2. Overland Storage
  3. PowerLoaders AIT-2

Overland Storage PowerLoaders AIT-2, PowerLoaders AIT-3, PowerLoaders AIT-LP2L119T/RB, PowerLoaders AIT-LP2L219T/RB, PowerLoaders AIT-LP3L119T/RB, PowerLoaders AIT-LP3L219T/RB User & Installation Manual

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All information contained in or disclosed by this document is considered proprietary by
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information contained therein are held in confidence and in trust and will not be used,
reproduced in whole or in part, nor its contents revealed to others, except to meet the
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or have reproduced any item herein disclosed without express permission from Overland
Storage.
Overland Storage provides this manual as is, without warranty of any kind, either
expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchant-
ability and fitness for a particular purpose. Overland Storage may make improvements or
changes in the product(s) or programs described in this manual at any time. These changes
will be incorporated in new editions of this publication.
Overland Storage assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, or
usefulness of this manual, nor for any problem that might arise from the use of the infor-
mation in this manual
.
Worldwide
Headquarters
Overland Storage, Inc.
4820 Overland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
Toll Free: (800) 729-8725
Tel: (858) 571-5555
Fax: (858) 571-3664
Sales
Tel: (858) 571-5555
Fax: (858) 571-3664
E-mail: sales@overlandstorage.com
www.overlanddata.com
Technical Support
Tel: (858) 571-5555
Fax: (858) 571-3664
E-mail: techsupport@overlandstor-
age.com
Overland Storage,
EMEA
Overland House, Ashville Way
Wokingham, Berkshire
RG41 2PL, England
Tel: +44 (0) 118-9898000
Fax: +44 (0) 118-9891897
www.overlandstorage.com
Proprietary Notice
t
-i
Purpose of This Manual
This manual provides step-by-step installation instructions, and information required for
ongoing use and maintenance of the PowerLoader tape drive system by Overland Storage,
Inc. This manual is written for the installer and user of this equipment.
Organization
The following information is contained in this manual:
Chapter 1: Introduction - Provides an introduction to the PowerLoader™
by Overland
Storage
, along with a brief description of the benefits, features and tape
capacities, drives and also lists the models covered in this manual.
Chapter 2: Installation - Presents step-by-step procedures for unpacking and installing the
PowerLoader™ interface connections and a description of the PowerLoader™
configuration options.
Chapter 3: Operation - Describes front panel operations for the PowerLoader™, along with
inserting and removing tape cartridges, and tape requirements.
Chapter 4: Maintenance - Describes procedures for using and storing the cleaning
cartridge with the PowerLoader™, required slot location, along with running the
cleaning cartridge from the front panel, and the Auto Clean mode.
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting - Provides problem diagnosis, error recovery procedures, and
Fault Symptom Codes to aid in troubleshooting potential error conditions with
PowerLoader™
units
.
Appendix A: Specifications - Contains
PowerLoader specifications
and EMI compliance
information.
Appendix B: Spares & Accessories- Contains a list of PowerLoader™ spare parts and
accessories.
Index:
Index
- Provides a quick reference to useful features and information
about the PowerLoader.
