Sypris 80e User manual

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MODEL 80e
Disk Recorder/Reproducer
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
Sypris Data Systems
605 East Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
16831695
April 2003

Sypris Data Systems
605 East Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
16831695-001 B
March 2003
Instructions For
Model 80e
Disk Recorder/Reproducer
TECHNICAL
MANUAL

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Sypris Data Systems Inc.
Customer Service Support
In U.S.A.: 1-800-937-9220
International: 1-626-930-9444
6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (GMT)
Monday – Friday
The Sypris technical support provides a broad range of product* support, including:
• Service – On-site and Factory
• Technical Support
• Replacement Parts – Spares and Repair/Exchange
• Service Contracts – Renewals and Adjustments
• Consumable Supplies
On-Site Service
Sypris initiates, monitors, and follows up on all service calls. Sypris uses a nationwide staff of Sypris-
authorized field engineers to ensure the fastest possible service regardless of geographical location.
To initiate a service call, contact Sypris at 1-800-937-9220 and give the customer service manager
the following information:
• Name
• Site location
• Equipment description by model number and serial number
• Description of problem
• Name, telephone, and email of primary contact person
A field engineer will return your call to confirm and estimated on-site arrival time.
Factory Service
Factory service is available at the Sypris Data Systems corporate headquarters for products which
do not require immediate on-site service. For information call 1-800-937-9220. A customer service
manager can provide current diagnostic fees and labor rates for your equipment. You will also receive
instructions on shipping your equipment to Sypris.
Specific cost estimates cannot be provided without a diagnostic evaluation to determine the condition
of your equipment. You must deliver or ship your equipment to Sypris for this evaluation, for which
you will be billed a diagnostic charge. After the condition of your equipment is determined, a service
technician will contact you with a cost quote for the required service and an estimated completion
date.

*This includes products manufactured by Honeywell Test Instruments Division and Metrum-
Datatape.
Technical Support
Factory trained technicians, experts on your specific equipment, are available to help you resolve
equipment problems by telephone and email. Call Sypris at 1-800-937-9220 and ask for Technical
Support. The Customer service manager will ask for your name, telephone, email address, and the
model and serial number of your equipment, and then, direct your call to a technician who is highly
specialized with your equipment. If the technician is not immediately available to assist you, your
call will be returned in a timely manner.
Spare Parts and Repair/Exchange Parts
Call 1-800-937-9220 when you need to order spare or repair/exchange parts. The Customer Service
Manager will direct your call to the appropriate parts specialist.
To Add/Delete Equipment on Service Contract
Periodically, it may be necessary to add or delete equipment to your on-site service contract. Please
use one of the following methods to add or delete equipment:
• Phone your request to Sypris by calling 1-800-937-9220
• Fax your request to 1-626-930-9482
• Mail your request to Sypris Data Systems Inc.,
605 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016-3636
• Email your request from the Sypris Data System Web site at
http://www.syprisdatasystems.com
To Renew/Change Service Contract
Normally, the Customer Service Manager will send an annual renewal notice to your current billing
address 90 days prior to the renewal date for the Service Contract for your equipment. This notice
includes the following information:
• Company name and address
• Contact name
• Equipment description by model number and serial number
• Annual service contract pricing
Sign and return the renewal notice and include a new purchase order if applicable. Return the notice
in the enclosed envelope or mail to: Sypris Data Systems Inc., 605 East Huntington Drive,
Monrovia, CA 91016-3636, Attn.: Contracts.
Changes in coverage or equipment may be requested with the renewal. Sypris must receive your
change request in writing 30 days prior to the renewal effective date. For contract renewal assistance,
call 1-800-937-9220.

TableofContents i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
1-1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1-2 DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1-2.1 Physical Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1-2.2 Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1-2.2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1-2.2.2 Touchscreen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-2.2.3 RAID Disk Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-2.2.4 ARMOR Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-2.2.4.1 Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-2.2.4.2 Tape Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-2.2.4.3 Tape Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-2.2.5 Archival Drive/Distribution Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1-3 OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1-3.1 Disk Recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1-3.2 Host PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1-3.3 Archival/Distribution Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1-4 MODEL CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1-5 ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1-6 SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
SECTION 2 – INSTALLATION
2-1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2-2 UNPACKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2-2.1 Backup Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2-3 CLAIMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2-4 RACK MOUNTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2-5 POWER CONNECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2-5.1 Voltage Selection Switch (if present) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2-5.2 Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2-6 INTERNAL CABLE CONNECTIONS – J1, J2, AND COM3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2-7 CONNECTIONS TO ARMOR – J3, J4, J9, AND DATA IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2-8 SCSI STORAGE DEVICE CONNECTION – J10 (OPTIONAL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2-9 VIDEO OUT – J13 (OPTIONAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

