Tandberg Data RDX QuikStor User manual

TM
RDX™ QuikStor User's Guide
Part No. 433648-01
August, 2006

Copyright © 2006 Tandberg Data ASA
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
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consent of Tandberg Data.
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P.O. Box 134 Kjelsås
N-0411 Oslo, Norway
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.tandberg.com
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information, Tandberg Data conveys no license under any patent or any other right.
Tandberg Data shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages (including
lost profits) in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material whether based on warranty,
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Trademarks used in this text: Tandberg Data and the Tandberg Data logo are trademarks of Tandberg Data.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. RDX is a registered trademark of
ProStor Systems, Inc.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks
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omissions are unintentional
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Table of Content
Introduction 7
Overview...................................................................................................................................................7
Capacity and Transfer Rates....................................................................................................................7
Supported Media......................................................................................................................................8
Software....................................................................................................................................................8
Windows™ Software...........................................................................................................................8
Linux Software.....................................................................................................................................8
Front Panel Features................................................................................................................................9
Quick Start Installation 11
Installing the RDX QuikStor Internal Drive.............................................................................................11
Before You Begin..............................................................................................................................11
Important Information on Electro-Static Damage..............................................................................11
Installation Instructions......................................................................................................................11
Installing the RDX QuikStor External Drive............................................................................................12
Installing Unit Software for Windows™..................................................................................................13
Using the Drive 14
Operating the RDX QuikStor Unit...........................................................................................................14
Handling the RDX Cartridges.................................................................................................................14
Loading and Unloading Cartridges.........................................................................................................14
To Load a Cartridge ..........................................................................................................................14
To Unload a Cartridge.......................................................................................................................15
To Emergency Eject a Cartridge.......................................................................................................16
Using the Removable Disk Utility 17
Overview.................................................................................................................................................17
Using Removable Disk Utility .................................................................................................................17
Troubleshooting 18
The Power Indicator is OFF....................................................................................................................18
RDX QuikStor Internal Drive .............................................................................................................18
RDX QuikStor External Drive............................................................................................................18
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The Power Indicator is Steady AMBER..................................................................................................18
The Power Indicator is Blinking AMBER, and the Cartridge does not Eject..........................................18
The Cartridge Indicator is Steady AMBER.............................................................................................19
The Cartridge does not Eject..................................................................................................................19
The Unit does not Appear in the Device Manager (Windows™)............................................................19
Unit Performance Seems Slow ..............................................................................................................19
RDX Internal Drive ............................................................................................................................19
RDX External Drive...........................................................................................................................19
Linux Users........................................................................................................................................20
Write Error ..............................................................................................................................................20
Specifications 21
General...................................................................................................................................................21
Performance...........................................................................................................................................21
Reliability ................................................................................................................................................21
Physical ..................................................................................................................................................21
Power......................................................................................................................................................22
Environmental.........................................................................................................................................22
Regulatory 23
UL and C-UL...........................................................................................................................................23
CE Compliance.......................................................................................................................................23
Electromagnetic Compatibility...........................................................................................................23
Safety (Low Voltage Directive)..........................................................................................................23
FCC Compliance Statement...................................................................................................................23
Canadian Compliance (Industry Canada)..............................................................................................24
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List of Tables
Table 1. Capacity and Transfer Rates..................................................................................................... 8
Table 2. Power Indicator.......................................................................................................................... 9
Table 3. Cartridge Indicator................................................................................................................... 10
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List of Figures
Figure 1. RDX Internal Drives ................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 2. RDX External Drive.................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 3. Front Panel Features ............................................................................................................... 9
Figure 4. RDX Internal SATA Connectors............................................................................................. 12
Figure 5. RDX External USB Connectors.............................................................................................. 13
Figure 6. Loading the Cartridge............................................................................................................. 15
Figure 7. Unloading the Cartridge......................................................................................................... 16
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Introduction
Overview
The RDX QuikStor device is a removable, ruggedized, hard disk drive system. It features backup
application compatibility, high speed transfer rate for fast backups, portable cartridges and high level
of data reliability. The RDX drive is available as an internal SATA device (see Figure 1. RDX Internal
Drives) or external USB device (see Figure 2. RDX External Drive).
Figure 1. RDX Internal Drives
3.5-inch Internal SATA Drive 5.25-inch Internal SATA Drive
Figure 2. RDX External Drive
External USB Drive
Capacity and Transfer Rates
The capacity and transfer rate of the RDX QuikStor data storage system are outlined in the table
below (see Table 1). Capacity and transfer rate will vary depending on the RDX cartridge type used.
