Sony SDX-800V Series User manual

AIT Drive
2-891-321-12(1)
2006 Sony Corporation
AIT-5 TAPE DRIVE
SDX-1100V Series
AIT-4 TAPE DRIVE
SDX-900V Series
AIT-3 Ex TAPE DRIVE
SDX-800V Series
User’s Guide
CS
CT
GB

2
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not
open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
This document contains proprietary
information which is protected by
copyright.
All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be photocopied,
reproduced or translated to another
language without prior written consent
of Sony.
The information contained in this
document is subject to change without
notice.
SONY MAKES NO WARRANTY
OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO
THIS DOCUMENT.
Sony shall not be liable for errors
contained herein, indirect, special,
incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing,
performance or use of this document.
Your SDX-1100V is assigned a Model
No. SDX-1100 for regulatory
compliance certifications.
Your SDX-900V and SDX-800V are
assigned a Model No. ATDNA4 for
regulatory compliance certifications.
The number is indicated on the model
number label on your drive along with
the rated voltage and current.
Hinweis
Maschinenlärminformations-
Verordnung - 3. GPSGV, der höchste
Schalldruckpegel beträgt 70 dB(A)
oder weniger gemäss EN ISO 7779.
ATTENTION
According to the EU Directives related
to product safety, EMC and R&TTE
the manufacturer of this product is
Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan
Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan.
The Authorised Representative is Sony
Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger
Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany.
For any service or guarantee matters
please refer to the addresses given in
separate service or guarantee
documents.
AUFMERKSAMKEIT
Im Sinne der EU Richtlinien bezüglich
Produktsicherheit, EMV und R&TTE
ist Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan
Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan der
Hersteller dieses Produktes.
Bevollmächtigter ist Sony
Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger
Strasse 61, D-70327 Stuttgart. Für
Service oder Garantieangelegenheiten
wenden Sie sich bitte an die in
separaten Service oder
Garantiedokumenten angegebenen
Adressen.
European Union Restriction of
Hazardous Substances Directive
compliant.
Entspricht der Richtlinie der
Europäischen Union zur
Beschränkung der Verwendung
gefährlicher Stoffe.

3
GB
VORSICHT
Für kunden in Deutshland
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 EN55022,
Klasse B.)
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these
safety instructions completely before
operating the appliance, and keep this
manual for future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings,
precautions and instructions on the
appliance, or described in the
operating instructions and adhere to
them.
USE
Power Sources –This unit should be
operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label.
If you are not sure of the type of
electrical power, consult your dealer or
local power company.
For the unit with a three-wire
grounding type ac plug:
If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact your electrician to
have a suitable plug installed. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding plug.
AC Power cord: (for AC mains
operating unit only)
The AC power cord should have
appropriate safety approvals or
marking for the country in which the
equipment will be used. Consult your
dealer or local power company.
Cleaning –Unplug the unit from the
wall outlet before cleaning or
polishing it. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Use a cloth lightly dampened with
water for cleaning the exterior of the
unit.
Object and Liquid Entry –Never
push objects of any kind into the unit
through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a fire or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of
any kind on the unit.

4
INSTALLATION
Water and Moisture –Do not use
power-line operated units near water –
for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry
tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection –Route the
power cord so that it is not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against it, paying particular
attention to the plugs, receptacles, and
the point where the cord exits from the
appliance.
Accessories –Do not place the unit on
an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table. The unit may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult,
and serious damage to the unit. Use
only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation –The slots and openings
in the cabinet are provided for
necessary ventilation. To ensure
reliable operation of the unit, and to
protect it from overheating, these slots
and openings must never be blocked or
covered.
•Never cover the slots and openings
with a cloth or other materials.
•Never block the slots and openings
by placing the unit on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface.
•Never place the unit in a confined
space, such as a bookcase, or built-
in cabinet, unless proper ventilation
is provided.
SERVICE
Damage Requiring Service –Unplug
the unit from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following
conditions:
•When the power cord or plug is
damaged or frayed.
•If liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the unit.
•If the unit has been exposed to rain
or water.
• If the unit has been subject to
excessive shock by being dropped,
or the cabinet has been damaged.
•If the unit does not operate normally
when following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the
unit to normal operation.
•When the unit exhibits a distinct
change in performance - this
indicates a need for service.
Servicing –Do not attempt to service
the unit yourself as opening or
removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer to all servicing to qualified
service personnel.

