2-586-488-11(1)

AIT Drive

Users Guide

AIT-2 Turbo TAPE DRIVE

SDX-550V

2004 Sony Corporation
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without prior written consent of Sony. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. SONY MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT. Sony shall not be liable for errors contained herein, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this document. Your SDX-550V is assigned a Model No. ATDNA3 for regulatory compliance certifications. The number is indicated on the model number label on your drive along with the rated voltage and current.
VORSICHT Fr Kunden in Deutschland Diese Ausrstung erfllt die Europischen EMC-Bestimmungen fr die Verwendung in folgender / folgenden Umgebung(en): Wohngegenden Gewerbegebiete Leichtindustriegebiete (Diese Ausrstung erfllt die Bestimmungen der Norm EN55022, Klasse B.)

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
USE Power Sources This unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power, consult your dealer or local power company. For the unit with a three-wire grounding type ac plug: If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to have a suitable plug installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug. AC Power cord: (for AC mains operating unit only) The AC power cord should have appropriate safety approvals or marking for the country in which the equipment will be used. Consult your dealer or local power company. Cleaning Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the unit. Object and Liquid Entry Never push objects of any kind into the unit through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the unit.
INSTALLATION Water and Moisture Do not use power-line operated units near water for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc. Power-Cord Protection Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance. Accessories Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the unit. Use only a cart stand tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer. Ventilation The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the unit, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered. Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth or other materials. Never block the slots and openings by placing the unit on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. Never place the unit in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or builtin cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.

SERVICE Damage Requiring Service Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the unit. If the unit has been exposed to rain or water. If the unit has been subject to excessive shock by being dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged. If the unit does not operate normally when following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are specified in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the unit to normal operation. When the unit exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for service. Servicing Do not attempt to service the unit yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer to all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Contents

Overview.... 6 Introduction.... 7 About AIT Drives.... 7 Precautions... 8 Installation.... 10 SCSI Connection/Setting the SCSI ID... 10 Option Switches (DIP Switch)... 11 Mounting Holes.... 14 Reconfiguring from 5.25" Model to 3.5" Model.. 15 Orientation.... 16 Attaching and Removing the Dust Cover... 17 Attaching the Dust Cover... 17 Removing the Dust Cover... 19 Operation.... 20 Location of 3 LEDs... 20 Drive Operation.... 21 Emergency Tape Removal Procedure.. 24 WORM Function.... 26 Interface Implementation... 28 Supported SCSI Messages.... 28 Supported SCSI Commands... 28 Specifications.... 29 Product Specifications... 29 Sony Contacts.... 31
Sony cannot accept liability for data written to cartridges lost as a result of using this product. Sony bears no responsibility for any financial damages, lost profits, or claims made by third parties arising from the use of this product.

Overview

The Sony SDX-550V drive is a high capacity data storage device using Advanced Intelligent tape (AIT) technology. The SDX-550V drive achieves high data reliability through Read-After-Write, an additional level of Error Correction Code, and other features. The Sony SDX-550V drive stores data on tape using standard formats called AIT (Advanced Intelligent Tape) and ALDC formats.

Introduction

About AIT Drives
The SDX-550V is an internal AIT drive unit that uses data cartridges conforming to the AIT-2 Turbo format. The SDX-550V supports AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1, AIT-1 Turbo, AIT-2 and AIT-2 Turbo formats.

Features

The AIT Drive Unit SDX-550V has the following features: Supports reading and writing to data cartridges conforming to the AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1, AIT-1 Turbo, AIT-2 and AIT-2 Turbo formats. The third-level error correction code guarantee high data reliability. Data compression provides 208 gigabytes of storage on 186 m tapelength AIT-2 Turbo data cartridge.*1 The native capacity is 80 gigabytes of storage on 186 m tape-length AIT-2 Turbo data cartridge. Stored data are automatically checked for compression. Ultra 160 Wide SCSI LVD/SE interface is fully supported for host computer access.
This is assuming 2.6 : 1 compression ratio. The degree of data compression attained while recording data varies according to system environment and data type.

Precautions

Installation
Avoid placing the drive in a location subject to: high humidity high temperature mechanical shock and vibration direct sunlight
For details, see Specifications on page 29.