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Table 1. Capacity and Transfer Rates
Characteristic RDX 40 GB
Media RDX 80 GB Media RDX 120 GB Media
Native capacity (GB) 40 80 120
Compressed capacity (GB) 80 160 240
Average sustained transfer rate (MBs/sec) SATA 30 MBps/USB 25 MBps
Burst transfer rate Internal SATA 1.5 Gbps/External USB 480 Mbps
Average access time (msec) 15
Function Removable disk drive
Command set Packet command feature set, per ATA/ATAPI-7
SCSI primary commands (SPC-2)
SCSI block commands (SBC-2)
Logical block size 512 bytes
Supported file systems ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS*
*NTFS is the default file system on the cartridge.
Supported Media
The RDX QuikStor hard drive system supports any RDX cartridge. RDX cartridges are available in
different capacity configurations depending on your storage requirements.
Software
The RDX QuikStor works with all industry backup applications that support removable disk media. See
your backup software manual for instructions on backing up data.
Windows™ Software
The RDX QuikStor and Utilities CD provides essential Windows software for use with the RDX
QuikStor unit. The RDX QuikStor software contains a removable disk utility which is a Windows
application that provides basic diagnostic tests capabilities and firmware upgrade for the RDX
QuikStor unit.
See Installing Unit Software for Windows™ page 13 and Using the Removable Disk Utility page 17 for
more information on these applications.
Linux Software
There is a separate document available on our web site describing how to use the RDX QuikStor with
Linux.
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Front Panel Features
The front of the RDX QuikStor unit has the following features and indicators:
•Eject Button/Power Indicator.
•Cartridge Indicator (located on cartridge).
•Emergency Eject Hole.
Figure 3. Front Panel Features
A Cartridge Indicator (located on cartridge)
B Emergency Eject Hole
C Eject Button/Power Indicator
Table 2. Power Indicator
The eject button is illuminated by a power indicator. Table 2 describes the operation of this indicator:
Indicator Status Meaning Description
OFF No Power Unit does not have power
Steady GREEN Ready Power is on and the RDX QuikStor unit is working properly
Blinking GREEN Ejecting Unit is ejecting the cartridge
Steady AMBER Fault RDX QuikStor unit has detected a fault condition. For more
information, run a diagnostic application (see Using the Removable
Disk Utility page 17).
Blinking AMBER Prevent
Host computer is accessing the media, and the user has pressed
the eject button. The unit will blink amber for a few seconds then
return to a steady green. The unit will eject the cartridge after the
host access completes.
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Table 3. Cartridge Indicator
The cartridge indicator displays the current status of the cartridge. Table 3 describes the operation of
this indicator:
Indicator Status Meaning Description
OFF Not Ready Cartridge is not inserted properly or the unit has no power
Steady GREEN Ready Cartridge is ready
Blinking GREEN Activity Reading, writing, seeking
Steady AMBER Fault RDX QuikStor unit has detected a cartridge fault condition. For
more information, run a diagnostic application (see Using the
Removable Disk Utility page 17).
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Quick Start Installation
Installing the RDX QuikStor Internal Drive
Before You Begin
The RDX QuikStor unit ships ready to install in a standard 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch half-high drive bay
depending on the configuration you order.
Depending on your computer you may need a standard (flat-blade) or Philips screwdriver to remove
the computer cover and install the drive in your computer.
Important Information on Electro-Static Damage
To protect your computer and drive from electro-static damage (ESD), follow these guidelines:
•Before you open your computer or remove the RDX QuikStor unit from its antistatic bag, ground
yourself by touching the metal chassis of your computer or some other grounded object. For
optimal protection, use an electrostatic grounding strap.
Note Your computer must be plugged into a grounded electrical outlet to be properly
grounded.
•Do not touch any printed circuit boards or electronic chips on your RDX QuikStor device or in your
computer.
•Turn your computer and any peripheral devices off before installing the RDX QuikStor unit.
Installation Instructions
1 Carefully unpack the unit and accessories.
2 Turn off the computer.
3 Open the computer cover, using a screwdriver if necessary.
4 Mount the unit. Slide the RDX QuikStor unit into an unused drive bay until the bezel is flush with
the front of the computer. Secure the unit using four mounting screws, being careful not to over-
tighten the screws.
5 Attach the power cable to the power connector (see Figure 4. RDX Internal SATA Connectors
below).
6 Connect the SATA data cable to the SATA data connector (see Figure 4. RDX Internal SATA
Connectors below).
7 Check all cables in your computer system. Before you reinstall your computer cover ensure that all
cables are correctly routed so that they will not bind or become crimped. Also, make sure that no
cables have loosened during the installation.
8 Replace your computer cover.
9 Turn on the computer.
10 During power-up press F2 key, or other hot key, to enter BIOS set up mode. Enable the SATA port
connected to your RDX QuikStor unit. Save changes and exit from BIOS.