5
Table of Contents
Overview .................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 6
About AIT Drives ............................................................................................ 6
Precautions ....................................................................................................... 8
Installation .............................................................................................................. 11
SCSI Connection/Setting the SCSI ID ........................................................... 11
Option Switches (DIP Switch) ....................................................................... 12
Mounting Holes .............................................................................................. 15
Reconfiguring From 5.25" Model to 3.5" Model ........................................... 16
Orientation...................................................................................................... 16
Attaching and Removing the Dust Cover ............................................................... 17
Attaching the Dust Cover ............................................................................... 17
Removing the Dust Cover .............................................................................. 18
Operation ................................................................................................................ 19
Location of 3 LEDs ........................................................................................ 19
Drive Operation .............................................................................................. 20
Emergency Tape Removal Procedure ............................................................ 22
Interface Implementation........................................................................................ 25
Supported SCSI Messages ............................................................................. 25
Supported SCSI Commands ........................................................................... 25
Specifications ......................................................................................................... 26
Product Specifications .................................................................................... 26
Sony Contacts ......................................................................................................... 28
• 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.

6
Overview
The SDX-1100V, SDX-900V, and SDX-800V series drives are high
capacity data storage devices using Advanced Intelligent tape (AIT)
technology. The SDX-1100V, SDX-900V, and SDX-800V series drives
achieve high data reliability through Read-After-Write, an additional level
of Error Correction Code, and other features.
The SDX-1100V, SDX-900V, and SDX-800V series drives store data on
tape using standard formats called AIT (Advanced Intelligent Tape) and
ALDC.
Introduction
About AIT Drives
The SDX-1100V Series AIT-5 Tape Drives are internal AIT drive units that
use data cartridges conforming to the AIT-5 format.
The SDX-900V Series AIT-4 Tape Drives are internal AIT drive units that
use data cartridges conforming to the AIT-4 format.
The SDX-800V Series AIT-3 Ex Tape Drives are internal AIT drive units
that use data cartridges conforming to the AIT-3 Ex format.
The SDX-1100V series drives support the AIT-5, AIT-4, AIT-3 Ex, and
AIT-3 formats.
The SDX-900V series drives support the AIT-4 and AIT-3 Ex format.
The SDX-800V series drives support the AIT-3 Ex, AIT-3, AIT-2 Turbo,
AIT-2 (Read only), AIT-1 Turbo (Read only), AIT-1 (Read only), and
AIT-E Turbo (Read only) formats.

7
Features
The SDX-1100V series drives have the following features:
•Supports reading and writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-5,
AIT-4, AIT-3 Ex, and AIT-3 formats.
•The second-level error correction code guarantees high data reliability
writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-5, AIT-4, and AIT-3 Ex
formats.
•The third-level error correction code guarantees high data reliability
writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-3 format.
•Data compression provides 1,040 gigabytes of storage on SDX5-400C
data cartridges.*
The native capacity is 400 gigabytes of storage on SDX5-400C data
cartridges.
•Stored data are automatically checked for compression.
•Ultra 160 SCSI interface is fully supported for host computer access.
•Fragment rewrite function (AIT-5, AIT-4, AIT-3 Ex)
•Frame rewrite function (AIT-3)
The SDX-900V series drives have the following features:
•Supports reading and writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-4
and AIT-3 Ex formats.
•The second-level error correction code guarantees high data reliability
writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-4 and AIT-3 Ex formats.
•Data compression provides 520 gigabytes of storage on SDX4-200C data
cartridges.*
The native capacity is 200 gigabytes of storage on SDX4-200C data
cartridges.
•Stored data are automatically checked for compression.
•Ultra 160 SCSI interface is fully supported for host computer access.
•Fragment rewrite function
*This is assuming 2.6 : 1 compression ratio.
The degree of data compression attained while recording data varies according to
system environment and data type.

8
The SDX-800V series drives have the following features:
•Supports reading and writing to data cartridges conforming to the
AIT-3 Ex, AIT-3, and AIT-2 Turbo formats.
•Supports reading from data cartridges conforming to the AIT-2,
AIT-1 Turbo, AIT-1, and AIT-E Turbo formats.
•The second-level error correction code guarantees high data reliability
writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-3 Ex format.
•The third-level error correction code guarantees high data reliability
writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-3 format.
•Data compression provides 390 gigabytes of storage on SDX3X-150C
data cartridges.*
The native capacity is 150 gigabytes of storage on SDX3X-150C data
cartridges.
•Stored data are automatically checked for compression.
•Ultra 160 SCSI interface is fully supported for host computer access.
•Fragment rewrite function (AIT-3 Ex)
•Frame rewrite function (AIT-3)
*This is assuming 2.6 : 1 compression ratio.
The degree of data compression attained while recording data varies according to
system environment and data type.
Precautions
Installation
Avoid placing the drives in locations subject to:
–high humidity
–high temperature
– mechanical shock and vibration
–direct sunlight
*For details, see “Specifications” on page 26.

