Installing the TF85 Tabletop Cartridge Tape Subsystem

This document is an installation guide titled "Installing the TF85 Tabletop Cartridge Tape Subsystem," published by Digital Equipment Corporation's Educational Services, with the latest edition from March 1992.

Purpose & Audience: It provides instructions for Digital Services personnel and qualified self-maintenance customers on how to install the TF85 tabletop cartridge tape subsystem.

Compatibility: The TF85 subsystem is supported on VAX 6000, VAX 4000, MicroVAX/VAXserver 3xxx (Q-bus), and MicroVAX II systems that already have DSSI bus adapters installed (either embedded or on adapter modules like KFMSA or KFQSA).

Key Information & Steps:

• Preparation: Details are provided for unpacking and verifying package contents (TF85 unit, cartridges, power cord, manuals, DSSI node ID plugs, and various DSSI cable options). It specifies choosing a suitable, dust-free, and well-ventilated site.
• Performance Considerations: Notes that VMS backup performance can vary with the system processor, with VAX 4000/6000 offering optimum performance, and MicroVAX/VAXserver 3xxx (Q-bus) systems potentially having a reduced rate.
• Load Device Requirement: Crucially, the TF85 connected to a KFQSA adapter on MicroVAX II or MicroVAX/VAXserver 3xxx systems does not support booting VMS or MDM software; an additional load device is required.
• Physical Installation: Involves powering off the host system, selecting a unique DSSI node ID for the TF85, connecting the DSSI cable to the TF85 (leftmost connector) and the host system, and attaching a DSSI terminator to the rightmost TF85 connector if it's the last device on the bus.
• Power-Up & Self-Test: Instructions for connecting the power cord and observing the Power-On Self-Test (POST) indicator sequence on the TF85's front panel.
• System Configuration: Guides the user on how to configure the host system to recognize the TF85 after a successful POST, including a command example for VAX 4000 using the DUP and PARAMS utilities.
• Installation Verification: Advises running the DRVEXR data transfer test from console I/O mode using a scratch data cartridge, as this test will destroy data.
• Troubleshooting: Includes a table for correcting common problems, such as the system not recognizing the TF85, DSSI cable or terminator issues, power problems, or drive faults.

The document emphasizes the need to refer to other related system and DSSI adapter documentation for detailed procedures on host system configuration and for operating the TF85 post-installation.