Preface
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Introduction ................................................................................................ 1-1
Models ....................................................................................................... 1-1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Mail Slot .................................................................................................... 1-2
SCSI Interface ............................................................................................ 1-2
Multi-Server Data Sharing .................................................................. 1-3
Configurations ..................................................................................... 1-3
SCSI Bus Performance Considerations ..................................................... 1-3
Drives .................................................................................................. 1-3
Data Transfer Rate .............................................................................. 1-3
Internal Cabling Configuration ........................................................... 1-4
Bus Length Limitations ....................................................................... 1-4
Physical Configuration ........................................................................ 1-4
Shuttle Lockdown Mechanism ............................................................ 1-4
Features ............................................................................................... 1-5
Figure 1–1 PowerLoader™ Front View......................................... 1-5
Control Panel ....................................................................................... 1-5
Display ................................................................................................ 1-5
Power Supply ...................................................................................... 1-5
Tape Cartridge Magazine .................................................................... 1-6
Figure 1–2 Cartridge Magazine..................................................... 1-6
Integral Fan Cooling ............................................................................ 1-6
Robotics ............................................................................................... 1-6
Bar Code Reader ................................................................................. 1-6
Advanced Design Features ........................................................................ 1-7
Buffer .................................................................................................. 1-7
Compression ........................................................................................ 1-7
Capacity ............................................................................................... 1-8
Media Life ........................................................................................... 1-8
Unpacking .................................................................................................. 2-1
Releasing the Lockdown Mechanism ........................................................ 2-1
Figure 2–1 Lockdown Screw .......................................................... 2-1
Chapter 2 - Installation
To Release the Lockdown Mechanism ............................................... 2-3
Figure 2–2 Releasing the Lockdown Screw................................... 2-3
To Lock the Lockdown Mechanism .................................................... 2-3
Figure 2–3 Locking the Lockdown Screw...................................... 2-4
Setting Up the Desktop Model ................................................................... 2-4
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Setting Up the Rack Mount Model ............................................................ 2-4
Precaution ....................................................................................... 2-4
Remove Tabletop Cover ...................................................................... 2-5
Figure 2–4 Removing Desktop Cover ............................................ 2-5
Install Top Cover ................................................................................. 2-6
Figure 2–5 Installing the Top Cover ............................................. 2-6
Install The Rack Slides ........................................................................ 2-7
Figure 2–6 Rack Slide Parts .......................................................... 2-7
Figure 2–7 Attaching Rack Slides ................................................. 2-8
Install the Panel Extensions ................................................................. 2-8
Figure 2–8 Panel Extension Attachment ...................................... 2-8
Installing Unit Into a Rack .................................................................. 2-9
Figure 2–9 Locking Tab ................................................................. 2-9
Figure 2–10 Sliding Module In Rack........................................... 2-10
Figure 2–11 Module In Rack........................................................ 2-11
Attach the AC Power Cord ................................................................ 2-12
Attaching Cables To SCSI Connectors ............................................. 2-13
Figure 2–12 Connectors, SCSI Terminator & Cables................. 2-13
Interface Cable Specifications ........................................................... 2-14
Configuring the PowerLoader™ ....................................................... 2-14
Configuration Example: Setting the SCSI ID ................................... 2-15
Figure 2–13 Primary Default Screen .......................................... 2-15
Figure 2–14 Secondary Default Screen ....................................... 2-15
Figure 2–15 Main Menu............................................................... 2-16
Figure 2–16 Configure Submenu................................................. 2-16
Figure 2–17 SCSI Options Submenu........................................... 2-16
Figure 2–18 SCSI Options Submenu........................................... 2-17
Configuring Multi-Module Systems ........................................................ 2-17
Master Module .................................................................................. 2-17