TableofContents ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
SECTION 2 – INSTALLATION (Continued)
2-10 KEYBOARD AND MOUSE (OPTIONAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2-11 NETWORK CONNECTION – J5 (OPTIONAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2-12 ARMOR-TO-USER’S DATA I/O EQUIPMENT CONNECTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
SECTION 3 – OPERATION
3-1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3-2 FUNCTIONAL ROLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3-3 POWERING UP THE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3-4 DISK SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3-4.1 Record Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3-4.1.1 Single File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3-4.1.2 Multiple Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3-4.2 Playback File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3-4.3 Setting the Record Storage Method and Playback Filename . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3-5 ARMOR CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
3-6 RECORDING ARMOR DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
3-7 PLAYING ARMOR DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
3-8 ARCHIVING DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
3-8.1 Using the PBN Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
3-8.1.1 Single File Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
3-8.1.2 Multiple File Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
3-8.2 Drive Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
3-8.3 DLT (Digital Linear Tape) Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
3-8.4 Compact Disk (CDR/RW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
3-8.5 DVD-RAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
3-8.6 Model 64 Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
3-9 NETWORK OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
3-9.1 Network Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
3-9.2 Transmiing Data Files Over the Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
3-10 POWERING DOWN THE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14

TableofContents iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
SECTION 4 – MAINTENANCE
4-1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4-2 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4-2.1 External Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4-2.2 Cleaning the Touchscreen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4-2.3 Packaging the Disk Recorder for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4-3 CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4-3.1 Reinstalling and Upgrading Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4-3.1.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4-3.1.2 Upgrading Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4-3.2 Installing Archival Drives in Front-panel Drive Bays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

TableofContents iv
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
Figure 1-1. Model 80e Disk Recorder (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Figure 2-1. Power Cable Polarities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Figure 2-2. Model 80e Rear Panel (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-3. Disk Recorder System Interconnect Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Figure 2-4. Model 80e Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Figure 3-1. Disk Recorder Setup Screen (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Figure 3-2. ARMOR Primary Control Screen (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Figure 3-3. ARMOR Play Mode Setup Screen (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Figure 3-4. PBN Reader – Single File Mode (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Figure 3-5. PBN Reader – Multiple Files Mode (typical). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Figure 3-6. System Utilities Window (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Figure 3-7. PCI-V64 Software Screen (typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Figure 4-1. Fan Exhaust Port and Air Inlet Holes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1. Model Code Legend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Table 1-2. Accessories Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Table 1-3. Disk Recorder Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Table 2-1. Disk Recorder Interconnect Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

CAUTION
Installation of user-software may result in
system conflicts which can render the
Disk Recorder unusable. Contact Sypris
Data Systems Technical Support to verify
software compatibility before installing
any software on your Disk Recorder.
NOTE
Do not install any software from media
included with the Disk Recorder. All
required software is pre-installed, pre-
configured, and fully tested before the
Disk Recorder is shipped from the fac-
tory. Software media is supplied for
backup purposes only.
Sypris Data Systems Technical Support
1-800-937-9220
6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.(GMT)
Monday – Friday

NOTICE
The Model 80e disk recorder is a computer-based
recording instrument. If any computer software pro-
grams are installed that are not specifically authorized
by Sypris Data Systems, they can interfere with the
performance and functionality of the instrument and,
at Sypris’ discretion, void the warranty.
Sypris Data Systems Technical Support
1-800-937-9220
6:00 a.m.–6:00 (GMT)
Monday – Friday

WARRANTY
Sypris Data Systems (hereafter known as the Company) warrants, under its Repair/
Exchange policy, all equipment purchased from and/or manufactured by it or bear-
ing its nameplate to be free from defects in workmanship and material, under nor-
mal use and service for 12 months as follows: (1) after built-in self-test, user
diagnostic procedures, telephone service consulting, and procedures established by
the Company have been followed, the Company may, at its option, direct Buyer to
return, transportation prepaid, those parts of the equipment claimed to be defective
to the Company’s designated service center, and (2) if found by the Company’s
inspection to be defective in workmanship or material, at the Company’s option, it
will be repaired or exchanged free of charge and returned-shipped lowest cost trans-
portation prepaid. If inspection by the Company does not disclose any defect in
workmanship or material, the Company’s then current service charges will apply.
Only the warranty remaining on the original equipment will apply to the repaired or
replaced equipment. During the warranty period, the Company may, at its option,
provide on-site support and service. The applicable warranty period starts on the
original date of shipment of the equipment from factory by the Company.
The foregoing warranty does not apply to contracts for repair, maintenance, or cali-
bration. WITH EXCEPTION OF THE 12 MONTH WARRANTY SET FORTH
ABOVE, SYPRIS DATA SYSTEMS MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES, NO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, AND NO WARRANTIES WHICH
EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. In no event
will Sypris Data Systems be responsible for any indirect, special or consequential
damages including damages caused by delay in implementing the warranty, with
respect to any claim by Buyer or any third party on account of or arising from this
agreement or the use of any equipment, documentation, and services provided.
Sypris Data Systems
April 2003

