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EK-OTF85-OM-002

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Document:	Tx85 Series Catridge Tape Subsystem Owner's Manual
Order Number:	EK-OTF85-OM
Revision:	002
Pages:	63
Original Filename:

OCR Text

Educational Services

Tx85 Series
Cartridge Tape Subsystem
Owner’s Manual
EK–OTF85–OM–002

Digital Equipment Corporation

First Edition, May 1991
Second Edition, November 1991
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a
commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility
for any errors that may appear in this document.
Copyright © Digital Equipment Corporation 1991
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: BASIC, CompacTape, DECdirect,
DECmailer, DECservice, DSSI, InfoServer, KFQSA, MicroVAX, MicroVAX II, SERVICenter, TF, TK, TZ,
VAX, VAX 4000, VAX 6000, VAXserver, VMS, and the DIGITAL logo.

Contents
About This Manual
1

About the Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating the Tx85 Subsystem
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicators and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge Write-Protect Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading a Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using a Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the CleaningTape III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unloading a Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preserving Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–2
2–6
2–8
2–10
2–11
2–12
2–14

Solving Problems
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1
1–2
1–5
1–7
1–8
1–10
1–11

3–1
3–2
3–4

Running Local Programs on the TF85 Subsystem
In This Chapter

...........................................

4–1

Contents–iii

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the TF85 DIRECT and HISTRY Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–2
4–10

Appendix A Tx85 Subsystem Specifications
Appendix B Standard VMS Commands
Using the Subsystem Efficiently . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B–1
B–2

Appendix C Digital Services
Service Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index

Contents–iv

C–1

TF85 FCC NOTICE
The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and may emit radio frequency energy. The
equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant
to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
radio frequency interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area may cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense may be required to take
measures to correct the interference.
TZ85 FCC NOTICE
The equipment described in this manual has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing
device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etcetera) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this computer.
Operation with noncertified peripherals may result in interference to radio and television reception. This
equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It
has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with
the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—

Reorient the receiving antenna.

—

Move the computer away from the receiver.

—

Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the US
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004–000–00398–5.

TZ85 USER NOTICE — CLASS B — DEUTSCHLAND
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs:
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, das dieses Geraet in Uebereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der DBPVerfuegung 1046/84, Amtsblatt Nr. 163/84, funkentstoert ist.
Der Deutschen Bundesport (DBP) wurde das In-Verkehr-Bringen dieses Geraetes angezeigt und die
Berechtigung zur Ueberpruefung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeraeumt.
Betreiberhinweis:
Wir sind verpflichtet, Sie auf folgende Fakten hinzuweisen (DBP-Verfuegung 1046/84, Paragraf 2, Abschnitt
5):
Das Geraet wurde funktechnisch sorgfaeltig entstoert und geprueft.
Beim Zusammenschalten mit anderen EDV-Geraeten koennen im unguenstigsten Fall Funkstoerungen
entstehen, die dann im Einzelnen zusaetzliche Funkentstoerungs-Massnahmen erfordern.

About This Manual

Purpose

This manual introduces the Tx85 series of cartridge tape
subsystems and describes the operating procedures.

Intended
Audience

This manual is intended for the TF85 or TZ85 subsystem owner.

Chapter 1

‘‘About the Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem’’ briefly describes
the TF85 and TZ85 cartridge tape subsystems. This chapter
describes the CompacTape III and CleaningTape III cartridges,
and lists supplies and related documents.

Chapter 2

‘‘Operating the Tx85 Subsystem’’ shows the indicators and
controls on the Tx85 subsystem and explains their use. This
chapter provides a step-by-step explanation of how to operate
and clean a TK85 drive.

Chapter 3

‘‘Solving Problems’’ explains how to identify and resolve
problems with your subsystem. This chapter provides
symptoms and lists the most likely causes of problems.

Continued on next page

vii

About This Manual, Continued
Chapter 4

‘‘Running Local Programs on the TF85 Subsystem’’ describes
how to access and run the PARAMS, DIRECT, and HISTRY
local programs on the TF85 subsystem.