Configuring The Master Module: ................................................. 2-17
Figure 2–19 Main Menu............................................................... 2-17
Figure 2–20 Configure Submenu................................................. 2-18
Figure 2–21 Library Options Menu............................................. 2-18
Slave Module ..................................................................................... 2-18
Configuring The Slave Module .................................................... 2-18
Figure 2–22 Main Menu............................................................... 2-19
Figure 2–23 Configure Submenu................................................. 2-19
Figure 2–24 Library Options Submenu ...................................... 2-19
Figure 2–25 Library Options Submenu (Slave Address) ........... 2-20
Setting Up Reserved Slots ....................................................................... 2-20
Reserved Slot Numbering ................................................................. 2-20
Figure 2–26 Reserved Slot Numbering ....................................... 2-21
Reserving Slots ............................................................................. 2-21
Figure 2–27 Main Menu............................................................... 2-21
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Figure 2–28 Configure Submenu................................................. 2-22
Figure 2–29 Library Options Submenu ...................................... 2-22
Figure 2–30 Reserved Slots Submenu......................................... 2-22
Configuration Options Description .......................................................... 2-22
SCSI Options ..................................................................................... 2-22
Library Options ............................................................................ 2-24
Barcode Options ........................................................................... 2-25
Set Element Base .......................................................................... 2-25
Set Serial Number ......................................................................... 2-25
Set Default .................................................................................... 2-25
Table 2-1 PowerLoader™ SCSI Options ...................................... 2-25
Table 2-2 PowerLoader Library Options ...................................... 2-26
Table 2-3 PowerLoader Barcode Options ..................................... 2-27
Table 2-4 PowerLoader Set Element Base Options ...................... 2-27
Table 2-5 PowerLoader Set Serial Number Option ...................... 2-27
Table 2-6 PowerLoader Set Default Option.................................. 2-27
Front Panel ................................................................................................. 3-1
Figure 3–1 PowerLoader™ Front Panel ....................................... 3-1
Power Switch ....................................................................................... 3-1
Buttons and Indicators ......................................................................... 3-1
Chapter 3 - Operation
Figure 3–2 Buttons & Indicators................................................... 3-2
Buttons ............................................................................................ 3-2
LED Indicators ............................................................................... 3-3
Front Panel & Media Locks ................................................................ 3-4
Startup Display Messages ............................................................... 3-5
Power-On Self Test Screen ............................................................ 3-5
Power-On Self Test (POST) Screen ............................................... 3-5
Figure 3–3 POST Screen................................................................ 3-5
Initialization Screens ...................................................................... 3-6
Figure 3–4 Initialization Screen .................................................... 3-6
Default Screen ................................................................................ 3-6
Figure 3–5 Default Screens............................................................ 3-6
Fault Screen .................................................................................... 3-7
Figure 3–6 Fault Screen................................................................. 3-7
Using PowerLoader™ Menus .................................................................... 3-8
Figure 3–7 PowerLoader™ Menu.................................................. 3-8
Using the Status Mode ........................................................................ 3-8
Figure 3–8 Status Menu................................................................. 3-8
Exiting the Status Mode ................................................................. 3-9
Exploring the Status Mode ............................................................. 3-9
Library Status ................................................................................. 3-9
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Figure 3–9 Library Status Menu................................................... 3-9
Drive Status .................................................................................. 3-10
Figure 3–10 Status Menu............................................................. 3-10
Figure 3–11 Drive Status Menu .................................................. 3-10
Map Information Screen ............................................................... 3-11
Figure 3–12 Map Info Submenu .................................................. 3-11
Using the Menu Mode ....................................................................... 3-12
Figure 3–13 Main Menu............................................................... 3-12
Figure 3–14 Panel Locked Screen ............................................... 3-12
Figure 3–15 Code Entry Submenu .............................................. 3-12
Exiting The Menu Mode .............................................................. 3-12
Navigating In Menu Structure ...................................................... 3-13
Load/Unload Menu ........................................................................... 3-13