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INTRODUCTION 1-1
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1-1 GENERAL
This manual explains how to operate the Sypris
Data Systems Model 80e disk recorder. Figure
1-1 shows a typical unit.
This manual contains information about only the
disk recorder – for information about other
equipment used with the disk recorder, refer to
the documentation for that equipment.
This manual has four sections:
Section 1 – INTRODUCTION describes the
disk recorder, including its options, equip-
ment list, and specifications.
Section 2 – INSTALLATION describes how
to install the disk recorder, and provides
power requirements and information on
rackmounting and interconnections.
Section 3 – OPERATION provides instruc-
tions for performing various functions with
the disk recorder.
Section 4 – MAINTENANCE provides
instructions for routine and corrective main-
tenance. This includes instructions for clean-
ing the disk recorder, and packaging it for
shipment.
1-2 DESCRIPTION
The Model 80e disk recorder is a multipurpose
device that enhances and simplifies recording
and archiving in data acquisition systems that
include the ARMOR multiplexer/demultiplexer.
The disk recorder has three ARMOR-related
functions:
• Host PC for the ARMOR
The disk recorder connects to the HOST port
on the ARMOR and issues commands to the
ARMOR system, using the ARMOR I Host
program on the disk recorder. The user
selects ARMOR command functions from
the interactive on-screen graphical user inter-
face on the front-panel touchscreen.
Figure 1-1. Model 80e Disk Recorder (typical)

INTRODUCTION 1-2
• Data Recorder
The disk recorder connects to the DATA IN,
DATA OUT, and TAPE CONTROL ports on
the ARMOR and functions as a data recorder
and reproducer. It writes the multiplexed
data stream from the ARMOR to its internal
disk-array subsystem. The disk array uses
level-0 Redundant Array of Independent
Disks (RAID) technology, which enables the
disk recorder to store data at rates of up to
128 megabits per second (streaming) and
capacities of 54 to 288 Gigabytes, depending
upon the disk array configuration installed.
• Archival Drive/Distribution Interfaces
Data from the RAID can be copied to an
optional storage device or to a network for
archival storage or distribution.
The disk recorder has three front-panel half-
height drive bays for optional removable-
media storage devices, such as DLT, DDS-4,
CD-R/RW, or DVD-RAM. A rear-panel
SCSI bus connector can be attached to an
external SCSI storage device such as a DTF-
2 tape drive. Each disk recorder is supplied
with factory-installed copy-utility programs
that are compatible with the data formats of
all supported storage devices.
Additionally, data files can be copied from
the internal disk array of a disk recorder to
remote equipment for analysis or archiving,
using standard Ethernet.
1-2.1 Physical Description
The disk recorder is a highly specialized rack-
mounted data recorder and storage system that
fits in a 19-inch wide RETMA equipment rack
that is at least 24 inches deep. The disk recorder
requires seven inches of vertical rack space, and
uses industry-standard slides.
The front panel contains the touchscreen display,
connectors for an optional keyboard and mouse,
and three half-height drive bays. A 3.5-inch dis-
kette drive can be installed in one of the bays,
rather than on the rear panel.
The rear panel contains a 3.5-inch diskette drive
(if not mounted in a front-panel bay), the power
input, and the following connectors:
1-2.2 Functional Description
The disk recorder appears to the ARMOR as a
tape drive, to which the ARMOR can record and
play back data. Additionally, the disk recorder
appears to the ARMOR as the host computer
from which the ARMOR receives its setup and
operational commands.
1-2.2.1 General
The disk recorder is built around a Pentium®-
class, Windows NT®workstation (complete
with system disk, RAM, and floppy diskette
drive), with a disk array subsystem consisting of
multiple hard drives and a RAID controller.
The workstation has a flat-panel touchscreen
display, supported by a VGA/flat-screen video
adapter, touchscreen controller, and display-
panel inverter.
J3–HOST
(COM2) Connects to the HOST PC connector on ARMOR
J4–CTRL
(COM1) Connects to the TAPE 1
CONTROL connector on
ARMOR
COM3 Long touchscreen cable be- low J9 and J10, with DB-9
connector
J5–NET Connects to a 10BaseT/
100BaseT Ethernet network
J6 Not used
J7 VGA
Connects to front-panel
flatscreen display via the
cable out of the back panel,
OR toanexternalmonitorvia
the cable on the monitor.
J8–PAR Not used
DATA IN ConnectstotheDATA1OUT
connector on ARMOR
J9 DATA OUT Connects to the DATA 1 IN
connector on ARMOR
J10 SCSI Connects to an optional ex-
ternal SCSI storage device
J11 Connect to optional external
harddisksforextendedRAID

