User Guide

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Using the PowerVault 128T: Dell™ PowerVault™ 128T Tape Library User and Service Guide

  Front Panel Overview
  Nesting
  Understanding the Menu Structure
  Using Tapes
  Accessing Tapes in the Library
  Drive and Tape Operations
  Using the Remote Management Card

Front Panel Overview

The front panel is the local control device for the library, and is located on the front of the library. The LED bar beneath the front panel display indicates library activity.

• Green = library is ready and idle
• Flashing Green = library or drive is active
• Amber = library is partially available and idle
• Flashing Amber = library failed

Figure 1. Library Front Panel

1	Door 1 with lock (slots 1-10 with slot 1 at the front)
2	Door 2 with lock (slots 20-11 with slot 20 at the front)
3	Front panel display
4	Viewing window
5	Soft keys
6	Front panel LED
7	Power (standby) switch

Front Panel Display Conventions

The front panel displays icons and text that provide library, drive, and tape status information. It also uses text prompts and warnings to guide you while making changes. The soft-key labels vary between screens. Use the key immediately below the label to execute the desired function.

Front Panel Status Information (Home Screen)

Figure 2. Home Screen

The Home Screen shows the following:

• Statement indicating the general condition of the library.
• Drive and tape status.
• Tape bar code (if applicable).
• [Main] option to go to the Information, Operations, and Administration menus.
• [Icon] option to display the icons with a description.
• An icon that indicates the general status of the library. This icon may display a reverse video reminder (icon background reverses to black) when there has been a change in the status of the library. Select this key to obtain more information about the library.
• [Mail] option to access the mailslot.
• [Map] option to access information about the drive and tape slots.

Status Bar and Icons

All screens, except the Home and Map screens, show a status bar that summarizes library and drive status (Figure 3).

The status bar shows a reverse video reminder (icon background reverses to black) for drive or library errors that have been entered in the media log or hard error log. You may clear this reminder by viewing either the Drive Log or Library Hard Error Log screens.

The library’s reverse video reminder will also be set if the library’s partial availability status changes (see “Partial Availability State” ). You can clear this reminder by viewing the Library Status screen by selecting the center icon button on the Home screen.

Figure 3. Status Bar from the Main Menu Screen

The status bar can display the icons listed in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Drive Icons

	Power is off		Tape is write-protected		Seeking data on a tape
	Failed, off-line		Empty		Writing data to a tape
	Needs to be cleaned		Loading a tape		Rewinding a tape
	Off-line		Online		Reading a tape
	Failed, online		Full and idle		Erasing a tape
	Tape is cleaning a drive		Unloading a tape

Table 2. Library Icons

	Failed		Partially available (a)		Healthy
	Sensor Open (used in Show All Sensors diagnostic test only) (Service access only)				Sensor Closed (Service access only)

a. Library is partially available: the library is not in optimum configuration. Refer to "Partial Availability State."

Nesting

Each level of password-protected menus (Administration and Service) includes all options available in the subordinate menu. For example, all options available in the Administration menu are also included in the Service menu. This functionality reduces the need to return to the Main menu or reenter a password. Figure 4 "Nesting" illustrates the “nesting” concept of increasing levels of library control.

Figure 4. Nesting

NOTE: The front panel defaults back to the Home screen after approximately three minutes of inactivity, unless an error message or confirmation message is displayed that needs to be acknowledged.

Understanding the Menu Structure

Figure 5. Front Panel Menu Structure

Service Menu Tree

NOTE: The Administration menu (Figure 5 "Front Panel Menu Structure") contains the same menus as the Service menu. The Service menu contains additional tests accessible by service personnel only.

Figure 6. Service Menu Tree

Using Tapes

CAUTION: It is critical to ensure that the media you use matches the format of your tape drive. Cleaning cartridges and formatted data cartridges are unique for each drive technology. Damage may occur if inappropriate media is used in tape drives.

NOTE: This section includes general information on using tape cartridges. For more information on using media for your drive type, refer to the Dell PowerVault 128T Tape Library Drive Manual - HP Ultrium.

Write-Protecting Tape Cartridges

The use of the write-protect switch ensures data safety for files that have been previously written to tape, preventing additional files from being written to that tape.

For more information on how to write-protect your tapes, refer to the documentation provided with your tape cartridges or to the Dell PowerVault 128T Tape Library Drive Manual - HP Ultrium.

Labeling Tape Cartridges

Make it a practice to use bar code labels on your tape cartridges. Your host software may need to keep track of the following information and the associated bar code:

• Date of format or initialization
• Cartridge owner (such as group or department)
• Storage purpose

NOTE: If the host software does not keep track of this information, create a method for doing so.

NOTE: Bar code labeling requirements vary and are dependent on the type of tape drive used with your library. For more information on these requirements, refer to the Dell PowerVault 128T Tape Library Drive Manual - HP Ultrium.