11 If running Windows you must install the RDX software (see Installing Unit Software for Windows™
page 13)
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Figure 4. RDX Internal SATA Connectors
A Power Adapter Cable
B SATA Data Cable
Installing the RDX QuikStor External Drive
1 Carefully unpack the unit and accessories.
2 Attach the USB cable to USB port on the back of the RDX QuikStor unit and connect it to an
available USB 2.0 port on the computer (see Figure 5. RDX External USB Connectors below).
3 Attach the power cable to the power connector (see Figure 5. RDX External USB Connectors
below) and plug it into an outlet.
4 Select a convenient location for the RDX QuikStor External drive that is flat, sturdy, level and close
to the host server. The drive can be oriented horizontally or vertically.
5 If running Windows install the RDX software (see Installing Unit Software for Windows™ page 13).
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Figure 5. RDX External USB Connectors
A AC Power Adapter
B USB Cable
Installing Unit Software for Windows™
The RDX User's Guide and Utilities CD provides essential Windows software for use with the RDX
QuikStor unit. The RDX QuikStor unit software for Windows installs:
•A removable disk utility that provides basic diagnostic tests capabilities and firmware upgrade.
•A software update that enables the eject button to operate correctly under the Windows operating
system.
•A supplement that automatically sets the system to DMA mode for improved performance.
The software included on this CD will start automatically during Windows startup and will not interfere
with any other applications running on your computer.
Note If the RDX software is not installed the eject button and right-click eject method may
not work properly.
To install the software (Microsoft™ Windows XP/Server 2003/Windows 2000):
Note You must be logged in as the Administrator or have administrator privileges to install
the software.
1 Insert the RDX QuikStor User's Guide and Utilities CD into the CD-ROM drive on the computer.
2 Use Windows Explorer to browse to the CD-ROM drive (i.e. D:).
3 Double click on setup.exe to install the program. This installer will copy files into C:/Program
Files/RDX.
4 Restart the computer.
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Using the Drive
Operating the RDX QuikStor Unit
This section describes typical activities involved in operating and maintaining the RDX QuikStor unit.
For instructions on using your backup software, see the manual that came with your software.
Handling the RDX Cartridges
Although RDX cartridges are ruggedly built, they must be handled with care to ensure data integrity
and long life. Observe the following precautions:
•Store cartridges in their protective cases when you are not using them.
•Keep cartridges away from dust, dirt and moisture.
•Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and temperature extremes or rapid changes in temperature.
•Never try to force the cartridge into the unit. If it is difficult to insert, check the orientation and try
again.
•Do not drop cartridges where non-operational specifications may be exceeded.
Loading and Unloading Cartridges
The front of your unit has an opening for inserting RDX cartridges. A protective door covers the
opening. Below and to the right of the door is the power indicator that doubles as a cartridge-eject
button.
To Load a Cartridge
Insert the cartridge in the unit with the keyed corner facing the upper left corner of the unit and the
write-protect tab on the back right (see Figure 6. Loading the Cartridge). The cartridge only fits in one
orientation. Push the cartridge gently into the unit until it is locked in place with a clicking sound.
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Figure 6. Loading the Cartridge
A Keyed Corner
B Write Protect Tab
To Unload a Cartridge
To unload a cartridge using the mouse right-click method (Windows™ only):
1 While running Windows Explorer locate the drive letter for the device.
2 Right-click on the device and select Eject.
3 When the cartridge has been ejected by the unit, grasp the exposed sides of the cartridge and pull
the cartridge straight out (see Figure 7. Unloading the Cartridge).
To unload a cartridge using the eject button:
4 Push the eject button.
5 When the cartridge has been ejected by the unit, grasp the exposed sides of the cartridge and pull
the cartridge straight out (see Figure 7. Unloading the Cartridge).
Caution If the RDX software is not installed the eject button and right-click eject method may
not work properly (see Installing Unit Software for Windows™ page 13).
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Figure 7. Unloading the Cartridge
A Cartridge Indicator (located on cartridge)
B Emergency Eject Hole
C Eject Button/Power Indicator
To Emergency Eject a Cartridge
Note Do not emergency eject a RDX cartridge while the cartridge activity indicator is
flashing.
If the cartridge does not eject, using either the eject button or the right-click eject methods then use
the following emergency eject hole method to recover the cartridge:
1 Insert a straightened paper clip into the Emergency Eject Hole (see Figure 7. Unloading the
Cartridge).
2 When the cartridge has been ejected by the unit, grasp the exposed sides of the cartridge and pull
the cartridge straight out (see Figure 7. Unloading the Cartridge).
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Using the Removable Disk Utility
Overview
The RDX Utility is a Windows™ application that allows you to diagnose problems with your RDX
QuikStor device. With the utility, you can:
•Identify RDX QuikStor devices attached to your computer.
•Retrieve device and cartridge status information.
•Upgrade the firmware in the RDX QuikStor device.
•Test the unit and the cartridge.