Remove Magazine Menu .................................................................. 3-13
Maintenance Menu ............................................................................ 3-13
Configure Menu ................................................................................ 3-13
Security Menu ................................................................................... 3-14
Figure 3–16 Security Menu.......................................................... 3-14
Figure 3–17 Code Select Submenu.............................................. 3-14
Figure 3–18 Code Accept Submenu............................................. 3-14
Figure 3–19 Panel Locked Screen ............................................... 3-15
Figure 3–20 Code Entry Submenu .............................................. 3-15
Figure 3–21 Code Validate Submenu.......................................... 3-15
Loading and Unloading ..................................................................... 3-15
Figure 3–22 Default Screen ......................................................... 3-15
Figure 3–23 Main Menu............................................................... 3-16
Figure 3–24 Load/Unload Initial Screen..................................... 3-16
Initial Screen - From Line ............................................................ 3-16
Initial Screen - To Line ................................................................. 3-16
Scroll List - To Line ..................................................................... 3-16
Figure 3–25 Load/Unload From Entry Screen............................ 3-17
Figure 3–26 Load/Unload To Entry Screen ................................ 3-17
Figure 3–27 Load/Unload To Entry Screen ................................ 3-17
Figure 3–28 Load/Unload In Progress Screen ............................ 3-17
Inserting and Removing Cartridges ................................................... 3-18
Removing the Magazine .................................................................... 3-18
Figure 3–29 Magazine In Place ................................................... 3-18
Inserting Cartridges into the Magazine ............................................. 3-19
Figure 3–30 Tape Magazine With Cartridges Installed............. 3-19
Inserting the Magazine ...................................................................... 3-19
Using the Mail Slot ........................................................................... 3-20
Figure 3–31 Mail Slot Location ................................................... 3-20
Tape Cartridge Requirements ............................................................ 3-20
Handling and Storing .................................................................... 3-20
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Write Protecting Cartridges .......................................................... 3-20
Figure 3–32 Tape Cartridge Write Protection Switch................ 3-21
Barcode Labels .................................................................................. 3-22
Figure 3–33 Barcode Label .......................................................... 3-22
Introduction ................................................................................................ 4-1
Running A Cleaning Cartridge .................................................................. 4-1
Automatically ...................................................................................... 4-1
Chapter 4 - Maintenance
Running A Cleaning Cartridge Using Auto Clean ......................... 4-2
Manually .............................................................................................. 4-2
Running A Cleaning Cartridge Manually ....................................... 4-2
Figure 4–1 Main Menu................................................................... 4-2
Figure 4–2 Maintenance Submenu ............................................... 4-2
Figure 4–3 Cleaning Submenu ...................................................... 4-3
Figure 4–4 Cleaning Confirmation Screen.................................... 4-3
Figure 4–5 Cleaning In Progress Screen....................................... 4-3
Removing the Cleaning Cartridge ....................................................... 4-3
Using the Demo Submenu ................................................................... 4-4
Pausing Demo 1 .............................................................................. 4-4
Stopping Demo 1 ............................................................................ 4-4
Introduction ................................................................................................ 5-1
Platform Problems ..................................................................................... 5-1
General Drive Errors .................................................................................. 5-1
Error Recovery ........................................................................................... 5-1
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Figure 5–1 Troubleshooting Flow Chart ....................................... 5-2
Error Recovery Procedures (ERP) ...................................................... 5-2
Table 5-1 Error Recovery Procedures ............................................. 5-2
Fault Symptom Codes (FSC) .............................................................. 5-3
Table 5-2 Fault System Codes......................................................... 5-4
Specifications 1
Table A-1 Operational Performance .............................................. A-1
Table A-2 Reliability (Drives)........................................................ A-1
Table A-3 Reliability (Library Robotics)....................................... A-2
Table A-4 Power............................................................................. A-2
Table A-5 Mechanical .................................................................... A-2
Table A-6 Environmental ............................................................... A-3
Acoustic Emissions ............................................................................ A-4
Safety ............................................................................................. A-4
Table A-7 Acoustic......................................................................... A-4