Maintaining Tape Cartridges

DO NOT:

• Expose tape cartridges to magnetic fields.
• Leave cartridges in the drive when library power is off.
• Expose cartridges to extreme temperatures or humidity. For acceptable operating and storage temperatures, refer to the documentation provided with your media.
• Expose cartridges to moisture or direct sunlight.
• Drop the tape cartridges or subject the cartridges to any physical shock.
• Open the tape cartridge lid and expose the tape to possible contamination or physical damage.
• Touch the tape surface.
• Take the tape cartridges apart.
• Use graphite pencils, water soluble felt pens, or other debris-producing writing instruments to label tape cartridges.
• Erase a label; replace it instead.

DO:

• Remove dust on the outside of tape cartridges with a damp cloth.
• Store cartridges vertically, not horizontally.
• Store tape cartridges in their plastic containers and in appropriate environmental conditions per the documentation provided with your media.

Accessing Tapes in the Library

Tapes in the library may be accessed using the following features:

• Magazine access
• Mailslot access (if configured, see "Configuring the Mailslot" for configuration information).

Magazine Access

Main Menu -> Operations -> Magazine Access

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Operations -> Magazine Access

1. From the Magazine Access menu, select one of the following options:
   • Unlock Door
   • Unlock All Doors
2. Use the [-] or [+] key to change the door selection.

NOTE: Unlocking only the required door, instead of all doors, will reduce the time required for the library to check inventory.

3. Pull the unlocked door(s) out to access magazines and tapes. The door may also be key locked. Unlock the door if needed.

NOTE: Select [Lock] to re-lock the doors that have been unlocked, but not opened. The door may also be key locked. Unlock the door if needed.

Figure 7. Removing/Replacing a Magazine

NOTE: Ensure you have loaded the correct tape type into the corresponding magazine. The magazine is labeled according to the drive technology it supports.

4. Remove the magazine by lifting it straight up with the handle (see Figure 7 "Removing/Replacing a Magazine").
5. To remove a tape, set the magazine on its back and grasp the top and bottom corners of a tape. Pull a tape straight out of the magazine.
6. To insert tapes into the magazine, ensure that you use the appropriate tape type of the magazine. Push the tape into the slot unit it "clicks" into place. (For more information, refer to the Dell PowerVault 128T Tape Library Drive Manual - HP Ultrium.)
7. Reload the magazine into the door tray, and close the door. The library will run an inventory check on the contents of that tape door.

NOTE: If the library does not have all magazines, it will report a partial availability message (see "Partial Availability State").

Loading Ultrium Cartridges into a Magazine

When inserting HP Ultrium cartridges into the tape library magazine, ensure that each cartridge is positioned with the write-protect switch facing out of the magazine and towards the magazine handle (see Figure 8 "Loading Ultrium Tapes Into a Magazine"). Push the tape into the slot unit it "clicks" into place.

Figure 8. Loading Ultrium Tapes into a Magazine

Mailslot Access

NOTE: The mailslot is located in the right-hand door of the library.

The mailslot can be accessed from the Operations sub-menu or from the Home screen.

Main Menu -> Operations -> Mailslot Access

or

Main Screen -> Mail

1. The Mailslot Access screen displays a message indicating the number of tapes in the mailslot and how to open the appropriate door.
   Open the door. The door will open only to the number of storage slots that have been configured for the mailslot (see “Configuring the Mailslot”).

2. Close the door. The library automatically detects the closure, locks the door, and initiates an inventory check.

Drive and Tape Operations

Main Menu -> Operations -> Drive and Tape Operations

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Operations -> Drive and Tape Operations

Look at the product information labels on the back of the library and the labels inside each tape door for more information about drive and slot numbering. The numbering scheme is also illustrated in “Front Panel Overview” and “Library Back Panel.”

NOTE: The Home and Map front panel screens illustrate the drive, slot, and mailslot numbering schemes. Slot numbers displayed in reverse video indicate those reserved for the mailslot.

Loading a Tape Into a Drive

1. From the Drive and Tape Operations menu, select [Load Tape from Drive].
2. Use the [-] or [+] key to select any slot. Only full slots are available for selection.
3. Select [OK].
4. Use the [-] or [+] key to select the desired drive. You can only select empty drives that match the tape type.
5. Select [Load] to move the tape from a slot to a drive. A confirmation screen indicates that the tape is loaded.

NOTE: You can also load tapes into drives from remote access. See “Using the Remote Management Card.”

Unloading a Tape Into a Drive

1. From the Drive and Tape Operations menu, select [Unload Tape from Drive].
2. Use the [-] or [+] keys to select the drive you want to unload.
3. Select [Unload] to move the tape from the drive to the tape’s original location (the location it occupied before being loaded into the drive). If that slot is occupied, you will be asked to select another slot location.
4. From the Drive and Tape Operations menu, select [Menu] to return to the Operations menu.
   