Operation

Do not move the drive while it is operating. It may cause malfunction. Avoid exposing the drive to sudden changes from low to high temperatures. This may cause water condensation to collect inside the drive. If the ambient temperature should suddenly rise while the drive is turned on, wait at least one hour before turning on the drive. If you attempt to operate the drive immediately after a sudden increase in temperature, a malfunction may occur. Turning off the power to the drive while they are writing to tape may cause the tape to become unreadable. All previously negotiated parameters will be lost, whenever power to the drive is cycled.

Transportation

Keep the original packing materials to facilitate safe transportation of the drive. Always remove the data cartridge before moving the drive. After removing the drive from the computer, repack the drive into its original packing.

Useable Cartridges

The SDX-550V can be used with data cartridges marked with the AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1 Turbo, AIT-2 Turbo, AIT-1 or AIT-2 logo.
Be sure to use only the cartridges designed specifically for AIT. Do not use anything but AIT cartridges with this system, as doing so can damage the AIT drive. Although commercially available 8 mm videotapes resemble AIT cartridges in appearance, they have entirely different specifications and cannot be used.

SCSI Termination

The SDX-550V conforms to the Microsoft PC97 standard, which requires the internal (naked) drive to be terminated with an external terminator. Microsoft PC97 SCSI requirements SCSI peripherals must not terminate the bus. Both internal and external cable ends are instead terminated by plug-in connectors.

Host Computer Wide SCSI

68p cable Terminator

This drive

Example of SCSI setup
SCSI Connection/Setting the SCSI ID

SCSI ID

P.D. N.C. 1 0

5 V GND GND 12 V

SCSI 68pin Connector

Jumpers

Power Connector
Parity Disable No Connection SCSI ID 3 SCSI ID 2 SCSI ID 1 SCSI ID 0

Parity

Disable

Enable

Note :

= CLOSED/Jumper

= OPEN/Jumper not installed = Dont care
Parity Disable Jumper Parity check function can be disabled by Jumper. Parity check is disabled while left end jumper is installed. Parity generate function is always enabled.
Option Switches (DIP Switch)

DIP Switch

DIP Switch Positions

Default

Drive Mode (OFF) Drive Mode (OFF) Drive Mode (OFF) Drive Mode (OFF) Terminator Power (ON) Periodic Cleaning Req (ON) DC Control (1) (ON) DC Control (2) (OFF)

ON OFF

DR (Disaster Recovery*) Mode
Drive Mode (ON) Drive Mode Drive Mode Drive Mode Terminator Power Periodic Cleaning Req DC Control (1) DC Control (2)
In Disaster Recovery Mode, the drive enters the DR Standby Mode 15 seconds after you insert a write-protected tape into the drive, and all the drive LED blink. If you restart the drive while the LED are blinking, it starts as a CD-ROM device. For details about the Disaster Recovery Mode, refer to the instruction manual that came with the application software you are using.
Cleaning Request Mode Periodic cleaning requests can be enabled by a DIP switch.
Drive Mode Drive Mode Drive Mode Drive Mode Terminator Power Periodic Cleaning Req (ON) DC Control (1) DC Control (2)
When switch 6 is ON, cleaning requests are enabled. When enabled, the CLEANING REQUEST LED on the front panel lights after every 100 hours of operation. When this LED lights, clean the drive with a head cleaning cartridge.
Note To maintain the drive in optimum condition in environments affected by dust and other contaminants, we recommend keeping cleaning requests enabled.
Terminator Power Control DIP switch
This DIP switch determines whether terminator power is supplied to the SCSI bus. To enable terminator power, set position 5 [Terminator Power] switch to ON.
Data Compression Control DIP switch
Data compression can be selected by DIP switches. Data compression is enabled while position 7 [DC Control (1)] is ON. Control by host can be disabled when position 8 [DC Control (2)] is ON.