Table A-8 Regulatory Agency Certifications................................. A-4
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Installation Considerations ................................................................. A-4
Rack Mounting .............................................................................. A-4
Input Supply .................................................................................. A-4
Grounding ...................................................................................... A-5
Electromagnetic Emissions ................................................................ A-5
Notice ............................................................................................ A-5
Industry Canada ............................................................................. A-5
Industrie Canada ............................................................................ A-5
FCC Notice .................................................................................... A-5
Japanese Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI ....... A-5
Spares and Accessories 1
Table B-1 PowerLoader™ Spares and Accessories ........................B-1
Index 1
1
ix
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Figure 1–1 PowerLoader™ Front View .......................................................... 1-5
Figure 1–2 Cartridge Magazine ...................................................................... 1-6
Figure 2–1 Lockdown Screw............................................................................ 2-1
Chapter 2 - Installation
Figure 2–2 Releasing the Lockdown Screw.................................................... 2-3
Figure 2–3 Locking the Lockdown Screw....................................................... 2-4
Figure 2–4 Removing Desktop Cover ............................................................. 2-5
Figure 2–5 Installing the Top Cover............................................................... 2-6
Figure 2–6 Rack Slide Parts............................................................................ 2-7
Figure 2–7 Attaching Rack Slides................................................................... 2-8
Figure 2–8 Panel Extension Attachment ....................................................... 2-8
Figure 2–9 Locking Tab................................................................................... 2-9
Figure 2–10 Sliding Module In Rack ............................................................ 2-10
Figure 2–11 Module In Rack ......................................................................... 2-11
Figure 2–12 Connectors, SCSI Terminator & Cables .................................. 2-13
Figure 2–13 Primary Default Screen............................................................ 2-15
Figure 2–14 Secondary Default Screen ........................................................ 2-15
Figure 2–15 Main Menu ................................................................................ 2-16
Figure 2–16 Configure Submenu .................................................................. 2-16
Figure 2–17 SCSI Options Submenu............................................................ 2-16
Figure 2–18 SCSI Options Submenu............................................................ 2-17
Figure 2–19 Main Menu ................................................................................ 2-17
Figure 2–20 Configure Submenu .................................................................. 2-18
Figure 2–21 Library Options Menu .............................................................. 2-18
Figure 2–22 Main Menu ................................................................................ 2-19
Figure 2–23 Configure Submenu .................................................................. 2-19
Figure 2–24 Library Options Submenu........................................................ 2-19
Figure 2–25 Library Options Submenu (Slave Address)............................. 2-20
Figure 2–26 Reserved Slot Numbering......................................................... 2-21
Figure 2–27 Main Menu ................................................................................ 2-21
Figure 2–28 Configure Submenu .................................................................. 2-22
Figure 2–29 Library Options Submenu........................................................ 2-22
Figure 2–30 Reserved Slots Submenu .......................................................... 2-22
Figure 3–1 PowerLoader™ Front Panel......................................................... 3-1
Chapter 3 - Operation
Figure 3–2 Buttons & Indicators .................................................................... 3-2
Figure 3–3 POST Screen ................................................................................. 3-5
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Figure 3–4 Initialization Screen ..................................................................... 3-6
Figure 3–5 Default Screens ............................................................................. 3-6
Figure 3–6 Fault Screen .................................................................................. 3-7
Figure 3–7 PowerLoader™ Menu ................................................................... 3-8
Figure 3–8 Status Menu.................................................................................. 3-8
Figure 3–9 Library Status Menu .................................................................... 3-9
Figure 3–10 Status Menu.............................................................................. 3-10
Figure 3–11 Drive Status Menu.................................................................... 3-10
Figure 3–12 Map Info Submenu ................................................................... 3-11
Figure 3–13 Main Menu ................................................................................ 3-12
Figure 3–14 Panel Locked Screen................................................................. 3-12
Figure 3–15 Code Entry Submenu................................................................ 3-12
Figure 3–16 Security Menu........................................................................... 3-14
Figure 3–17 Code Select Submenu ............................................................... 3-14
Figure 3–18 Code Accept Submenu .............................................................. 3-14
