Dell™ PowerVault™ DLT, VS, and

SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE:

A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE:

A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION:

A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerVault are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

March 2005

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Drives and Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Invalid Media Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Reusing Type IV Media Formatted by DLT7000 or DLT8000 in

VS80/DLT1 Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

DLT1 and VS80 Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

VS160 Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

SDLT320 and SDLT220 Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Cleaning Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Exhausted Cleaning Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Media Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Cartridge Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Media Care Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

1

2

Introduction

This document describes the media compatibility, handling, and usage for the Dell ™ PowerVault™ 110T DLT,

SDLT 320/220, DLT1/VS80, and VS160. Table 1-1 shows the basic characteristics of the drives.

NOTE:

This document will not cover DAT72, DDS4, LTO, and LTO2 tape technologies.

Drives and Media

Table 1-1.

DLT Drive Types and Basic Characteristics

Figure 1-1.

DLT1

Capacity

(native/compressed)

40 GB/80 GB

Native Speed

10.8 GB/hr

Primary Media

DLT (Digital Linear

Tape) Type IV

Figure 1-2.

VS80 40 GB/80 GB 10.8 GB/hr DLT Type IV

Figure 1-3.

VS160 80 GB/160 GB 28.8 GB/hr

Figure 1-4.

SDLT220 110 GB/220 GB 39 GB/hr

VS1 (Value Smart)

Tape

SDLT (Super Digital

Linear Tape) tape I

Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

3

Table 1-1.

DLT Drive Types and Basic Characteristics

Figure 1-5.

SDLT320

Capacity

(native/compressed)

160 GB/320 GB

Native Speed

57 GB/hr

Primary Media

SDLT tape I

Table 1-2.

Primary Media Type Per Drive

Figure 1-6.

Type IV Media

Part No DLT4000 DLT7000 DLT8000 DLT1

340-

0444

VS80 VS160

Primary Primary Primary Primary Primary Read only

*

SDLT220 SDLT320

Read only Read only

Figure 1-7.

VS1 Media 341-

0117

No No No No No Primary No No

Figure 1-8.

SDLT Media 340-

7844

No No No No No No Primary Primary

* Can only read media if it was formatted with a VS80 or DLT1 drive

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

Invalid Media Symptoms

When a wrong media is inserted into a drive:

• Cleaning light comes on

• Media light may flash or stay on

• Tape ejects

Reusing Type IV Media Formatted by DLT7000 or DLT8000 in VS80/DLT1 Drives

Type IV media previously recorded by a DLT7000 or DLT8000 are not read compatible with

DLT 4000, DLT1, or VS80 drives.

Type IV media originally formatted in DLT7000 and DLT8000 drives can be used in a

VS80/DLT1 drive only if the media is first set to hardware compression level 20 GB and erased in the DLT7000/8000 drive. Otherwise the media will be automatically ejected from the DLT1 and

VS80 drive.

DLT1 and VS80 Drives

DLT1 and VS80 drives use Type IV media to read and write.

DLT1 and VS80 drives can backward-read Type IV media created by DLT4000 only. They cannot read the media formatted by DLT 7000 and DLT 8000 unless the hardware compression level

has been changed. See "Reusing Type IV Media Formatted by DLT7000 or DLT8000 in

VS80/DLT1 Drives."

VS160 Drives

VS160 drives use VS1 media to read and write.

VS160 drives can read Type IV media only if the media was formatted by DLT1 or VS80 drive.

They cannot read Type IV media formatted by DLT4000.

They cannot write to Type IV media. If a blank Type IV media is inserted in the VS160 drive, the media light will flash and media will be ejected from the drive.

SDLT320 and SDLT220 Drives

SDLT320 and SDLT220 drives use SDLT1 type media to read and write. They can backwardread all Type IV media written with DLT (DLT 4000, DLT 7000, DLT 8000, DLT1, and VS 80) drives.

SDLT320 drives can read media created with the SDLT220. When media created with the

SDL220 is present in the SDLT320 drive, the media light will come on.

SDLT220 cannot read media created by SDLT320. No warning is given from the drive, but backup software will indicate bad media.

NOTE:

Always label where media was originally used and formatted.

Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

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Table 1-3.

