Sony AITe90-UL User manual

4-670-383-13(2)
©2002 Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
AIT Drive
AIT-1 TAPE DRIVE
AITe90-UL

2Safety Regulations
Safety Regulations
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial
number in the space provided below.
Refer to them whenever you call upon your dealer regarding this product.
Model No. Serial No.
Information
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the
unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
MODEL No. for Regulatory Compliance
Your AIT-1 or AIT-2 TAPE DRIVE is assigned the MODEL No. SDX-D420C
or SDX-D520C (respectively) for regulatory compliance certifications. The
number is indicated on the model number label on your drive along with the
rated voltage and current.
For customers in the USA
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved
in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual must be used with
this equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant
to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Safety Regulations 3
English
CAUTION
The main plug on this equipment must be used to disconnect main power.
Please ensure that the socket outlet is installed near the equipment and shall be
easily accessible.
ACHTUNG
Zur Trennung vom Netz ist der Netzseker aus der Steckdose zu ziehen,
welche sich in der Nähe des Gerätes befinden muß und leicht zugänglich
sein soll.
HINWEIS
Der höchste Schalldruckpegel beträgt 70 dB (A) oder weniger gemäß ISO
7779.
NOTICE
Use the power cord set approved by the appropriate testing organization for
the specific countries where this unit is to be used.
HINWEIS
Die 3-adrige Geräteanschlußleitung muß Typ H05VV-F oder H05VVH2-F
sein und nach DIN VDE 0625 geprüft sein. Der Stecker und die
Gerätesteckdose müssen nach DIN VDE 0620 bzw DIN VDE 0625 geprüft
sein. Der Leitungsquerschnitt kann 0,5 mm2betragen wenn die
Anschlußleitung eine Länge von 2 m nicht überschreitet. Anderenfalls muß
der Leitungsquerschnitt mindestens 0,75 mm2betragen.
If you have any questions about this product, please refer to Sony contact in
the instruction manual.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Trade Name: SONY
Model: SDX-D420C or SDX-D520C
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell NJ 07649 USA
Telephone number: 201-930-6972
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Diese Ausrüstung erfüllt die Europäischen EMC-Bestimmungen für die
Verwendung in folgender/folgenden Umgebung(en):
– Wohngegenden
– Gewerbegebiete
– Leichtindustriegebiete
(Diese Ausrüstung erfüllt die Bestimmungen der Norm EN 55022,
Klasse B.)

4Table of Contents
• Sony cannot accept liability for data written to cartridges lost as a result of using this product.
• Sony bears no responsibility for any financial damages, lost profits, or claims made by third parties
arising from the use of this product.
Table of Contents
How to Use this Guide ...................................................................... 5
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the AIT Drive........................................................................... 6
Features....................................................................................................6
System Requirements ..............................................................................7
Useable Cartridges...................................................................................7
Part Names and Functions............................................................... 8
Front Panel...............................................................................................8
Drive Status .............................................................................................9
Rear Panel..............................................................................................10
Chapter 2
Preparation
Supplied Items................................................................................. 11
Interconnections ............................................................................. 12
i.LINK ...................................................................................................13
Chapter 3
Operation
Using the AIT Drive ..............................................................................15
Removing the Cartridge ........................................................................16
Chapter 4
Care and
Maintenance
Taking Care of the Drive................................................................. 17
Safety Considerations ............................................................................17
Avoiding Damage..................................................................................17
Taking Care of Cartridges .............................................................. 19
Usage Precautions .................................................................................19
Storage Precautions ...............................................................................19
Head Cleaning ................................................................................. 20
Cleaning.................................................................................................20
Appendix Specifications.................................................................................. 21
Sony Contacts ................................................................................. 22

How to Use this Guide 5
How to Use this Guide
This guide describes how to use and care for the AITe90-UL AIT drive.
Please read it carefully before using the drive and save it for future reference.
The guide consists of four chapters and an appendix. Refer to the chapters
that relate to your use of the drive.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Describes the features of the drive, system requirements, and the names and
functions of each part.
Chapter 2 Preparation
Describes the necessary connections between the drive and the host
computer. Read this chapter when you install the drive.
Chapter 3 Operation
Describes how to use the drive, including how to turn it on, and how to insert
and remove cartridges. Read this chapter when you are going to use the drive.
Chapter 4 Care and Maintenance
Describes how to take care of the drive and cartridges, and how to clean the
drive heads. Read this chapter before using the drive.
Appendix
Contains the specifications of the drive.
Notation
IEEE 1394 and i.LINK refer to the same type of interface. In this guide, we
have used i.LINK throughout to refer to the interface.
Trademarks
• Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• i.LINK™ is a designation referring to IEEE 1394-1995 and IEEE 1394a-
2000. i.LINK and the i.LINK logo “ ” are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
• All other system names, products, and services are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners. The ™ or ® marks do
not appear in this manual.

6Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
About the AIT Drive
The AITe90-UL is an external AIT drive using data cartridges that conform
to the AIT-1 format.
Features
The AITe90-UL AIT drive has the following features.
•Uses the Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) format AIT-1 data cartridges.
AIT-1 data cartridges provide 35 GB of storage (no compression) on a
230-m tape. The Read After Write function and Third Level Error
Correction Code ensure high data reliability.
•The drive comes with a data compression function, providing a maximum
of 91 GB of storage on an AIT-1 data cartridge (230-m tape).*1
•Stored data is automatically checked for compression. The drive can also
read data recorded with other devices.
•The drive is equipped with a USB and i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface. You
can therefore connect the drive to either connector to your computer.
Note
You cannot use the USB and i.LINK interfaces simultaneously.
•The drive supports Hot Plug, which means that you can connect and
disconnect it while the drive and/or your computer is on.
*1 Assuming a 2.6:1 hardware compression ratio.
The actual degree of compression during recording depends on the system environment and
the type of data.

Chapter 1 Introduction 7
System Requirements
The following are the minimum system requirements to use the drive.
•PC/AT-compatible computer (300 MHz or faster)
•Running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98
Second Edition
•CD-ROM drive (to install the software necessary to the drive)
•i.LINK and/or USB interface
Useable Cartridges
The AITe90-UL can be used with data cartridges marked with the AIT-1 logo.
AIT-1 Logo
AIT-1 Data Cartridges
Name Capacity (no compression)
SDX1-35C 35 GB
SDX1-25C 25 GB
AIT Cleaning Cartridges
Name Description
SDX1-CL AIT drive cleaning cartridge
Note
Be sure to use only data cartridges designed specifically for AIT (do not use
8 mm video cartridges) as this may damage the drive.

8Chapter 1 Introduction
Part Names and Functions
Front Panel
POWER
1
345 6 7
2
Figure 1-2. Front panel
1AIT Data Cartridge Receptacle
See page 15 for information on inserting and removing a AIT data
cartridge.
2POWER Indicator
Lights while the drive is on.
3BUSY Indicator
Lights when data is transferred through the USB or i.LINK interface. It
also lights in the following situations:
•When reading data from or writing data to a data cartridge
•When inserting or ejecting a data cartridge
4TAPE Indicator
When a AIT cartridge is inserted, the indicator lights. It also lights in the
following situations:
5STATUS Indicator
Lights when the data cartridge in the drive is write-protected. It also in
the following situations:
Inserting and removing a cartridge repeated blinking (same on-off
interval).
Cartridge deteriorated alternating long-short blinking.
Drive needs cleaning repeated long on, short off blinking.
End of tape during cleaning repeated blinking (same on-off
interval).
Drive malfunction repeated short on (once or twice),
long off blinking.

Chapter 1 Introduction 9
6EJECT Button
Push to remove a data cartridge from the drive.
7POWER Switch
Press to turn the drive on or off.
Drive Status
The status of the AITe90-UL can be interpreted by reading the indicators as
follows.
1 pulse (3.5 sec on / 0.5 sec off)
1 pulse (0.25 sec on)
2 pulses (0.25 sec on/0.5 sec off)
LED State
BUSY TAPE STATUS Activity Cartridge Other
None None None
✽1None None
Drive Inserting/Removing None
Drive Inserting/Removing Write-protected
None Inserted Cleaning tape depleted
None Inserted None
✽1Inserted None
Reading/Writing Inserted None
Independent —✽2Inserted Write-protected
Independent Independent —✽2Inserted Error rate warning✽3
—✽2—✽2—✽2—✽2Cleaning request
—✽2—✽2—✽2—✽2Self-test failure✽4
—✽2—✽2—✽2—✽2Operational error✽4
—✽2—✽2—✽2—✽2Operational error✽5
✽1Data transfer through the USB or i.LINK interface
✽2Not defined
✽3Change cartridges
✽4Reset drive
✽5Eject cartridge
off
on
1 pulse (0.25 sec on / 0.25 sec off)

10 Chapter 1 Introduction
Rear Panel
23 4
1
Figure 1-4. Rear Panel
1AC IN Connector
Connect the supplied power cable here.
2i.LINK Connectors ( )
Connects to the i.LINK connector of the host computer.
3USB Connector ( )
Connects to the USB connector of the host computer or a USB hub.
4Cooling Fan

Chapter 2 Preparation 11
Chapter 2 Preparation
After you confirm that all the necessary items are accounted for, connect the
drive to the host computer or to a USB hub.
Supplied Items
When you open the package, make sure that it contains the following. Contact
your supplier if any of these items are missing and/or damaged.
•AIT-1 drive
•Quick start guide
•AIT-1 data cartridge (SDX1-35C)
•Operating instructions CD-ROM
•1Safe™CD-ROM
•USB 2.0 cable
•i.LINK cables (6-pin to 6-pin, 6-pin to 4-pin, 1 each)
•Power cable
•Warranty card*
•Safety regulations (2)
*Warranty coverage may vary from region to region.