INTRODUCTION 1-3
To interface with the ARMOR for data and con-
trol, the disk recorder has on-board RS-232
serial ports and a parallel data interface.
The workstation also has on-board IDE and
SCSI buses to support the various optional archi-
val storage devices that can be installed in the
front-panel bays.
1-2.2.2 Touchscreen Display
The front-panel touchscreen is mounted in front
of a flat-panel display. The touchscreen control-
ler interfaces with the workstation board via
COM3. (Touchscreen inputs emulate mouse
clicks.) The flat-panel display has a controller
card mounted behind it.
When the cable on the rear panel above J7 is
connected to J7, the controller drives the front-
panel display. When that cable is disconnected,
the cable of an external monitor can be con-
nected to J7. The front-panel touchscreen is then
disabled, and the external monitor is active.
When an external monitor is not used, command
screens are displayed on the front-panel display.
The command screens work like a control panel,
with touch buttons and status displays for com-
plete local control of the disk recorder/ARMOR
system.
To input commands or select available options,
lightly touch a fingertip to a “pushbutton” or
active selection field on the touchscreen.
If an external monitor is used, a mouse has to be
connected to front of the disk recorder and used
to operate the control software.
1-2.2.3 RAID Disk Array
The internal disk array is configured as a RAID
level-0 striped disk array. The RAID controller
breaks data down into blocks and writes each
block to a separate disk drive. This process of
striping data blocks across multiple drives in a
continuous sequence allows greater I/O perfor-
mance than single-disk systems.
The configurations of disk array subsystems
supplied with factory-configured disk recorders
are identified by the system model code shown
in Table 1-1. All disk array subsystems, regard-
less of the number or size of drives in the array,
are RAID level-0 and can support write/read
data transfer rates of up to 128 megabits per sec-
ond. Data capacity, however, depends on on both
the number and size of the drives in the RAID.
The total RAID capacity is simply the sum of the
capacities of its individual drives.
1-2.2.4 ARMOR Interfaces
The disk recorder connects to the ARMOR via
four interfaces: HOST, DATA IN, DATA OUT,
and TAPE CONTROL. These interfaces use
emulation software and firmware that let the
disk recorder appear as a tape drive to the
ARMOR.
1-2.2.4.1 Host
The Host interface lets the disk recorder control
the ARMOR. ARMOR setup and control opera-
tions are accomplished via the ARMOR I HOST
software in the disk recorder, and are linked with
the controller module in the ARMOR through
the J3 - HOST (COM2) port of the disk recorder.
1-2.2.4.2 Tape Data
The Data interface is on the High Speed Emula-
tor, PCI-D240 parallel interface card in one of
the PCI slots of the disk recorder.
1-2.2.4.3 Tape Control
The J4 - CTRL (COM1) port of the disk recorder
connects to the TAPE 1 CONTROL connector
on the ARMOR. This interface supports all rele-
vant tape drive control signal lines and proto-
cols.
1-2.2.5 Archival Drive/Distribution
Interfaces
Data can be copied from the disk array to
optional archival drives, such as DLT, DDS-4,
CD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, Model 64, etc., using
various media for archiving and distribution pur-
poses.

INTRODUCTION 1-4
Front-panel devices connect to the system board
via on-board IDE, Ultra-wide SCSI, and/or
Ultra2/LVD SCSI interface connectors. For fac-
tory-installed archival drives, device drivers are
factory-installed and configured.
Each disk recorder, regardless of the drive con-
figuration, also has a rear-panel Ultra-wide SCSI
port.
All disk recorders provide network connectivity
and can transmit data files, copied from the
internal RAID, to remote equipment over a
10baseT/100baseT Ethernet network, using
TCP/IP protocols (Ping, FTP, and Telnet).
NOTE
Detailed instructions for using
the ARMOR Setup and Control
Software are provided in the
ARMOR technical manual,
Operating Instructions For
ARMOR Multiplexer/Demulti-
plexer. You should be familiar
with Sections 5 and 6 of that
manual before attempting to
operate the disk recorder.
1-3 OPERATION
All disk recorder operations are controlled with
the front-panel touchscreen display. On power-
up, the disk recorder automatically loads the
Windows NT Workstation®operating system
and displays several system icons.
1-3.1 Disk Recorder
To control the disk recorder/ARMOR system,
double-touch or double-click the ARMOR I
HOST icon. This opens a primary control screen
like the typical one shown here.