Type IV, VS1, and SDLT1 Media Read/Write Compatibility

Media Types Read by

DLT4000

New Unformatted Type IV Yes

Type IV written by DLT4000 Yes

Type IV written by DLT7000 No*

Type IV written by DLT8000 No*

Type IV written by DLT1 No

Type IV written by VS80

VS1 written by VS160

No

No

SDLT1 written by SDLT220 No

SDLT1 written by SDLT320 No

Read by

DLT7000

Yes

Yes

Yes

No*

No

No

No

No

No

Read by

DLT8000

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Read by

DLT1

Yes

Yes

No

No

3

No

3

Yes

Yes

No

2

*

No

2

*

Read by

VS80

Yes

Yes

No

No

3

No

3

Yes

Yes

No

2

*

No

2

*

Read by

VS160

No

2

No2

No

2

No

2

Yes

1

Yes

1

Yes

No

2

No

2

Read by

SDLT220

No

6

Yes1

Yes

1

Yes

1

Yes

1

Yes

1

No

Yes

No

4

**

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

5

Yes

Read by

SDLT320

No

6

Yes

Yes

NOTE:

In Table 1-3, the media types formatted in bold can read and write Type IV media only.

NOTE:

In Table 1-3, the media type formatted in italics can read and write VS1 media. It can also read

Type IV media written by VS or DLT1 drives.

NOTE:

In Table 1-3, the media types formatted in underlines can read and write SDLT media. They can

also read Type IV media written by DLT4000, DLT7000, DLT8000, VS80, and DLT1 drives.

1

Orange alert/media light comes on.

2

The orange alert/media light illuminates and the tape is automatically ejected. The alert/media light will go off if readable media is inserted into the drive or power is cycled on the drive.

3

No lights will come on. The drive automatically ejects the tape.

4

No lights come on. Backup software shows bad media.

5

Orange (220) LED blinks indicating that a 220 formatted tape is in the drive.

6

No lights blink. The tape does not eject. There is no indicator on the SDLT that would indicate no data on tape.

* Under default settings the DLT 7000 and DLT8000 drives write to tape in their default density. 70 GB 2:1 compressed and 80

GB 2:1 compressed respectively. Tapes written by these devices may be read by DLT4000, DLT1, and VS80 if density 20.0 is selected on the front panel of the drive prior to formatting the tape media with a DLT7000 or DLT8000 drive. This will be data destructive.

** Density selection is not mechanically available on the front panel of SDLT drives. However, for backward compatibility reasons, an SDLT320 Density Select Utility is available on Quantum's website in the SDLT320 download area. This software utility will allow an SDLT320 drive to write in an SDLT220 format. The utility is available for both Microsoft

®

Windows

®

and

Linux platforms.

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

Cleaning Considerations

DLT tape drives do not need periodic cleaning. Only clean DLT tape drives when a request is made by backup software, when a cleaning indicator is seen on the drive, or when troubleshooting. Although DLT 4000/7000/8000/DLT1 and VS80 drives use the same Type IV data media, they do not use the same cleaning tape.

Table 1-4.

Cleaning Media Types

Cleaning Media

Figure 1-9.

Cleaning Tape III

Physical

Description

Characteristics Part No Life Span Tracking

Typically cream colored and labeled "DLT

Cleaning Tape III."

Cleaning material inside looks like standard black media tape.

N/A

NOTE:

Dell does not sell this media.

20 times. User needs to track the number of times the tape is used.

Figure 1-10.

DLT/VS Cleaning Tape Light brown colored. May be designated "DLT1" or "VS80."

Cleaning material is light in color and looks more like cloth than tape. Tape leader is black in color and may appear to look like electromagnetic tape.

340-2372 20 times. User needs to track the number of times the tape is used.

Figure 1-11.

VS160 Cleaning Tape Light grey in color and labeled

"VS160 Cleaning

Cartridge."

Specifically designed to clean VS160 drives.

NOTE:

VS80/DLT1 cleaning tape may be used to clean a VS160 drive, but not recommended.

341-0118 20 times. User needs to track the number of times the tape is used.

Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

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Table 1-4.

Cleaning Media Types

Cleaning Media Physical

Description

Characteristics Part No Life Span Tracking

Figure 1-12.

SDLT Cleaning Tape Light gray in color and designated as

"SDLT Cleaning

Tape."

Specifically designed for

SDLT220 and SDLT320 drives.