12 Chapter 2 Preparation
Interconnections
Connecting to the USB Interface
Connect the USB connector of the host computer or USB hub to the USB
connector of the drive with the USB cable.
Connecting to the i.LINK Interface
Connect the i.LINK connector of the host computer to the i.LINK connector
of the drive with the one of the i.LINK cables. You can also add the drive to a
daisy chain.
Caution
You cannot use the USB and i.LINK interfaces simultaneously.
Daisy Chain Example
AC power
USB or i.LINK cable (supplied with the drive)
Host computer
AITe90-UL
Interface

Chapter 2 Preparation 13
i.LINK
This section explains the specifications and features of i.LINK.
Restrictions that are not outlined below may apply, depending on the features
and specifications of individual i.LINK devices.
What is i.LINK?
i.LINK is a digital serial interface that allows bi-directional transfer of digital
video and audio data between devices equipped with i.LINK connectors. It
also allows one device equipped with an i.LINK connector to control another
device that is similarly equipped.
Two i.LINK devices are connected through a single i.LINK cable. Using
i.LINK, a wide variety of audio-visual devices can be connected for control
or data transfer. Use of i.LINK is expected to expand to a wider variety of
devices in the future, providing even more options for control and data
transfer.
When multiple i.LINK devices are connected in series, control and data
transfer can be extended to devices connected through other i.LINK devices,
as well as to those connected directly. This means that devices can be
connected in any sequence. However, whether data can be transferred with a
particular device, as well as how or if that device can be controlled, depends
on the characteristics and specifications of the individual device.
Note
i.LINK, the internationally popular name for the IEEE 1394 interface
standard, is a Sony trademark.
IEEE 1394 is an international standard established by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Connection Using i.LINK
i.LINK devices are connected in series using i.LINK cables. This is often
referred to as a “daisy chain”.
Data transfer and control are possible even when two i.LINK devices
are connected through other devices.
i.LINK cable

14 Chapter 2 Preparation
Branching is also possible
•When devices have three or more i.LINK connectors, it is possible to create
branches midway through the i.LINK daisy chain.
•Up to 63 i.LINK devices (including this drive) can be interconnected.
However, only 17 devices can be present on the longest individual path. (Up
to 16 i.LINK cables can be used in the chain making up a path of the
maximum possible length.)
The length of a path is indicated in terms of the number of i.LINK cables used,
with each cable counted as one “hop.”For example, in the figure below, the path
between A and C is 6 hops, while that between A and D is 3 hops.
Any of the paths (A pB, A pC, A pD, B pC, B pD, and C pD) can be
composed of a maximum of 17 devices. (A maximum of 16 hops.)
Care must be taken to ensure that no path loops back up on itself
The digital signal passes through all the connected i.LINK cables. Circular
connections must be avoided to prevent signals from returning to the device
from which they originated. Such circular connections are referred to as
“loops.”
Examples of correct connections
Examples of loops
Connection Precautions
•Some i.LINK devices, such as computers, must be turned on to relay data to
other i.LINK devices. When connecting an i.LINK device, refer to the
instructions accompanying the device.
•The maximum data transfer rate supported by any given i.LINK device is
indicated near the i.LINK connector. The maximum i.LINK data transfer
rates are defined as being approximately 100, 200, and 400 Mbps,
respectively noted as S100, S200, and S400. When devices having different
maximum data transfer rates are connected together, rates achieved by
individual devices may be less than their rated maximums.

Chapter 3 Operation 15
Chapter 3 Operation
This chapter describes how to use the AIT drive, and how to handle data
cartridges.
Using the AIT Drive
1Press the POWER switch on the front panel.
The POWER indicator lights, and the STATUS, BUSY, and TAPE
indicators blink as the self-test is performed.
2When the three indicators stop blinking and the BUSY indicator lights,
insert a data cartridge as indicated below. As the tape is being loaded, the
TAPE indicator blinks. If the tape is loaded successfully, the TAPE
indicator lights. (If the cartridge is write-protected, the STATUS
indicator also lights.)
Figure 3-1. Inserting a data cartridge
3Computer software controls tape reading and writing. While reading or
writing, the BUSY indicator blinks.
Note
Do not disconnect the USB or i.LINK cable when you are reading or
writing data as this could cause malfunctions.