9
Operation
• Do not move the drives while they are operating. It may cause
malfunctions.
• Avoid exposing the drives to sudden changes from low to high
temperatures. This may cause condensation to collect inside the drives. If
the ambient temperature should suddenly rise while the drives are turned
on, turn them off and wait at least one hour before turning them back on.
If you attempt to operate the drives immediately after a sudden increase
in temperature, malfunctions may occur.
•Turning off the power to the drives while they are writing to tape may
cause the tape to become unreadable. All previously negotiated
parameters will be lost, whenever power to the drives is cycled.
Transportation
•Keep the original packing materials to facilitate safe transportation of the
drives.
•Always remove the tape/media cartridge before moving the drives. After
removing the drives from the computer, repack them into their original
packing.
Compatible Data Cartridges
The SDX-1100V series drives can be used with data cartridges marked with
the AIT-5, AIT-4, AIT-3 Ex, or AIT-3 logo.
The SDX-900V series drives can be used with data cartridges marked with the
AIT-4 or AIT-3 Ex logo.
The SDX-800V series drives can be used with data cartridges marked with the
AIT-3 Ex, AIT-3, AIT-2 Turbo, AIT-2 (read only), AIT-1 Turbo (read only),
AIT-1 (read only), or AIT-E Turbo (read only) logo.
AIT-E Turbo LOGO AIT-1 LOGO AIT-1 Turbo LOGO
AIT-2 LOGO AIT-2 Turbo LOGO AIT-3 LOGO
AIT-3 Ex LOGO AIT-4 LOGO AIT-5 LOGO

10
Caution
•Do not use cartridges other than the ones described above with this drive.
Be sure to use only the cartridges designed specifically for AIT.
•Do not use anything but AIT cartridges with this drive, as doing so can
damage the drive. Although commercially available 8 mm videotapes
resemble AIT cartridges in appearance, they have entirely different
specifications and cannot be used.
SCSI Termination
The SDX-1100V, SDX-900V, and SDX-800V series drives conform to the
Microsoft PC97 standard, which requires the internal (naked) drive to be
terminated with an external terminator.
Microsoft PC97 SCSI requirements
SCSI peripherals must not terminate the bus. Both internal and external cable ends are
instead terminated by plug-in connectors.
Example connection to the host computer and other peripheral devices
Host Computer Wide SCSI
68-pin cable Terminator
SDX-1100V/SDX-900V/SDX-800V series drive

11
Installation
SCSI Connection/Setting the SCSI ID
Rear view figures are examples of the SDX-1100V drive.
SCSI 68pin Connector
5 V
Power Connector
1234
GND GND 12 V
Disable
Enable
Parity
Note :
=
=
= CLOSED/Jumper
Don’t care
OPEN/Jumper not
installed
Parity Disable
No Connection
SCSI ID 3 SCSI ID 2 SCSI ID 1 SCSI ID 0
Jumpers
SCSI ID
SCSI ID
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
2 1 0
P.D.
N.C.
3
Parity Disable Jumper
Parity check function can be disabled by Jumper. Parity check is disabled
while left end jumper is installed. Parity generate function is always
enabled.

12
Option Switches (DIP Switch)
DIP Switch Positions
Default
ON
OFF
12345678
DIP Switch
1DR (Disaster Recovery) Mode (OFF)
2Emulation Mode (OFF)
3AIT Library Interface Mode (ON)
4Reserved (OFF)
5Terminator Power (ON)
6Periodic Cleaning Req (ON)
7DC Control (1) (ON)
8DC Control (2) (OFF)