7.0mm [0.28"]

_ 21.8 + 0.5mm _ [0.86" + 0.02"]
_ 4.8 + 0.5mm _ [0.19"+ 0.02"] _ 41.2 + 0.5mm _ [1.62" + 0.02"]
_ 21.0+ 0.3mm _ [0.83"+ 0.01"] _ _ 90.0 + 0.3mm [3.54" + 0.01"] _ 60.0+ 0.3mm _ [2.36" + 0.01"]

6-M3 (depth 2.5mm [0.10"] max.) 6-M3 (depth 2.5mm [0.10"] max.)
_ 9.9 + 0.5mm _ [0.39" + 0.02"]
_ _ 79.2 + 0.3mm [3.12"+ 0.01"]

Mounting Holes

For 5.25" Half Height
_ _ 7.4 + 0.6mm [0.29"+ 0.02"] _ 9.8 + 0.6 mm _ [0.39" + 0.02"] _ _ 7.4 + 0.6mm [0.29"+ 0.02"]
For 3.5" Standard Height
_ 9.8 + 0.6 mm _ [0.39"+ 0.02"]
_ _ 31.0 + 0.3mm [1.22" + 0.01"]
_ 41.2 + 0.5mm _ [1.62" + 0.02"]
_ _ 7.6 + 0.5 mm [0.3"+ 0.02"]
_ 47.5 + 0.3mm _ [1.87"+ 0.01"]
_ _ 79.2 + 0.3mm [3.12" + 0.01"]
_ _ 155.0 + 0.5mm [6.10"+ 0.02"]
_ _ 70.0 + 0.3mm [2.76" + 0.01"]
_ 42.0 + 0.3mm _ [1.65"+ 0.01"]
_ _ 94.0 + 0.5mm [3.70" + 0.02"]
_ _ 101.6 + 0.5mm [4.00"+ 0.02"]
_ _ 149.0 + 0.5mm [5.87"+ 0.02"]
_ 31.0 + 0.3mm _ [1.22"+ 0.01"]
_ _ 146.0+ 0.5mm [5.75" + 0.02"]
_ _ 139.6 + 0.5mm [5.50" 0.02"] +
_ 42.0 + 0.3mm _ [1.65" + 0.01"] _ _ 70.0+ 0.3mm [2.76" + 0.01"]
Reconfiguring from 5.25" Model to 3.5" Model
You can reconfigure the 5.25" model to the 3.5" model yourself.
Remove the 2 screws for each side rail. Take the side rail off.

Side Rail (L)

Side Rail (R)

Orientation

Attaching and Removing the Dust Cover

Attaching the Dust Cover

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

Caution

Do not press the dust cover in horizontally from the front. Doing so could cause the dust cover to break.

Close the dust cover.

This completes attachment of the dust cover.

Removing the Dust Cover

Open the dust cover. Holding the dust cover at both corners, carefully raise the dust cover.
The dust cover hinge clips and drive bezel pins uncouple.
We recommend that you use the drive with the dust cover.

Location of 3 LEDs

There are three LED indications (TAPE MOTION LED, CLEANING REQUEST LED, REPLACE TAPE LED) and an EJECT button on the front panel of the unit. Front Panel (for 3.5" Standard Height)
Advanced Intelligent Tape

TAPE MOTION

CLEANING REQUEST

REPLACE TAPE

EJECT button
LED Indication for Drive Status
The LED indicators are defined as follows.
LED TAPE MOTION CLEANING REQUEST Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent REPLACE TAPE Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Tape Loaded Tape Access in Progress (write/read) Tape Access in Progress (others) Cleaning is requested Cleaning is Not Completed Media Error Occurred H/W Error Occurred
on Slow 1 pulse (0.9 sec on/0.3 sec off) Fast 1 pulse (0.3 sec on/0.3 sec off)

Drive Operation

Loading a Cartridge
While setting the data cartridge, do not turn off the host computer. This may cause a malfunction or damage data.
Turn on the host computer. Check that the drives TAPE MOTION LED, CLEANING REQUEST LED and REPLACE TAPE LED go off. Open the dust cover.
Set the AIT data cartridge orientation as shown here and insert it into the data cartridge slot.
By inserting the data cartridge to the extent, it is automatically set in the drive and the TAPE MOTION LED lights.

Unloading a Cartridge

The cartridge can be removed from the SDX-550V either in response to a SCSI Unload Command, or by pressing the EJECT bottom. By pressing EJECT button, the tape is rewound and the cartridge ejected from the slot.

Write-protecting a Cartridge
Cartridges can be write-protected by sliding the tab on the back of the cartridge. In this state, data can be read from the tape but not written onto it.
AIT-E Turbo AIT-1 Turbo AIT-2 AIT-2 Turbo
Using your fingernail, push the switch in the direction of the arrow to protect the tape from writing or accidental erasure. Return the switch to its original position to re-enable writing.
Using a Cleaning Cartridge
To keep the AIT drive in top condition, clean the head as needed using a head cleaning cartridge with the AIT logo. When the head needs cleaning, the CLEANING REQUEST indicator lights.

