Sony SDX-D500C Manual

SDX-D500C/D400C
AIT Drive Unit
4-654-178-11(1)
Operator’s Guide
© 2001

2
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.
For the customers in the U.S.A.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved
in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
WARNING
Note: 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.
This device requires shielded interface cables to comply with FCC emission
limits.

3
CAUTION
The mains plug on this equipment must be used to disconnect mains 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 zugärlich sein
soll.
Hinweis: Der höchste Schalldruckpegel beträgt 70 db (A) oder weniger
gemäß ISO 7779
NOTICE
This notice is applicable for countries other than USA and Canada.
FOR 220 ~ 240V
In the countries other than USA and Canada, use the power cord set
approved by the appropriate testing organization for the specific countries
where this unit is to be used.
HINWEIS
Ausserhalb den USA und Kanada das Netzkabel verweden, das von der
dafür anerkannten testorganisation oder zuständigen Behörde des Landes, in
das Gerät betrieben wird, zugelassen ist.
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
Table of Contents
How to Use this Guide ...................................................................... 5
Part 1.
Introduction
About AIT Drives ............................................................................... 6
Features....................................................................................................6
Useable Cartridges...................................................................................7
System Components ................................................................................7
Part Names and Functions............................................................... 8
Front Panel...............................................................................................8
Rear Panel................................................................................................9
Part 2.
Preparation
Supplied Items................................................................................. 10
Interconnections ............................................................................. 10
SCSI ID Setting ................................................................................ 11
Option Switches (DIP Switch) ........................................................ 11
Part 3.
Operation
How to use the AIT Drive................................................................ 13
Cartridge Removal.................................................................................14
Part 4. Care and
Maintenance
Taking Care of the Drive................................................................. 15
Safety Considerations ............................................................................15
Avoiding Damage..................................................................................15
Taking Care of Cartridges .............................................................. 17
Use Precautions .....................................................................................17
Storage Precautions ...............................................................................17
Head Cleaning ................................................................................. 18
How to Clean .........................................................................................18
Appendix Specifications (SDX-D500C)........................................................... 19
Specifications (SDX-D400C)........................................................... 20

5
How to Use this Guide
This Guide describes the AIT Drive Unit SDX-D500C/D400C, and how to
take care of it. Please read it carefully before using the unit, and keep it handy
for future reference.
The Guide consists of four parts, plus the specifications. Refer to the parts
that relate to your use of the drive.
Part 1 describes the features of the drive, its system components, and the
name and function of each part.
Part 2 describes the necessary connections between the drive and the host
computer. If other SCSI devices are being used, you may need to change the
SCSI ID setting. Read this part if you are installing the drive.
Part 3 describes how to use the drive, including how to turn it on, and how
to insert and remove cartridges. Read this part if you are going to operate the
drive.
Part 4 describes how to take care of the drive and cartridges, and how to
clean the drive heads. Read this part before using the drive.
The Specifications Appendix provides the major specifications of the
SDX-D500C/D400C.

6Part 1. Introduction
Part 1. Introduction
About AIT Drives
The SDX-D500C is an external AIT drive unit that uses data cartridges
conforming to the AIT-2 format. The SDX-D400C is an external AIT drive
unit that uses data cartridges conforming to the AIT-1 format. The SDX-
D500C supports AIT-1 and AIT-2 formats. The SDX-D400C supports only
AIT-1 format.
Features
The AIT Drive Unit SDX-D500C has the following features:
• The Advanced Intelligent Tape format provides a huge data storage capacity
on AIT-1/AIT-2 data cartridges.
• Read After Write Function and third-level error correction code guarantee
high data reliability.
• Data compression provides 100 gigabytes of storage on 230 m tape-length
cartridge.*1
The native capacity is 50 gigabytes of storage on 230 m tape-length
cartridge.
• Stored data are automatically checked for compression.
• Ultra Wide LVD/SE SCSI interface is fully supported for host computer
access.
• Read/Write operation is available with AIT-1 and AIT-2 formats.
The AIT Drive Unit SDX-D400C has the following features:
• The Advanced Intelligent Tape format provides a huge data storage capacity
on AIT-1 data cartridges.
• Read After Write Function and third-level error correction code guarantee
high data reliability.
• Data compression provides 70 gigabytes of storage on 230 m tape-length
cartridge.*1
The native capacity is 35 gigabytes of storage on 230 m tape-length
cartridge.
• Stored data are automatically checked for compression.
• Ultra Wide LVD/SE SCSI interface is fully supported for host computer
access.
• Read/Write operation is available with AIT-1 format.
*1 This is assuming 2 : 1 compression ratio.
The degree of data compression attained while recording data varies according to system
environment and data type.

