TC44-AA/BA STI to StorageTek 4400 ACS Interconnect Hrdw Inst

This document, the "TC44-AA/BA STI to StorageTek 4400 ACS Interconnect Hardware Installation Guide," provides comprehensive instructions for installing and performing basic troubleshooting on the TC44 Standard Tape Interface (STI) to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS-60) Interconnect.

Purpose: The TC44-AA/BA Interconnect is designed to allow a VAX system to access either a Storage Technology Automated Cartridge System (ACS) or a Digital TA92 standalone tape subsystem. When used with a StorageTek ACS, it enables VAX operating system tape commands to be translated into StorageTek ACS commands to control library robotics via an Ethernet link.

Key Components & Design: The TC44 Interconnect is a rack-mountable system that includes a FIPS-60 converter module, two TC44 Adapter Modules, a power supply, fans, a voltage select switch, and a Customer Engineer (CE) panel for diagnostics and configuration.

Installation Process:

1. Site Preparation: Covers crucial environmental considerations such as space requirements, power supply specifications (e.g., well-regulated 120/240Vac, 3A max), proper air circulation, and static electricity prevention.
2. Unpacking and Mounting: Details the contents of the shipping carton (including mounting rails, power cord, terminators, and loopback connectors) and provides steps for securely installing the unit into a cabinet or rack.
3. Controls and Indicators: Explains the functionality of the front panel A/B Port Select and Fault Switches (for managing tape drive access and indicating status/errors), the CE Panel (used for setting logical base drive addresses, "masking" drives, performing loopback diagnostics, and displaying configuration), and the TC44 Adapter Module Status LEDs (FIPS, Kernel, HSC) which provide operational status.
4. Configuration: Guides the user through powering up the unit, ensuring loopback connectors are installed for testing/setup, setting a base address for the connected tape drives, and "masking" any drive addresses that are not used by the TC44 to prevent conflicts with other systems. The TC44 does not share tape drives with other hosts.
5. Cabling: Provides instructions for connecting the FIPS-60 cables (to Storage Technology control units or Digital TA92, ensuring correct termination) and the STI/HSC cables (to Hierarchical Storage Controllers). It emphasizes setting the channel transfer speed to 3 MBytes/second streaming and notes specific K.SI module requirements for HSC connections.

Troubleshooting: The document includes a section on basic verification and error indications, primarily using information displayed on the CE panel and various LED indicators. For more advanced troubleshooting and unit replacement procedures, it directs the user to a separate maintenance manual.

Specifications: An appendix provides detailed physical dimensions, electrical specifications (voltage, frequency, power consumption), environmental operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude), and performance metrics (e.g., 2 Mbytes/sec data transfer rate).

Audience: This manual is specifically written for Digital-trained Customer Services technicians qualified to service TA9x and HSC units.