacity Module.
Figure 1-1 Global Control Module Front View

6Chapter 1 - Introduction
Figure 1-2 Base Module Front View
Figure 1-3 Capacity Module Front View
Control Panel
The control panels for all modules are the same, except for the number of LED indicators.
The control panel features a 4-line by 20-character backlit LCD display, three or four LED
indicators, and four buttons. The buttons enable the operator to navigate through the menu
structure to select and display operating modes, device status, diagnostic and maintenance
functions, device history and error statistics, and system configuration. The functions of the
control panel are described in detail in Chapter 3 - Operation.

Chapter 1 - Introduction 7
Display
The backlit 4-line by 20-character control panel display provides a highly intelligible
presentation of drive and loader status, menu choices and error messages. The scrolling
feature greatly expands the amount of information available to the operator. In the Global
Control Module, status information is available for the entire system. The slave modules
display other information as needed for localizing malfunctions.
Magazine Security Lock
The Magazine Security Lock is a key-operated switch on the front panel of each module. It
can be used to prevent inadvertent removal of the cartridge magazine.
Power Supply
The AC Power switch is located on the front panel of the module. The autoranging power
supply will adjust automatically to either of two operating voltage ranges. The ranges are
100-120 VAC and 200-240 VAC. The power supply is capable of operating at 50 or 60 Hz
without any adjustment or modification. AC power is supplied to the power supply by a single
IEC-compatible socket which can be connected to any properly grounded outlet.
Tape Cartridge Magazines
The ten-cartridge and sixteen-cartridge magazines are removable from the front panel, but
may be protected from tampering by any of three means: 1) a key-operated Magazine Security
Lock which must be unlocked before the magazine can be removed, 2) an electronic
combination lock operated by using buttons on the Global Control Module control panel, and
3) issuance by the host of a SCSI ‘Prevent Medium Removal’ command. The rugged carbon-
fiber-reinforced polymer magazine fits into an extruded track, which assures precise
positioning with respect to the library robotics. A ten-cartridge tape magazine is shown in
Figure 1-4. Insertion and removal of the magazine is described in Chapter 3 - Operation.
Figure 1-4 Base Module 10-Cartridge Magazine

8Chapter 1 - Introduction
Figure 1-5 Global Control Module Rear View
Figure 1-6 Base Module Rear View

Chapter 1 - Introduction 9
Figure 1-7 Capacity Module Rear View
Integral Fan Cooling
A single forced-air fan is mounted inside each module to provide optimum cooling for critical
parts, and to prevent the drive and robotics electronics, motors and power supply from
overheating.
Library Robotics
The DLT LibraryXpress System features library robotics that can load any of the cartridges
stored in any magazine in the system into any of the DLT tape drives, moving cartridges
among as many as nine modules within the DLT LibraryXpress System. The robotics design
utilizes Overland Data’s Mainframe-Class™ Library Robotics, which is known for
ruggedness and reliability.
Bar Code Reader
The optional bar code reader may be mounted on the cartridge shuttle in each module. It reads
bar code labels attached to each cartridge, and maintains the bar code data in memory as part
of the library System Map. An upgrade kits to add the bar code reader is available for the
Global Control Module, the Base Module and the Capacity Module. See Appendix B -
Accessories/ Spares/FRUs for the part number.
Advanced Design Features
The DLT LibraryXpress System incorporates many significant improvements in tape drive
and library design. One of the most important is the use of highly reliable DLT technology,
with media rated by the media manufacturer at better than 1,000,000 head passes.

10 Chapter 1 - Introduction
Embedded Diagnostics
The DLT LibraryXpress System and each of its modules provide three levels of embedded
diagnostics. The Power-On Self Test (POST) performs various verification tests on the
system’s configuration and host interface and device control functions, as well as memory
tests, at power-up. The second level of diagnostics is the User Diagnostics, which provide for
displaying and changing configuration options. The third level, CE Diagnostics, include
advanced diagnostics to be used by Customer Engineers for servicing the LibraryXpress
System. Both the User Diagnostics and the CE Diagnostics may be selected from the front
panel.
User Diagnostics are described in greater detail in Chapter 2 - Installation. CE Diagnostics
are described in Chapter 4 - Maintenance and Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting.
Error Checking
All drive models used in the DLT LibraryXpress System apply a 16-bit parity check to each
record, a 64-bit CRC to each 4 kB of data, and Reed-Solomon error correction code overall.
In addition, there is an internal parity check on the data buffer.
Buffer
Drives of the 2000XT, and 4000 series are equipped with a 2 MB data buffer, while 7000
series are equipped with a 4-MB data buffer.
Compression
All drive models used in the DLT LibraryXpress System use the standard Digital Lempel-Ziv
(DLZ) data compression algorithm.
Capacity
A single Base Module with its ten-cartridge magazine offers formatted capacities as shown in
Table 1-1. The data capacities of a Global Control and a Capacity Module are shown in
Table 1-2. The capacity of any module is determined by the series of drive used, as well as the
media type. When DLTtape III or IIIXT cartridges are used with 4000 or 7000 series drives,
capacities are limited accordingly.
Table 1-1 Base Module Tape Capacities
MODEL CARTRIDGE CAPACITY PER
CARTRIDGEAFULL MAGAZINE COMPRESSEDB
LXB2X10 DLTtape IIIXT
DLTtape III 15 GB 10 GB 300 GB 200 GB
LXB4X10 DLTtape IV 20 GB 400 GB
LXB7X10 DLTtape IV 35 GB 700 GB

Chapter 1 - Introduction 11
Table 1-2 Global Control and Capacity Module Tape Capacities
DRIVE
SERIES CARTRIDGE FULL MAGAZINE NATIVEAFULL MAGAZINE COMPRESSEDB
2000XT DLTtape IIIXT
DLTtape III 240 GB 160 GB 480 GB 320 GB
4000 DLTtape IV 320 GB 640 GB
7000 DLTtape IV 560 GB 1120 GB
Anative capacities, uncompressed.
BMaximum capacities given assume average 2:1 compression. Actual compression will vary
with file content. The native capacity for a full Base Module magazine is ten times the native
capacity per cartridge; for Global Control and Capacity Modules, 16 times the native capacity
per cartridge.
Media Life
The media used in the DLT LibraryXpress is rated by the media manufacturer at over
1,000,000 head passes, and a shelf life of at least 30 years.
Related Publications
For additional information about the DLT LibraryXpress System product line, refer to the
following publications.
• DLT LibraryXpress System SCSI Specification, P/N 104134-101
• DLT LibraryXpress System Installation and User Manual, P/N 104139-101