TA91 Owners Manual

This document is the Owner's Manual for the TA91 Magnetic Tape Subsystem, published in April 1991 by Digital Equipment Corporation. It is designed for operators and covers the complete operation and troubleshooting of the TA91 subsystem.

Key areas covered include:

1. System Overview: Describes the TA91's components, including Tape Control Units (TCUs), Tape Transport Units (TTUs), individual tape drives, and integrated cartridge loaders, all using cartridge-enclosed magnetic tape.
2. Operator Panels and Controls: Details the various operator and switch panels on the TCU, tape drives, and cartridge loaders. It explains the functions of switches (e.g., Power On/Off, Emergency Power, Normal/Test, On Line/Off Line, Remote/Local, mode selection for Auto/Manual operation) and indicator lights (e.g., Power On, DC Power, Error, Wait, Attention, Selected).
3. Operating Procedures: Provides step-by-step instructions for essential tasks such as:
   • Loading the microprogram (IML) into the TCU.
   • Removing and restoring power (both emergency and normal).
   • Inserting and removing tape cartridges, including setting the file-protect selector and using the automatic cartridge loader in Auto and Manual modes.
   • Rewinding tape.
   • Cleaning procedures for the tape path and cartridges.
4. Care and Handling of Magnetic Tape Cartridges: Offers guidelines on the physical description, media requirements, unpacking, labeling, stacking, and identifying damaged cartridges. It also details environmental considerations for operation and storage, as well as procedures for cartridge disposal and data security (erasing, burning, shredding).
5. Troubleshooting: A comprehensive section on "What to Do if You Have a Problem," providing a quick look-up guide for various issues like cartridge loading/unloading failures, IML procedure failures, drives not becoming ready, tape rewind/unload problems, cartridge loader recovery procedures, and interpreting message/check codes.
6. VMS System Commands: An appendix outlines standard VMS commands (e.g., ALLOCATE, INITIALIZE, MOUNT, DISMOUNT, BACKUP) used to interact with the TA91, along with a Check Code Table for error resolution.

The manual emphasizes proper handling and operational cautions to prevent data integrity issues and equipment damage.