How to Clean

Load the head cleaning cartridge (SDX1-CL) into the AIT drive. Cleaning starts automatically. After about 15 seconds, cleaning will stop and the cartridge will be ejected automatically.
Do not rewind the cleaning cartridge and reuse it. When you reach the end of the cartridge, dispose it and buy a new cleaning cartridge with the AIT logo.

Storage Precautions

Keep cartridges in their cases when not in the drives. Avoid storing cartridges in dusty locations, in direct sunlight, near heaters or air conditioners, or in humid locations. Do not place cartridges on dashboards or in car storage trays.
Emergency Tape Removal Procedure
Remove the drive from the chassis or enclosure to allow access to the bottom of the drive. Remove the drives top cover. Locate the small opening in the bottom of the drive and insert the tip of a precision screwdriver so that the Loading motor shaft can be rotated. Rotate the motor shaft clockwise to bring the threading mechanism back to the initial position.

Reel motor

Loading motor
Stop rotating the motor shaft immediately, when the guide B gets to the area below the line C-C (This line is defined by 2 circular tape guide surfaces of the cartridge). Otherwise, the gear of the drive can be damaged.

Tape guide surface

Detail A B

Cartridge

The Initial Position of the Threading Mechanism
Before the manual ejection procedure, tape slack must be removed in order to prevent tape damage. Rotate the gear mechanism located on the bottom of the drive counterclockwise to tighten the tape. After the tape slack has been removed, continue to turn the Loading motor shaft located on the bottom of the drive clockwise with a precision screwdriver until the tape cartridge is lifted out of the drive mechanism and is ejected. Return the drive to Sony for repair.

WORM Function

The SDX-550V supports the WORM function. This section explains the WORM function.

What is WORM?

WORM is an acronym for Write Once Read Many, a function that allows data to be written to the same place on a tape only once, but permits that data to be read from the tape for any number of times. The SDX-550V supports WORM cartridges. When a WORM cartridge is used with an application that supports the WORM function, data that has been written to a tape can not be accidentally deleted or overwritten. A WORM drive operates in the same manner as a non-WORM drive when used with a non-WORM cartridge (henceforth referred to as regular cartridge). The operation of a WORM drive and a non-WORM drive differs according to the type of cartridge that is being used.

Tape Drive

Cartridge Regular Cartridge (without WORM logo) WORM Cartridge (with WORM logo) Waiting for Eject Read/Append-Write Enabled
Non-WORM drive WORM drive
Read/Write Enabled Read/Write Enabled

WORM Cartridges

WORM cartridges can be distinguished from regular cartridges by their WORM logo and red shutters.

WORM logo

AIT-2 WORM cartridge: SDX2-50W
How to Write Data onto a WORM Cartridge
As with a regular cartridge, there is no limit on how many times data can be read from a WORM cartridge. When writing data to a WORM cartridge, the data can not be written to a portion of the tape that has already been written. When writing data onto a WORM cartridge, it is appended after data that has already been written onto the cartridge. Accordingly, move to the EOD area before writing data onto the cartridge.
SCSI Commands Supported by the WORM Drive
The WORM drives support the same SCSI commands that are supported by non-WORM drives. However, if an attempt is made to write to a portion of a tape where data has already been written, the following error information is returned: Sense Key = 07, ASC = 27h, ASCQ = 00: Persistent Write Protect or Sense Key=03, ASC=27h, ASCQ=04: Write Position Error.
AIT WORM-compliant Software
To find out whether your backup application is AIT WORM compliant, contact the manufacturer of the software.

Sony cannot accept liability for data written onto a WORM cartridge that is lost as a result of using this unit. Sony accepts no responsibility for any financial damages, lost profits, or claims made by third parties arising from the use of this product.