Figure 3–19 Panel Locked Screen................................................................. 3-15
Figure 3–20 Code Entry Submenu................................................................ 3-15
Figure 3–21 Code Validate Submenu ........................................................... 3-15
Figure 3–22 Default Screen........................................................................... 3-15
Figure 3–23 Main Menu ................................................................................ 3-16
Figure 3–24 Load/Unload Initial Screen ...................................................... 3-16
Figure 3–25 Load/Unload From Entry Screen ............................................. 3-17
Figure 3–26 Load/Unload To Entry Screen.................................................. 3-17
Figure 3–27 Load/Unload To Entry Screen.................................................. 3-17
Figure 3–28 Load/Unload In Progress Screen.............................................. 3-17
Figure 3–29 Magazine In Place..................................................................... 3-18
Figure 3–30 Tape Magazine With Cartridges Installed .............................. 3-19
Figure 3–31 Mail Slot Location..................................................................... 3-20
Figure 3–32 Tape Cartridge Write Protection Switch ................................. 3-21
Figure 3–33 Barcode Label............................................................................ 3-22
Chapter 4 - Maintenance
Figure 4–1 Main Menu .................................................................................... 4-2
Figure 4–2 Maintenance Submenu................................................................. 4-2
Figure 4–3 Cleaning Submenu........................................................................ 4-3
Figure 4–4 Cleaning Confirmation Screen..................................................... 4-3
Figure 4–5 Cleaning In Progress Screen ........................................................ 4-3
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Figure 5–1 Troubleshooting Flow Chart ........................................................ 5-2
Specifications 1
Spares and Accessories 1
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Installation
Table 2-1. PowerLoader™ SCSI Options..................................................... 2-25
Table 2-2. PowerLoader Library Options .................................................... 2-26
Table 2-3. PowerLoader Barcode Options ................................................... 2-27
Table 2-4. PowerLoader Set Element Base Options ................................... 2-27
Table 2-5. PowerLoader Set Serial Number Option ................................... 2-27
Table 2-6. PowerLoader Set Default Option................................................ 2-27
Troubleshooting
Table 5-1. Error Recovery Procedures ........................................................... 5-2
Table 5-2. Fault System Codes....................................................................... 5-4
Specifications 1
Table A-1. Operational Performance ............................................................. A-1
Table A-2. Reliability (Drives)........................................................................ A-1
Table A-3. Reliability (Library Robotics)....................................................... A-2
Table A-4. Power ............................................................................................. A-2
Table A-5. Mechanical .................................................................................... A-2
Table A-6. Environmental .............................................................................. A-3
Table A-7. Acoustic ......................................................................................... A-4
Table A-8. Regulatory Agency Certifications ................................................ A-4
Spares and Accessories 1
Table B-1. PowerLoader™ Spares and Accessories ...................................... B-1
List of Tables
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Introduction t
1-1
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Your PowerLoader™ is a tape library system combining Advanced Intelligent Tape™ (AIT)
drive technology with advanced robotics. Designed for high duty-cycle online and near
online applications, such as hierarchical storage management, it is a superior performer in
high-volume backup and archival service.
Figure 1-1. PowerLoader
The PowerLoader™ can be equipped with one or two tape drives, and has a 19-slot tape
cartridge magazine, with a mail slot.
Models
PowerLoader™ features and model configurations are listed in Table 1-1 and Table 1-2.
Table 1-1 PowerLoader™ Features
Component AIT-2 Tape Drive AIT-3 Tape Drive
Scalability From 1 to 9 modules From 1 to 9 modules
Media Slots 19 + 1 Mail Slot
Up to 171 + 9 Mail
Slots with 9 modules.
19 + 1 Mail Slot
Up to 171 + 9 Mail
Slots with 9 modules.
SCSI Interface HVD, LVD/SE LVD/SE
Number of Drives 1 or 2 Sony SDX-500
LVD AIT-2 drives
1 or 2 Sony SDX-700
LVD AIT-3 drives
Tape Cartridges
(8mm)
50 GB native 100 GB native
Introduction
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u Introduction
M
AIL
S
LOT
Mail Slot
If your host software permits, you can use the front slot in the magazine (the first slot you see
when you open the door) as a mail slot for inserting or removing a single cartridge without
interrupting host operations in progress. The mail slot is implemented using the SCSI
Import/Export commands.
SCSI Interface
The PowerLoader™ unit presents the following to the host:
•
A single SCSI medium changer device with a single SCSI Medium Transport element
•
A number of SCSI Storage elements equal to the total number of cartridge magazine
slots
•
A single SCSI Import/Export element
•
A number of SCSI Data Transfer elements equal to the total number of drives in the
system.
Multi-Server Data Sharing
A host computer with a SCSI controller connected to a bus is a SCSI Initiator. The
PowerLoader™ is a SCSI Target. SCSI rules permit multiple Initiators on a single bus.
Therefore, with the proper host software, it is possible to connect multiple hosts to a single
PowerLoader™ over a single SCSI bus. This allows multiple hosts to operate the library
robotics, loading and unloading cartridges as each host requires.