INTRODUCTION 1-5
Disk recorder operations such as Record, Stop,
Read Setup From Tape, Play from PBN, Play
from IRIG Time, Format, FFWD, FREV, and
tape monitor, will now function identically to
those of a tape drive (TAPE 1) that is under
ARMOR control.
1-3.2 Host PC
When you power up the disk recorder and select
the ARMOR I HOST icon on the touchscreen,
the disk recorder will run the ARMOR software
and become the ARMOR system controller
device (Host PC). All ARMOR functions are
accessible via the touchscreen when the disk
recorder functions as the Host PC.
1-3.3 Archival/Distribution Interface
The disk recorder can be used to copy recorded
data from the internal disk array to optional stor-
age drives. Factory-configured disk recorders
are available with various types of accessible
storage drives. Drives are identified by logical
drive IDs; this simplifies the transfer of data files
from the disk array to a selected storage drive.
The various drives in the disk recorder are
assigned the following drive letters:
A: 3.5-inch diskette drive (rear panel)
C: NT/system drive
D: User drive (partition on C:)
E: RAID disk array
F: DVD-RAM Drive (optional)
G: CD-ROM Drive (optional)
H: Additional user drive (partition on C:)
Additionally, the disk recorder can copy data
from the internal RAID to an external SCSI stor-
age device through the rear-panel SCSI port.
The disk recorder can also transmit data files
copied from its internal RAID to remote equip-
ment via its Ethernet port, using TCP/IP proto-
cols (Ping, FTP, and Telnet).
1-4 MODEL CODE
Factory-configured disk recorder units are iden-
tified by use of a nine-character model code,
printed on the identification label on the left side
panel.
The model code is inthe form “MET8EXXXX”,
where the first five character positions (MET8E)
denote the disk recorder model family, and the
sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth character posi-
tions, respectively, identify the specific RAID
configuration and the archival storage devices
that are installed. The model code is defined in
Table 1-1.
1-5 ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED
Accessories supplied with the disk recorder are
listed in Table 1-2.
1-6 SPECIFICATIONS
Disk recorder specifications are given in Table
1-3.
Table 1-1. Model Code Legend
Position Field Character Definition
1
Model
Family
M
Disk Recorder
2E
3T
48
5E
6Disk Array
Configuration
B72GB
D144GB
XSpecial
7
(upper),
8
(middle),
9
(lower)
Archival
Storage
Devices
Installed
0None
A DLT 7000
C CD R/W
F 3.5-inch diskette drive
G DVD-RAM
H DDS-4
XSpecial

INTRODUCTION 1-6
Table 1-2. Accessories Supplied Table 1-3. Disk Recorder Specifications
Accessory Purpose Part Number
Cable
Assembly
J3–HOST connector on the
disk recorder to the HOST
connector on the ARMOR 16823378-010
J4–CTRL connector on the
disk recorder to the TAPE 1
CONTROL connector on
the ARMOR 16823378-010
J9 - DATA OUT connector
on the disk recorder to
DATA 1 IN on the ARMOR 16828624-010
DATA IN connector on the
disk recorder to DATA 1
OUT on the ARMOR 16828624-510
Kit,Keyboard
and Mouse Inputdatawithoutusingthe
touchscreen (optional) 16830464-510
DATA
Rate
(streaming) 1 kilobit/sec to 128 Megabits/second
Capacity
(max) 72 to 288 Gigabytes, depending upon the size of the installed RAID subsystem
POWER
Volts 90 – 135 Vac
180 – 270 Vac
Frequency 47 to 63 Hz
Current 1.8A (typical) @ 115 Vac
ENVIRONMENT
Temperature 41 to 104° F (5 to 40° C) – Operating
– 40 to 158° F (– 40 to 70° C) – Storage
Relative
Humidity 5 to 80% (non-condensing)
PHYSICAL
Size 7H x 17W x 22.5D (inches)
17.78H x 43.18W x 57.15 (cm)
Weight
(w/o slides) 40 pounds (18.14 kg) typical (with 72 GB Disk Array and DLT option –
weight depends upon installed options)
Mounting Standard 19-inch (48.26 cm) RETMA rack
mount in 24 – 30 inch (609.6 – 762 cm) deep
rack with supplied industry-standard slides