Part 1. Introduction 7
Useable Cartridges
Data cartridges used with the SDX-D400C must be marked with the AIT-1,
logo. The SDX-D500C can be used with data cartridges marked with AIT-1
or AIT-2 logo.
AIT-1 LOGO AIT-2 LOGO
Caution
Be sure to use only the cartridges designed specifically for AIT (do not use
8 mm cartridges for video).
System Components
The SDX-D500C / D400C connects to the host computer via a Ultra Wide
LVD/SE SCSI interface.
Figure 1-1. Example of System Components
SDX-D500C/D400C
Host Computer
Peripheral Devices

8Part 1. Introduction
Part Names and Functions
Front Panel
12
76543
BUSY TAPE STATUS
POWER
Figure 1-2. Front panel
1AIT Data Cartridge Receptacle
See page 14 for information on inserting and removing a AIT data
cartridge.
2POWER Indicator
Lights while the drive is on.
3BUSY Indicator
Lights when data is being transferred through the SCSI interface. This
indicator also lights under the following conditions:
4TAPE Indicator
When a AIT cartridge is installed, this indicator lights. This also lights
under the following conditions:
5STATUS Indicator
Lights when an inserted cartridge is write-protected. This indicator also
lights under the following conditions:
Inserting and removing a cartridge: repeated blinking (same on-off
interval).
Cartridge deteriorated: alternating long-short blinking.
Drive needs cleaning: repeating long-on, short-off
blinking.
End of Tape during cleaning: repeating blinking (same on-off
interval).
Drive Malfunctioning: repeating short-on (once or twice),
long-off blinking.
Drive is reading or writing normally: repeated blinking (same on-off
interval).

Part 1. Introduction 9
6EJECT Button
Push to remove a data cartridge from the drive.
7POWER Switch
Press to turn the drive on or off.
Rear Panel
1
243
Figure 1-3. Rear Panel
1Rotary Selector Switch
SCSI ID selector.
2AC IN Connector
Connect the supplied power cable here.
3SCSI Connector
Connects to the SCSI bus connector of the host computer or another
SCSI peripheral.
4Cooling Fan

10 Part 2. Preparation
Part 2. Preparation
After you confirm that you have all of the required accessories for your
installation, connect the drive to the host computer, and select the SCSI ID
with the rotary switch on the rear panel.
Supplied Items
When you first open the box, make sure it contains the following items.
Contact your supplier if anything is missing or broken.
•AIT Drive Unit
•Power Cable
•Operator’s Guide
Interconnections
The SCSI bus allows connection of up to fifteen peripherals to the host
computer. Use a SCSI cable with a half pitch 68 pin connector.
Precautions
•Switch off the host computer and peripherals before connecting the SCSI
cable.
•Make sure the SCSI connectors are pressed tightly together.
•If this unit is the last (or only) device on the SCSI bus, make sure to connect
a SCSI bus terminator to the open connector.
•The total length of the SCSI cable(s) between the host computer and the last
device should be less than 12 meters.*1
Figure 2-1 Interconnections
*1 It should be less than 1.5 meters, if connected to single-ended SCSI host adaptor.
AC power

Part 2. Preparation 11
SCSI ID Setting
The SCSI ID is set by the rotary switch on the rear panel. Press the + or -
buttons to move the number up or down, respectively.
As shipped from the factory, the SCSI ID is set to 0. Press the switch buttons,
if necessary, to select the SCSI ID number you require.
Precautions
•The SCSI ID must be different from IDs of the other peripherals on the
SCSI bus.
•As shipped from the factory, SCSI parity is enabled and Term power is ON.
A SCSI bus terminator must be connected to the SCSI bus before use.
•Before changing the SCSI ID setting, be sure to turn off the power with the
POWER switch on the front panel.
Option Switches (DIP Switch)
Remove the two slotted screws by using a slotted screwdriver. Remove the
access cover to change the DIP switch settings. (Refer to the following
figure for details changing the DIP switch settings.)
After changing the DIP switch settings, replace access cover and tighten the
two slotted screws using a slotted screwdriver.
CAUTION
Before removing the access cover to change DIP switch settings on the
drive, turn off the computer and disconnect the power cord from the unit.
Once the DIP switch settings have been changed, replace the access cover
using the two original slotted screws provided.
Figure 2-2. DIP Switch Access
Access Cover
DIP Switch
Slotted
Screws