Using Removable Disk Utility
To run the RDX Utility for Windows:
Click Start > All Programs > RDX Utility > RDX Utility.
For instructions on using removable disk utility, click Help.
If the software is not installed on your computer, see Installing Unit Software for Windows™ page 13
for installation instructions.
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Troubleshooting
The Power Indicator is OFF
RDX QuikStor Internal Drive
If the power indicator is off, the RDX Internal unit does not have power. Follow these steps to verify
the cable connections in the rear of the unit:
1 Turn off the computer.
2 Check the SATA power and SATA data cable connections in the rear of the unit.
3 Turn on the computer.
RDX QuikStor External Drive
If the power indicator is off, the RDX External unit does not have power. Follow these steps to verify
the cable connections in the rear of the unit:
1 Check power connection at the back of the unit.
2 Check that the power adapter is plugged into an outlet.
3 If plugged into an outlet strip make sure that it is turned on.
The Power Indicator is Steady AMBER
If the power indicator is a steady amber, the RDX QuikStor unit is not working properly. The error is
due to one of the following conditions:
•The unit cannot eject the cartridge due to an obstruction.
•The internal electronics are damaged or malfunctioning.
Follow these steps to remove a stuck cartridge:
Insert a straightened paper clip into the Emergency Eject Hole (see Figure 7. Unloading the
Cartridge).in the Using the Drive: Loading and Unloading Cartridges section).
1 When the cartridge has been ejected by the unit, grasp the exposed sides of the cartridge and pull
the cartridge straight out.
The Power Indicator is Blinking AMBER, and the Cartridge
does not Eject
If the power indicator is blinking amber after you press the eject button, the Host computer is
accessing the media. The RDX QuikStor unit will eject the cartridge after the Host access completes.
If the cartridge does not eject after the Host computer access completes, you may not be running the
correct unit software. See Installing Unit Software for Windows™ page 13 for instructions on installing
the software.
If the cartridge still does not eject, use Windows Explorer to eject the cartridge. In Windows Explorer,
right-click on the drive letter for the RDX QuikStor unit (i.e. F:), and select Eject.
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The Cartridge Indicator is Steady AMBER
The cartridge indicator is located on the front of the cartridge. If this indicator is amber, the cartridge is
not working properly. The error is due to one of the following conditions:
•The cartridge is not compatible with the RDX QuikStor unit.
•The cartridge has been severely damaged.
•The cartridge has not been fully inserted.
Run the removable disk utility to obtain more information about the failure. See Using the Removable
Disk Utility page 17.
The Cartridge does not Eject
Follow these steps to remove a stuck cartridge:
Insert a straightened paper clip into the Emergency Eject Hole (see Figure 3. Front Panel Feature in
Loading and Unloading Cartridges page 14).
1 When the cartridge has been ejected by the unit, grasp the exposed sides of the cartridge and pull
the cartridge straight out.
The Unit does not Appear in the Device Manager
(Windows™)
If the unit does not appear in the Windows Device Manager and the power indicator is green, follow
these steps to rescan the hardware:
1 Bring up the Device Manager:
Right-click on My Computer
Select Manage
Select Device Manager
1 Right-click on the top folder (this should be your computer’s name).
Select Scan for Hardware Changes
You should see your RDX QuikStor device listed under Disk drives. If the device does not appear,
restart the computer.
Unit Performance Seems Slow
RDX Internal Drive
Some Intel chipset-based SATA ports do not by default operate in DMA mode for the RDX Internal
device. This results in slower performance and weaker data protection. Reinstall the unit software for
Windows to set the SATA ports to the correct mode. Refer to Installing Unit Software for Windows™
page 13.
RDX External Drive
The RDX External device may appear slow based on the type of USB port the device is attached to.
Make sure your unit is connected to a USB 2.0 port instead of a USB 1.1 port. For best performance
connect directly to a USB 2.0 root hub on the PC and not an external hub. If using an external hub,
make sure it is USB 2.0 compliant.
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Also the USB bus shares bandwidth between all USB devices connected to the systems, including the
RDX External unit. The use of cameras, flash memory devices, etc. on the USB bus will decrease
performance of the device. Remove extra devices if they are not necessary.
Linux Users
Systems running Linux may see reduced performance when doing backups on RDX cartridges
configured for FAT32. For best performance configure the file system on the RDX cartridges for ext2
or ext3. Refer to the separate document available on our web site describing how to use the RDX
QuikStor with Linux.
Write Error
If the backup application reports a write error, follow these steps:
1 Verify that the write protect switch on the cartridge is set to the “unlock position.
2 Check the cartridge indicator on the front of the cartridge. If this indicator is amber, the cartridge is
not working properly. This may be due to severe damage to the cartridge. Run the RDXutility
software to obtain more information about the failure.
3 Replace the cartridge if the error persists.
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