NOTE: Tapes can also be unloaded by remote access. See “Using the Remote Management Card.”

Moving Tapes Between Slots

Main Menu -> Operations -> Drive and Tape Operations

1. From the Drive and Tape Operations menu, select [Move Tape Slot-to-Slot].
2. Select the slot where you want to move the tape from using the [-] or [+] keys, and press [OK].
3. Select the slot where you want to move the tape to using the [+] or [-] keys, and press [OK]. A message will display if the destination slot chosen is reserved or is the original "home" slot for a tape in the drive.
4. A status screen will indicate that the tape is being moved.

Cleaning a Drive

Main Menu -> Operations -> Drive and Tape Operations

CAUTION: Ensure you use the correct cleaning cartridges for your tape drive. Damage may occur if inappropriate media is used. For more information, refer to the Dell PowerVault 128T Tape Library Drive Manual - HP Ultrium. Only clean the drive when the "needs to be cleaned" icon is displayed.

1. From the Drive and Tape Operations menu, select [Clean Drive].
2. From Choose Cleaning Slot, use the [-] or [+] key to select the slot location of the cleaning tape. Refer to the label inside the library door, the front panel display, or “Front Panel Overview” for a list of the slot numbers.
3. Select [OK].
4. Using the [-] or [+] keys to select the number of the drive to be cleaned.

5. Select [Clean].

   When the cleaning process is complete, the cleaning tape will be returned to the original slot location. If the cycle failed, the screen will display the appropriate status information. See “Troubleshooting Common Problems” for possible cleaning problems.

NOTE: Drives can also be cleaned from remote access. See “Using the Remote Management Card.”

Moving Tapes Between Slots

Main Menu -> Operations -> Drive and Tape Operations

1. From the Drive and Tape Operations menu, select [Move Tape Slot-to-Slot].
2. Select the slot where you want to move the tape from using the [-] or [+] keys, and select [OK].
3. Select the slot where you want to move the tape to using the [-] or [+] keys, and select [OK]. A message will display if the destination slot chosen is reserved or is the original "home" slot for a tape in the drive.

A status screen indicates the tape is being moved.

Using the Remote Management Card

Overview

The remote management card (RMC) includes a Web-Based Library Administrator, which allows web management and monitoring of your library through a network connection. This interface allows you to monitor your library from anywhere on the network through comprehensive and user-friendly web pages.

Online instructions are included on the web interface to describe how to use the tool. Simply select the [?] key in the upper right-hand corner to access the online help.

The web-based remote management features allow you to obtain status reports and diagnostic information, as well as manage library functions from a remote location. All remote operations are password protected with the administrator password to prevent unauthorized access.

For remote management, you need a network connection and a browser to:

• View the current status of the library, drives, and tapes.
• Manage multiple devices from any workstation within the intranet.
• Manage and configure the library on your network in a secure environment to:
  • Clean the drives
  • Load and unload tapes
  • Run diagnostics
  • Restart the library
  • Dynamically assign the library's IP address, gateway address, and subnet mask using DHCP or BOOTP mode.
• View library, drive, and tape error messages.
• Generate error reports to fax or e-mail to your support representative.
• Download and install firmware.
• Access web-based support, web registration, documentation, and partner information.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

DHCP allows a DHCP server to dynamically assign IP addresses to any DHCP client that requests one. The DHCP server usually has a limited set of IP addresses, and assigns them on a first come first serve basis. When a DHCP client boots up, it will broadcast a DHCP request over TCP/IP. If a DHCP server is present, that server will respond to the DHCP client with an IP address, subnet mask and gateway. This response also includes a lease (or expiration) time for the IP address being assigned. If the DHCP client then wants to use this address, the client must acknowledge the server’s response, and then periodically renew the lease on that IP address. If the lease expires, the DHCP server is free to reissue that IP address to another DHCP client.

NOTE: DHCP only manages dynamic allocation of IP addresses. Assigning device names with DHCP is not recommended.

BOOTP

BOOTP is similar to DHCP, in that a BOOTP server dynamically assigns an IP address to any BOOTP client that requests one. The difference is that your system administrator must preconfigure the BOOTP server for the library. The system administrator assigns a permanent IP address to the library’s MAC address. When the library is booted, the BOOTP server responds and assigns the permanent address to the library. The IP address never expires and the BOOTP server will not reissue the IP address to any other BOOTP client.

Table 4. Supported Configurations

NOTE: To correctly set caching for Internet Explorer™, go to the Windows Control Panel and select [Internet]. Click on the [General] tab. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click on the [Settings] button. Select [Every Visit to the Page], and click on the [OK] buttons to exit. (Netscape Communicator™ and Netscape Navigator™ set caching automatically.

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