12 Part 2. Preparation
DIP Switch Positions
Figure 2-3. DIP Switch Settings
Data Compression Control DIP Switch
Data compression can be selected by DIP switches. Data compression is
enabled while position 7 [DC Control (1)] is ON. Control by host can be
disabled when position 8 [DC Control (2)] is ON.
1 Reserved (OFF)
2 Reserved (OFF)
3 Reserved (OFF)
4 Reserved (OFF)
5 Terminator Power (ON)
6 Reserved (OFF)
7 DC Control (1) (ON)
8 DC Control (2) (OFF)

Part 3. Operation 13
Part 3. Operation
This section describes how to use the AIT drive, and how to handle data
cartridges.
How to use the AIT Drive
1Press the POWER switch on the front panel.
The POWER indicator should light, and the STATUS, BUSY and TAPE
indicators should blink as the self-test is performed.
2When the three indicators stop blinking, you can insert a data cartridge as
shown below. The TAPE indicator will blink, and if the cartridge is
write-protected, the STATUS indicator will light.
Figure 3-1. Inserting a data cartridge
3Computer software controls the reading and writing of tapes. While
reading or writing, the BUSY indicator blinks.

14 Part 3. Operation
Cartridge Removal
Press the EJECT button.
The cartridge ejects automatically.
Figure 3-2. Press the EJECT button
Caution
Do not push the EJECT button while the BUSY indicator is blinking: to do so
may destroy data on the tape.

Part 4. Care and Maintenance 15
Part 4. Care and Maintenance
Taking Care of the Drive
Safety Considerations
■Power
•Be sure to use only 100-240 V AC.
•Avoidpluggingintothesame outlet as high-current equipment likecopiers
orshredders.
■Power Cable Precautions
•Do not crush the cable or place heavy items on it. If the cable insulation
appearswornor broken, do not usethecable.
•Always unplug the cable by holding the plug: never pull the cable itself, as
it will break.
•If the drive is not being used for a long time, unplug the cable from the
outlet.
Avoiding Damage
■Avoid shock and vibration
Intense shock, such as from dropping the drive, will damage it.
■Environmental considerations
Do not store or use the drive in locations subject to:
•highhumidity •excessive dust
•hightemperature •intensevibration
•directsunlight •suddenchangesintemperature
■Proper ventilation
To avoid overheating, install the drive where it will have free air circulation
aroundthecase,anddonotcover it during operation. The drivecan
malfunctioniftheinternaltemperaturerisestoohigh.
■Avoid sudden changes in temperature
If the drive is moved from a cool place to a warm place, or if the room
temperaturesuddenlyrises,moisturemay condense inside the case. Aftera
suddenchangeintemperature,waitatleastonehourbeforeturningthedrive
on.Ifthedrive is turned on withcondensation inside,and acartridge is
installed,the drive orthetape can bedamaged.

16 Part 4. Care and Maintenance
■Abnormal occurrences
If the drive behaves abnormally, or if it begins to smell or smoke,
immediatelyunplug it fromthewall outlet andcontactyoursupplier for
assistance.
■Cabinet cleaning
Wipe the cabinet with a soft dry cloth. For heavy dirt, wipe with a soft cloth
moistened with a gentle liquid soap, then wipe again with a soft dry cloth. Do
notuse alcohol, paint thinner,bugspraysorother volatile solvents,asthey
candamagethefinish.