13
Emulation Mode*
To enable Emulation Mode, set the DIP switch 2 [Emulation Mode] to ON.
ON
OFF
12345678
*Emulation Mode for the SDX-1100V series drives return the following as
the Product Identification field of the Inquiry command.
SDX-900V
*Emulation Mode for the SDX-900V series drives return the following as
the Product Identification field of the Inquiry command.
SDX-700C
*Emulation Mode for the SDX-800V series drives return the following as
the Product Identification field of the Inquiry command.
SDX-700C
AIT Library Interface Mode
To enable AIT Library Interface Mode, set DIP switch 3 [AIT Library
Interface Mode] to ON.
ON
OFF
12345678
When switch 3 is ON, AIT Legacy Library Interface Mode is enabled. With
this switch OFF, ACI Mode is enabled.
Terminator Power
To enable terminator power, set DIP switch 5 [Terminator Power] to ON.
ON
OFF
12345678

14
Periodic Cleaning Request Mode
To enable Periodic Cleaning Request Mode, set DIP switch 6 [Periodic
Cleaning Req] to ON.
ON
OFF
12345678
The “CLEANING REQUEST” LED on the front panel lights after every
100 hours of operation.
When this LED lights, clean the drive with a cleaning cartridge.
Note
To maintain the drive in optimum condition in environments affected by dust and other
contaminants, we recommend keeping cleaning requests enabled.
Data Compression Control
Data compression can be selected by DIP switches.
Data compression is enabled when DIP switch 7 [DC Control (1)] is ON.
ON
OFF
12345678
Control by host can be disabled when DIP switch 8 [DC Control (2)] is ON.
ON
OFF
12345678

15
Mounting Holes
The following figures apply to the SDX-800V series drives. However, the
locations of the mounting holes for the other models are the same.
For 3.5" Standard Height
For 5.25" Half Height
(Connecter
Dimensions)
(Connecter
Dimensions)

16
Reconfiguring From 5.25" Model to 3.5" Model
You can reconfigure the 5.25" model to the 3.5" model yourself.
1Remove the 2 screws for each side rail.
2Take the side rail off.
Orientation
10 10
10 10
10 10
10
10
Side Rail (L)
Side Rail (R)

17
Attaching and Removing the Dust
Cover
Attaching the Dust Cover
1Align the dust cover’s hinge clips (one on each side) with the
pins of the drive bezel.
•The dust cover should be positioned so that the magnets*on the
cover’s back face the drive bezel.
*This magnet does not affect the tape of the cartridge.
•Holding the dust cover at an angle, as shown in the figure below,
set the hinge clips on top of the bezel pins, positioning them so that
they bracket the pins.
2Press down at an angle on each side in turn until you hear
the hinge clips click into place.

18
Caution
Do not press the dust cover in horizontally from the front. Doing so
could cause the dust cover to break.
3Close the dust cover.
This completes attachment of the dust cover.
Removing the Dust Cover
1Open the dust cover.
2Holding the dust cover at both corners, carefully raise the
dust cover.
The dust cover hinge clips and drive bezel pins uncouple.
Note
We recommend that you use the drive with the dust cover.

19
Operation
Location of 3 LEDs
There are three LED indicators (TAPE MOTION LED, CLEANING
REQUEST LED, REPLACE TAPE LED) and an EJECT button on the
front panel of the SDX-1100V, SDX-900V, and SDX-800V series drives.
Front Panel
TAP E
MOTION
CLEANING
REQUEST
REPLACE
TAP E
Advanced
Intelligent
Ta p e
LED EJECT button
LED Indication for Drive Status
The LED indicators are defined as follows
LED
TAPE CLEANING REPLACE Sense
MOTION REQUEST TAPE
Independent Independent Tape loaded
Independent Independent Tape access in progress (write/read)
Independent Independent Tape access in progress (others)
Independent Independent Cleaning is requested
Independent Independent Cleaning is not completed
Independent Independent Media error occurred
H/W error occurred
on
Slow
1 pulse (0.9 sec on/0.3 sec off)
Fast
1 pulse (0.3 sec on/0.3 sec off)

20
Drive Operation
Loading a Cartridge
Note
While setting the data cartridge, do not turn off the host computer. This
may cause a malfunction or damage data.
1Turn on the host computer. Check that the drive’s TAPE
MOTION LED, CLEANING REQUEST LED and REPLACE
TAPE LED go off.
2Open the dust cover.
3Set the AIT data cartridge orientation as shown here and
insert it into the data cartridge slot.
By fully inserting the data cartridge, it is automatically set in the drive
and the TAPE MOTION LED lights.
Unloading a Cartridge
The cartridge can be removed from the SDX-1100V, SDX-900V, and
SDX-800V series drives either in response to a SCSI Unload command, or
by pressing the EJECT button.
When the EJECT button is pressed, the tape is rewound and the cartridge
ejected from the slot.