Mounting Tabletop (or
Rackmount with
conversion kit)
Tabletop (or
Rackmount with
conversion kit)
Table 1-2 PowerLoader™ Models
Model Number Configuration
AIT-LP2L119T/RB
AIT-LP2L219T/RB
AIT-LP3L119T/RB
AIT-LP3L219T/RB
1 Drive, AIT 2, Tabletop/Rackmount, LVD/SE SCSI
2 Drive, AIT 2, Tabletop/Rackmount, LVD/SE SCSI
1 Drive, AIT 3, Tabletop/Rackmount, LVD/SE SCSI
2 Drive, AIT 3, Tabletop/Rackmount, LVD/SE SCSI
Table 1-1 PowerLoader™ Features
Component AIT-2 Tape Drive AIT-3 Tape Drive
Introduction
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SCSI B
US
P
ERFORMANCE
C
ONSIDERATIONS
In a system with many drives, it may be desirable to use multiple SCSI buses for the drives so
the data transfer rate of the drives is not limited by bus bandwidth. Individual drives can be
connected to separate hosts. Using special software, one of the hosts can act as a master server,
processing all robotics commands and permitting several hosts to share a common database.
Configurations
The PowerLoader™ standard SCSI interface is:
•
Fast/Wide Low Voltage Differential (LVD)/Single-Ended (S/E)
The PowerLoader™ uses high-density 68-pin D-series connectors. For more information see
SCSI Interfaces in Chapter 2.
SCSI Bus Performance Considerations
Drives
With a standard Fast/Wide SCSI interface, each drive offers a sustained native data transfer
rate of 6 MB/sec. (AIT-2) or 12 MB/sec. (AIT-3). In a two-drive module, the total native rate is
twice these rates. The rates for compressed data are the native rates multiplied by the
compression factor, which depends on file content, but averages approximately 2:1.
Data Transfer Rate
The data transfer rate of the PowerLoader™ depends on the type of AIT drive, the number of
drives, and on how many drives are connected to the SCSI bus. The robotics impose minimal
loading on the bus.
•
AIT-2 Ultra/Wide @ 40 MB/sec. (burst)
•
AIT-2 Sustained @ 6 MB/sec. (native) / 12 MB (compressed)
•
AIT-3 Ultra/Wide @ 80 MB/sec. (burst)
•
AIT-3 Sustained @ 12 MB/sec. (native) / 24 MB (compressed)
Each AIT-2 drive has a maximum sustained rate up to 12 MB/sec. with compressed data. Each
AIT-3 drive has a maximum sustained rate up to 24 MB/sec. with compressed data. As a result,
the transfer rate of a two-drive module occupies the full bandwidth of the bus. The maximum
performance of the system is degraded by sharing a SCSI bus among more than two drives.
Internal Cabling Configuration
Each SCSI bus in the PowerLoader™ System is wired separately. The library robotics and
Drive 1 share one bus; Drive 2 is connected to a separate SCSI bus. SCSI jumper cables are
available to allow the drives and robotics of a module to be daisy-chained to a single SCSI bus.
For more detailed information, see SCSI Interfaces in Chapter 2.
1-4
u Introduction
SCSI B
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ERFORMANCE
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Bus Length Limitations
If all devices and host adapter are LVD, length is 12 meters (1.5 meters in SE mode).
For customers using HVD, the high voltage differential Fast/Wide SCSI bus may be up
to 25 meters in length, including cabling within the modules.
Physical Configuration
PowerLoader™ comes configured as a tabletop or rack-mount model. The tabletop model can be
later converted for rack-mount usage. To convert a tabletop PowerLoader™ to a rack-mount
model, order the Overland Tabletop to Rackmount Conversion Kit (Part Number 106070-001).
Shuttle Lockdown Mechanism
Overland Data has installed a shuttle lockdown mechanism as a precautionary safety
mechanism to prevent damage to the PowerLoader™ during shipment from the factory. The
mechanism is a spring-loaded screw in the back of the PowerLoader™ that secures the shuttle
to a bracket.
You must release the shuttle lockdown mechanism before powering up the unit or it will
not operate. See the procedure in Chapter 2.
/