If expired cleaning media is reused, the cartridge will get ejected and cleaning light will stay on.

NOTE:

Do not use VS160 cleaning media to clean

SDLT drives.

340-3349 20 times. Tape can track usage. On last use, the cleaning light will go off and the drive will not eject cartridge. User must manually eject cartridge and discard it from future use.

Table 1-5.

Cleaning Media Compatibility

Cleaning Tape

Cleaning Tape III

DLT1/VS Cleaning

Tape

Yes

No

VS160 Cleaning Tape No

SDLT Cleaning Tape No

DLT4000 DLT7000 DLT8000 DLT1

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

VS80

No

Yes

No

No

VS160

No No

YES (not recommended)

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

SDLT220 SDLT320

No

No

No

Yes

Exhausted Cleaning Media

If a cleaning tape is inserted into a DLT/SDLT drive and the light remains on after tape eject, the cleaning tape may be exhausted. See the following to determine that you are using the proper cleaning tape for your drive type. If so, try another cleaning tape. Depending on the drive model, if the light does not go off, there may be a hardware fault in the drive or expired media is being used.

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

When an expired cleaning tape is used in a:

• DLT4000/DLT7000 drive, the tape is ejected and the cleaning light stays on.

• SDLT220/SDLT320 drive, the tape is not ejected and the cleaning light goes out the 20th time (last) the tape is used.

• DLT1/VS80 and VS160 drives, there is no method to determine that the cleaning tape is expired except to manually note usage on the check box label. It is the customer's responsibility to record usage of the cleaning tape and discard after 20 uses. The cartridge will have little or no effect on head cleaning after the recommended 20 uses.

Media Handling

Cartridge Features

Figure 1-13.

Cartridge Tape leader reel lock serial number door lock cartridge hub reel lock

Cartridge Leader — Buckles with drive leader to pull media from cartridge. Two types, DLTtape cartridges (mylar loop) and Super DLTtape cartridges (plastic buckle with metal pin.)

Reel Locks — Prevent media reel in the cartridge from spinning when the cartridge is not loaded in a drive (ensures that proper tension of media is maintained.)

Cartridge Hub — Mechanical interconnect between the cartridge and the drive reel motor.

Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

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Write Protect Switch — Prevents overwrite or erasure of data. You can change the position of the write protect switch at any time.

Figure 1-14.

DLT Tape and Super DLT Tape Media

Write protected - slide toward label. Orange indicator displayed.

Figure 1-15.

DLT Tape VS1 and DLT VS160 Media

Write protected - indicator on top points to closed lock.

Media Care Guidelines

DLTtape cartridges are engineered to be reliable, robust, and durable. They are manufactured to withstand 1,000,000 passes, and have a shelf life of 30 years. For best results, follow these guidelines for media care:

• Protect cartridges from shock, vibration, moisture, and magnetic fields.

• Keep media in protective cases and store vertically when not in use.

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

• Use the slide-in labels provided. Do not use adhesive labels or Post-it notes, and do not write on the cartridge.

Figure 1-16.

Use Slide-in Label

• Write in pen not pencil. Using a pencil can introduce contaminants to the tape path.

• Use caution so loose labels in storage container don't stick to bottom of cartridge, covering the hub.

• Never touch the tape or tape leader. Dust and oils from your skin contaminate the tape and affect performance. Store media vertically in protective plastic cases.

Figure 1-17.

Store Media Vertically in Protective Plastic Cases

• If you drop a cartridge, perform a visual media inspection before inserting it into the drive.

NOTE:

The safety of your data relies on proper care and handling of media cartridges.

Visual Media Inspection

A visual media inspection is to be performed:

• Each time a tape is loaded or changed.

• When a tape cartridge is dropped or subject to a hard physical shock.

• When a shipment of tapes shows any sign of shipping damage.

• If the DLT, DLT VS or SDLT drive becomes inoperable after loading a tape.

NOTE:

If a drive error occurs, inspect the current and previous cartridge used in that drive.

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Cartridge Inspection

• Case: Inspect the case for cracks, chips, or signs of damage.

• Cartridge: Inspect the exterior of the cartridge for chips, cracks, dents, or missing screws.

Gently shake the cartridge. Listen for rattling or loose pieces.

• Cartridge Door: Ensure that the door is moveable and that the spring is present.