Interface Implementation

Supported SCSI Messages
Abort Bus Device Reset Command Complete Disconnect Extended Message Synchronous Data Transfer Request Wide Data Transfer Request Identify ( w/&w/o Disconnect ) Ignore Wide Residue Message Parity Error Message Reject No Operation Restore Pointers Save Data Pointer

Supported SCSI Commands

Erase Inquiry Load/Unload Locate Log Sense Log Select Mode Select Mode Sense Prevent Allow Medium Removal Read Read Block Limits Read Buffer Read Position Receive Diagnostic Result Release Unit Report Density Support Report Luns Request Block Address Request Sense Reserve Unit Rewind Seek Block Send Diagnostic Space Test Unit Ready Verify Write Write Buffer Write Filemarks

Specifications

Product Specifications
Dimensions (not including bezel and protruding parts)
Height Width Depth 3.5" 41.2 mm (1.62 in) 101.6 mm (4.0 in) 155.0 mm (6.1 in) 5.25" 41.2 mm (1.62 in) 146.0 mm (5.75 in) 155.0 mm (6.1 in)

Altitude

Operating 0 to 3048 m (0 to 10,000 ft.)
Acoustic Nois A-weighted sound pressure level
Streaming Write/Read Insert/Eject
less than 35 dB (A) less than 60 dB (A)
The sound level meter is located 1 m (3.3 ft.) in front of the center of the drive front panel.
3.5" 5.25" 780 g (27.5 oz.) 1050 g (37.0 oz.)
Temperature and Humidity Range
Temperature Operating Non-Operating (mech.) Non-Operating (tape) Humidity 20 to 80% RH, non-condensing Maximum wet bulb temperature : 26 C (78.8 F) Non-Operating (mech.) 5 to 95% RH (RH<30%/h) Maximum wet bulb temperature : 45 C (113 F) Non-Operating (tape) 20 to 80% RH (RH<30%/h) Operating 5 C to 40 C (T<10 C/h) (41 F to 104 F (T<18 F/h)) 40 C to 70 C (T<20 C/h) ( 40 F to 158 F (T<36 F/h)) 40 C to 45 C (T<20 C/h) ( 40 F to 113 F (T<36 F/h))

Air-cooling Requirement

Surrounding temperature < 40 C (104 F) Clean air flow is recommended to minimize the possibility of data loss.

Power Requirements

Voltage 5 V +/ 5 % 12 V +/ 10 % Max Ripple 100 mVp-p 150 mVp-p Current Typical 1.6 A 0.5 A Maximum 1.9 A 1.2 A

Sony Contacts

For further information, please contact:
Sony Electronics Inc., Tape Storage Solutions (USA) URL: http://www.storagebysony.com Sony Corporation Electronic Devices Marketing Group, Product Marketing Div. Computer Peripherals Dept. Tape Streamer Section Osaki Gate City East Tower, 1-11-1, Osaki Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0032 Japan TEL: (81) 3-5435-3486 FAX: (81) 3-5435-3565 Sony of Canada Ltd., AV/IT Marketing Group Computer Peripherals Product Marketing 115 Gordon Baker Road Toronto, Ontario, M2H 3R6 Canada TEL: (416) 499-1414 or (1) 800-961-7669 FAX: (416) 499-8541 Sony Business Europe URL: http://www.sonyisstorage.com/ Electronics Devices Marketing (Singapore) (A division company of Sony Electronics (S) Pte. Ltd.) Enterprise Storage Solutions Dept. 2 International Business Park, #01-10 Tower One, The Strategy, Singapore 609930 TEL:65-6544-8000 FAX:65-6544-7390 Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Ltd. Computer Peripheral Sales & Marketing Division Electronic Devices Marketing Hong Kong 45/F, The Lee Gardens, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong TEL: (852) 2909-1008 FAX: (852) 2909-2001 Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Ltd. Beijing Rep. Office Computer Peripheral Div. Full Link Plaza Tower A 11/F., No.18 Chaoyangmenwai Ave., Beijing 100020 P.R.C. TEL:86-10-6588-0558 FAX:86-10-6588-0855 URL: http://www.sony.com.cn
Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Ltd. Shanghai Rep. Office 44F., HSBC Tower, 101 Yin Cheng East Road, Pudong, New Area, Shanghai, P.R.C. Postcode 200120 TEL: 86-21-6841-3222 FAX: 86-21-6841-0280 Sony Brasil Ltda. Rua Inocncio Tobias, 125-BlocoA, CEP01144-000, So Paulo -SP-Brasil TEL: (55) 11-3824-6586 to 6598 FAX: (55) 11-3611-9064 URL: http://www.sonybrasil.com Sony Australia Limited 33-39 Talavera Rd. NORTH RYDE, NSW 2113 TEL: 1300-13-7669 FAX: 02-9870-5864 e-mail: CIC-customerissues@ap.sony.com Sony New Zealand Akoranga Business Park NORTH SHORE, AUCKLAND TEL: 0800-76-6969 FAX: 09-308-9300 e-mail: CIC-customerissues@ap.sony.com Sony Chile Ltda Av. Kennedy 8017, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile TEL: (02) 210-6000 FAX: (02) 210-5417 Sony Taiwan Limited Optical Devices Storage Dept. Data Storage Section 5F, 145 Changchun Road, Taipei 104, Taiwan TEL: 886-2-2522-7920 FAX: 886-2-2522-2153 Sony Korea Corporation EDMK CP Sales & Marketing Team 34F, ASEM Tower, World Trade Center, 159-1, Samsung-Dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul, 135-798, Korea TEL: 82-2-6001-4249 FAX: 82-2-6001-4115 URL: http://www.sony.co.kr/cp/ Sony Gulf FZE Computer Display & Peripheral Div. P.O.BOX 16871, Jebel Ali, Dubai, U.A.E. TEL: 971-4-8815488 or 8816912 FAX: 971-4-8817210 or 8816259 Sony Marketing of Japan Business Solution Dept. Server Solution Marketing Section URL: http://www.sony.co.jp/STORAGE