16 Chapter 3 Operation
Removing the Cartridge
Press the EJECT button.
A few seconds later, the ejection procedure starts (rewinding the tape, etc.),
and the BUSY and TAPE indicators blink simultaneously. When the ejection
procedure ends, the cartridge is ejected automatically.
Figure 3-2. Press the EJECT button
Notes
•Do not press the EJECT button while the BUSY indicator is blinking (data
is being written or read) as this may destroy data on the tape.
•The ejection procedure may take up to a few minutes to complete. For this
reason, it is important not to turn off the drive before the cartridge is
ejected.

Chapter 4 Care and Maintenance 17
Chapter 4 Care and Maintenance
Taking Care of the Drive
Safety Considerations
■Power
•100 to 240 V AC.
•Avoidpluggingintothesameoutletashigh-currentequipmentlikecopiers
orshredders.
■Power Cable Precautions
•Donotcrushthecableorplaceheavyitemsonit.Ifthecableinsulation
appearswornorbroken,donotusethecable.
•Alwaysunplugthecablebyholdingtheplug:neverpullthecableitself,as
itwillbreak.
•Ifthedriveisnotbeingusedforalongtime,unplugthecablefromthe
outlet.
Avoiding Damage
■Avoid shock and vibration
Intenseshock,suchasfromdroppingthedrive,willdamageit.
■Environmental considerations
Donotstoreorusethedriveinlocationssubjectto:
•highhumidity •excessivedust
•hightemperature •intensevibration
•directsunlight •suddenchangesintemperature
■Proper ventilation
Toavoidoverheating,installthedrivewhereithasfreeaircirculationaround
thecaseandcoolingfan.Also,donotcoverthedriveduringoperation.The
drivecanmalfunctionifitsinternaltemperaturerisestoohigh.
■Avoid sudden changes in temperature
Ifthedriveismovedfromacoolplacetoawarmplace,oriftheroom
temperaturesuddenlyrises,moisturemaycondenseinsidethecase.Aftera
suddenchangeintemperature,waitatleastonehourbeforeturningthedrive
on.

18 Chapter 4 Care and Maintenance
■Abnormal occurrences
Ifthedrivebehavesabnormally,orifitbeginstosmellorsmoke,
immediatelyunplugitfromthewalloutletandcontactyoursupplierfor
assistance.
■Cabinet cleaning
Wipethecabinetwithasoftdrycloth.Forheavydirt,wipewithasoftcloth
moistenedwithagentleliquidsoap,thenwipeagainwithasoftdrycloth.Do
notusealcohol,paintthinner,bugspraysorothervolatilesolvents,asthey
candamagethefinish.

Chapter 4 Care and Maintenance 19
Taking Care of Cartridges
Usage Precautions
•Avoiddroppingthecartridgesandhighvibrations.
•Theshutteronthefaceofthecartridgeopensautomaticallywhenitis
insertedintothedrive.Donotopentheshutterbyhand,astouchingthetape
maydamageit.
•Thecartridgeispreciselyaligned.Donottrytoopenordismantleit.
•Thewrite-protectswitchonthefaceofthecartridgeisusedtopreventthe
tapefrombeingwrittentooraccidentallyerased.Ifyoudonotneedtowrite
tothetape,movethisswitchtothewrite-protectposition.
Figure 4-1. Write-protect switch
•Incaseofasuddenchangeintemperature,condensationmayinterferewith
readingandwritingtoatape.
•Avoidunnecessaryinsertionandremovalofcartridgesifyoudonotneedto
writeorreadatape.
•Whenyouaredoneusingthedrive,removethecartridge.
•AvoidtouchingtheAITcartridge’sMemoryinCassette(MIC)terminalsas
theyaresensitiveprecisioncomponents.
Storage Precautions
•Keepcartridgesintheircaseswhennotinthedrive.
•Avoidstoringcartridgesindustylocations,indirectsunlight,nearheaters
orairconditioners,orinhumidlocations.
•Donotplacecartridgesondashboardsorincarstoragetrays.
Using your fingernail, push the switch in the
direction of the arrow to protect the tape
from writing or accidental erasure.
Return the switch to its original position to
re-enable writing.
Lid

20 Chapter 4 Care and Maintenance
Head Cleaning
TokeeptheAITdriveintopcondition,cleantheheadasneededusingthe
properheadcleaningcartridge.Whentheheadneedscleaning,theSTATUS
indicatorblinks(seepage9).
Cleaning
1InserttheheadcleaningcartridgeintotheAITdrive.Cleaningstarts
automatically.
2About15secondslater,cleaningstopsandthecartridgeisejected
automatically.
Oneheadcleaningcartridgecanbeusedabout50times.
Note
Donotrewindthecleaningcartridgeandreuseit.Whenyoureachthe
endofthecartridge,disposeofitandbuyanewone.