• Write Protect Switch: Move the switch. It should snap into write-protected mode and writeenabled mode.

• Cartridge Leader: Gently inspect the cartridge leader to verify that it has not been damaged and is in the correct position.

• DLTtape Cartridges: Check the height of the leader to ensure that the loop is sticking up approximately 3/16 inch or 4 mm. Ensure that the door operates. DLT tape leader loop should be visible and undamaged.

• Super DLTtape Cartridges: Check that the Super DLTtape leader buckle aligns with cartridge edge and metal pin is not bent.

NOTE:

When inspecting the cartridge leader do not use anything that could leave contamination, such as a pen or pencil.

Figure 1-18.

DLTtape Leader Loop

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

Figure 1-19.

Super DLTtape Leader Buckle

• Reel Locks: Check that both reel locks are visible. Verify operation using a small flat-blade screwdriver. The reel locks should spring back when released. If the reel locks are not visible, do not use the cartridge.

Figure 1-20.

Reel Locks

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• Cartridge Hub: Confirm That the spring-loaded hub on the bottom of the cartridge is properly tensioned and centered. Press the hub; it will spring back if operating properly.

Figure 1-21.

Cartridge Hub

The following graphic shows how the SDLT tape latches with the cartridge leader.

Figure 1-22.

SDLT Tape Latch

The following graphic shows how the loop on the Type IV media is engaged by the cartridge leader on the DLT/VS80 drives.

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

Figure 1-23.

Type IV Media Engagement

Cartridge Damage Examples

Figure 1-24.

DLT Cartridge — Leader missing (swallowed cartridge leader or broken tape)

Figure 1-25.

DLT Cartridge — Broken leader loop (not always this obvious)

Figure 1-26.

Media wrapped too loosely (improper tension)

Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

15

Figure 1-27.

SDLT Cartridge — Bent media buckle

SDLT Media

When inspecting an SDLT media cartridge, refer to the following diagrams to check the leader buckles on the media.

Figure 1-28 shows a good cartridge. Note the plastic hooks resting on the cartridge rails and bar

parallel to the cartridge.

Figure 1-28.

Good SDLT Leader Buckles bar hooks

Tests have shown that dropping the media can cause an excessive amount of stress to the spring-loaded cartridge hub on impact. This amount of stress will pull the tape media further into the media cartridge and bend the leader buckles.

See Figure 1-29 to identify bent-in leader buckles. Note that the plastic hooks are bent inward

and not resting on the cartridge wall. Also the bar is not parallel to the cartridge. It is usually the

HUB side of the cartridge that gets more pulled.

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

Figure 1-29.

SDLT Bent-In Leader Buckles bar hooks

Media with bent-in leader buckles have been known to cause the tape drive to drop the leader when the drive tries to load the media into the take-up reel.

Cartridge Storage

When storing cartridge, avoid moisture and direct sunlight. Exposure to moisture or sunlight can deform or ruin media.

Table 1-6.

Normal Storage Conditions (Nonarchival)

Temperature

• Between 61ºF and 90ºF (16ºC and 32ºC)

• Wet bulb temperature 78ºF (26ºC)

Relative Humidity

Between 20% and 80%

Table 1-7.

Archival Storage Conditions (for one or more years)

Temperature

Between 64ºF and 79ºF (18ºC and 26ºC)

Relative Humidity

Between 40% and 60%

Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0

17

Media Do's and Do Not's

The following should be done when handling media.

• Store cartridges in their protective cases.

• Handle cartridges with great care.

• Store cartridges vertically.

• Align cartridges so the grooves interlock.

• Inspect cartridges prior to each use.

• Unload cartridges prior to powering down the drive.

• Allow a 24-hour conditioning period to the operating temperature and humidity before using new or stored cartridges.

The following should not be done when handling media.

• Touch the media or leader with bare fingers.

• Use pens or pencils during cartridge inspection.

• Drop cartridge.

• Stack cartridges horizontally.

• Disassemble cartridges.

• Use adhesive labels.

• Ship cartridges in drive.

• Store near magnetic fields (for example, speakers, monitors, electric motors, power supplies, and so forth).

• Use a cartridge that fell from 3 ft or higher.

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Dell PowerVault DLT, VS, and SDLT Media Handbook Version 2.0