Printed on 100% recycled paper.

Sony Corporation

Printed in Japan

Device Application Notes For NetVault

Revision A7

Application Notes Drive: SONY SDX-550V Drive Firmware Revision: 0100 Interface: SCSI (Ultra 160 LVD/SE)

Tape Drive:

SONY SDX-550V
Key Features Supported Media o AIT-2 Turbo o AIT-1 Turbo o AIT-E Turbo o AIT-2 o AIT-2 WORM o AIT-1 Interface o SCSI (Ultra 160 LVD/SE) Additional Features o SDX-550V cannot write/read to AIT-3 and AIT-4 media.

NetVault Software:

Minimum Release Required Version 7 Release: o V710-R2003OCT31-CHIEF
Additional Software Required Device Template(s): o sdx-550.npk (sdx-550.tpl)

BakBone Software, Inc.

12/9/2004
Attention: Device Template Installation available through the use of standard package installation procedures. Refer to the following for details.

Installation:

Prerequisites Ensure Termination is configured correctly by using the Manufacturer Users Guide for reference. Attach Device to system by using the Manufacturers Installation Guide for reference. Power On Unit, if required, and allow for the completion of the devices POST (Power-On SelfTest). Ensure the SONY SDX-550V is set to its default settings. For further details refer to the Manual for the SONY SDX-550V. Configure SCSI ID. For further details refer to the Installation and Operation Manual for the SONY SDX-550V. Power on Computer System.
Device Application Notes For NetVault Selection of Device within NetVault Drive Selection
Select the Drive Selection tab. Select Server/Client machine and open it to view the attached tape drive. Add the drive by selecting the drive and verify the correct device is displayed in the Selected Drives area on the right. (Refer to Figure 1 for an example) Change the drive Name if desired or leave as default.
Figure 1. Drive Addition Within NetVault
Device Application Notes For NetVault Configuration (for Optimum Performance)
Select the Configure tab, right-click the drive and select Configure, to display the Configure Device dialog box. (Refer to Figure 2 on next page) Click the Configuration tab in the dialog box and increase the Media block size (Kb) from the default setting of 32 Kb. Ensure your operating system and drive can support the new value entered. Click the Performance tab in the dialog box and increase the default transfer memory buffer setting from the default setting of 257 Kb. Ensure your operating system can support the new value entered. NOTE: The Amount of memory to assign to transfer buffers (Kb) is what is often referred to as the shared memory setting. The shared memory is allocated in 32Kb blocks, with one byte added. The optimum figure is dependent on the drive model, and will be stated in the relevant BakBone Software Benchmark document, but the minimum value to use is at least 4x the block size setting for the drive. Ensure there is sufficient RAM (Windows NT or 2000) or Kernel Memory (UNIX). Use more if available and as required. If there are more drives repeat the above steps for each drive as required. Save device configuration by selecting the Save Details button in the top left corner. Select OK for the Device added successfully window. Close the Add Library window.
Figure 2. Drive Performance Tuning
Other information Known Firmware Issues: None Device Notes: Emulation Mode: None None