Part 4. Care and Maintenance 17
Taking Care of Cartridges
Use Precautions
•Avoid heavy vibration and dropping.
•Theshutter ontheface of thecartridgeis opened automaticallywhen it is
insertedinto the drive.Donotopen the shutterbyhand, as touching thetape
may damage it.
•Thecartridgewas carefullyalignedduringassemblyatthefactory.Please
do not try to open it or take it apart.
•The write-protect switch on the face of the cartridge prevents the tape from
being written to or accidentally erased. If you do not need to write to the
tape, move this switch to the write-protect position (in the direction of the
arrow).
AIT-1 AIT-2
Figure 4-1. Write-protect switch
•Incaseofasuddenchangeintemperature,condensationmayinterferewith
readingandwriting toatape.
•Avoid unnecessary insertion and removal of cartridges if you do not need to
writeor read atape.
•Whenfinishedusingthedrive,removethecartridge.
Storage Precautions
•Keep cartridges in their cases when not in the drive.
•Avoidstoringcartridgesin dustyplaces,indirectsunlight,nearheatersor
airconditioners,orinhumidlocations.
•Donotplacecartridgesonthedashboard or in a storagetrayinacar.
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.

18 Part 4. Care and Maintenance
Head Cleaning
To keep the AIT drive in top condition, clean the head as needed, using the
properheadcleaningcartridge(soldseparately).Whentheheadneeds
cleaning, the STATUS indicator will blink.
How to Clean
1Loadthe headcleaningcartridge (SDX1-CL) intotheAIT drive.
Cleaningstartsautomatically.
2After about 15 seconds, cleaning will stop and the cartridge will eject
automatically.
Oneheadcleaningcartridge canbeusedabout30times.
Notice
Donotrewind the cleaning cartridgeandreuseit.Whenyou reach the endof
the cartridge, dispose it and buy a new one.

Appendix 19
Appendix
Specifications (SDX-D500C)
■Performance
StorageCapacity 100 GB compressed
(with 230 m AIT-2 tape)*1
50GBuncompressed
(with 230 m AIT-2 tape)
BitErrorRate less than10-17
DataTransferRate 6MB/suncompressed
(TAPE) 12 MB/s compressed
BurstDataTransferRate 12MB/smaximum,asynchronous
(SCSI) 40MB/smaximum,synchronous
InitializeTime less than 5 seconds
Load Time less than24seconds
UnloadTime less than 30 seconds
Rewind Time less than 105 seconds (with 230 m tape)
■Operating Environment
Operating Temperature: 10 to 35 °C
Humidity: 30 to 80%
(nocondensation)
Maximum wet bulb temperature: 26 °C
Non-Operating Temperature: –40 to +70 °C
Humidity: 10 to 90%
■Power Supply & Miscellaneous
Power Supply 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
1.2 A
CaseDimensions 198 ×64.5 ×246 mm (W ×H ×D)
(excludingprotrudingparts)
Weight 2.4 kg
Accessories Power Cable (1)
Operator’sGuide(1)
Specificationsmay be subjecttochange,in the interestoftechnological
improvement,withoutnoticeorobligation.
*1 This is assuming 2 : 1 compression ratio.
The degree of data compression attained while recording data varies according to system
environment and data type.

Specifications (SDX-D400C)
■Performance
Storage Capacity 70 GB compressed
(with 230 m AIT-1 tape)*1
35 GB uncompressed
(with 230 m AIT-1 tape)
Bit Error Rate less than 10-17
Data Transfer Rate 4 MB/s uncompressed
(TAPE) 8 MB/s compressed
Burst Data Transfer Rate 12 MB/s maximum, asynchronous
(SCSI) 40 MB/s maximum, synchronous
Initialize Time less than 5 seconds
Load Time less than 24 seconds
Unload Time less than 30 seconds
Rewind Time less than 105 seconds (with 230 m tape)
■Operating Environment
Operating Temperature: 10 to 35 °C
Humidity: 30 to 80%
(no condensation)
Maximum wet bulb temperature: 26 °C
Non-Operating Temperature: –40 to +70 °C
Humidity: 10 to 90%
■Power Supply & Miscellaneous
Power Supply 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
1.2 A
Case Dimensions 198 ×64.5 ×246 mm (W ×H ×D)
(excluding protruding parts)
Weight 2.4 kg
Accessories Power Cable (1)
Operator’s Guide (1)
Specifications may be subject to change, in the interest of technological
improvement, without notice or obligation.
*1 This is assuming 2 : 1 compression ratio.
The degree of data compression attained while recording data varies according to system
environment and data type.
© 2001 Printed in Japan