StorageWorks, TZ8x7 Series Tape Dr SCSI Bus Config & Install.

This document, the "TZ8x7-Series Tape Drive SCSI Bus Configuration and Installation Guide," provides instructions for planning and installing SCSI buses for TZ8x7-series tape drives in Digital Equipment Corporation's StorageWorks cabinets.

Key information includes:

• Configurations: It covers two main types of StorageWorks cabinet setups:

  • Storage-Only Cabinets: Where the SCSI controller is external. These can house one to four TZ8x7 drives and detail various host connection methods, including direct connection, or using DWZZA-AA SCSI signal converters for distant hosts (both single-ended and differential interfaces).
  • Controller/Storage Cabinets: Where the SCSI controller is internal. These can accommodate one or two TZ8x7 drives.

• SCSI Bus Details: TZ8x7 drives use a single-ended, narrow SCSI bus with an approximate transfer rate of 3 MB/s and a maximum total bus length of 6 meters (19.7 feet).

• Cabling: Emphasizes the required use of a 17-03831 adapter cable on the first tape drive for proper fault detection and operation, BC19J-1E jumper cables for connecting drives within the cabinet, and standard SCSI A cables for host/controller connections.
• Termination: An H8574-A terminator must be installed on the last tape drive on the bus.
• SCSI Address Setting: Each tape drive requires a unique SCSI address, typically set between 0 and 3, with addresses 6 and 7 reserved for the bus initiator/controller.
• Planning Steps: The guide outlines general steps for configuration, including determining the number of drives, calculating required cable lengths, selecting appropriate cables, installing components, and setting addresses.
• Performance Note: It strongly recommends not mixing tape drives and disk drives on the same SCSI bus for maximum performance.