Appendix A

‘‘Tx85 Subsystem Specifications’’ provides a specification listing
for the TF85 and the TZ85.

Appendix B

‘‘Standard VMS Commands’’ describes how to use standard
VMS operating system commands with your Tx85 cartridge
tape subsystem for optimum operating efficiency.

Appendix C

‘‘Digital Services’’ lists the services Digital Equipment
Corporation provides its customers.

Convention

The term Tx85 refers to the TF85 and TZ85 series of cartridge
tape subsystems.

viii

Chapter 1
About the Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem
In This Chapter

1–1

Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem
Tx85
Description

The Tx85 series of cartridge tape subsystems are used primarily
as backup storage devices and as devices for loading software
onto Digital computer systems.
The Tx85 comes embedded in a system enclosure or in a
tabletop enclosure with its own power supply. The Tx85 is
available in these variations:
TF85, for systems using the DSSI bus
TZ85, for systems using the SCSI bus

Basic
Components

The Tx85 subsystem consists of the following basic components:

TF85 Subsystem

TZ85 Subsystem

TK85 tape drive

DSSI controller module

SCSI controller module

The TK85 drive is a streaming tape drive that can store up to
2.6 gigabytes of data on a CompacTape III cartridge.
The Tx85 subsystem connects to the computer system through
the controller module, which is responsible for initiating
commands to the TK85 drive.
Continued on next page

1–2

Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem, Continued
Basic
Components
(continued)

Performance
Consideration

Depending on your host system configuration, the SCSI
controller module comes as one of the following two options:

This controller option. . .

For this SCSI cable. . .

Single-ended

6-meter (19-foot) single-ended
cable (ANSI SCSI standard)

Differential

Longer differential SCSI cables
with better noise immunity

The VMS backup performance rate of your Tx85 subsystem can
depend on your system processor. For example:
Connecting directly to an embedded bus adapter on such
systems as the VAX 4000, VAX 6000, or InfoServer 150
(TZ85 only) provides optimum performance.
Connecting to a MicroVAX/VAXserver 3xxx (Q–bus) system
can reduce the rate of performance but does not limit the
high capacity of data storage that your Tx85 has.

Required Load
Device

The TF85, when connected to a KFQSA adapter installed
in a MicroVAX II or MicroVAX/VAXserver 3xxx system, does
not support booting of VMS or MicroVAX Diagnostic Monitor
(MDM) software. An additional load device is needed to boot
this software.
Continued on next page

1–3

Tx85 Cartridge Tape Subsystem, Continued
Decals

The Tx85 subsystem ships with decals including the
appropriate language of the country to which the subsystem
has been shipped. The decals adhere to the cartridge insert
/release handle and the indicator panel (see Tx85 Front Panel).
The tabletop TZ85 also has a decal for the switchpack on the
rear panel.

Tx85 Front
Panel

The following diagram shows the front panel of the Tx85
cartridge tape subsystem:

se
U
ed
g
e
ct
in
in
at dle
n
te te
e
e a pe per an
ri ro
ap Us Cle Ta
W P
O H
T

Text is 8pt on 8pt
Rt,z,-45
TK85 is TI med (ti) 12pt

t
ad
gh
Lo
Li
o
T
t
ai his
t
W
n
pe
O dle pe
a
T
an
H
rt
se his
t
In
se
lo e
C dl
an

d
oa
n
nl
to
U
ut t
o
B gh
T
i
ss L
re
P t
is
ai
th
W
n
pe
pe
O dle Ta
an ve
o
em

U
nl
oa
d

CARTRIDGE INSERT/RELEASE HANDLE
SHR-X0056G-91

1–4

Data Tape

CompacTape III
Description

The CompacTape III is a 4- -inch square, dark gray, plastic

cartridge containing 1200 feet of
-inch magnetic, metal
particle (MP) tape.

Cartridge
Packaging

Your CompacTape III is supplied with a:
Set of slide-in labels for cartridges
Cartridge handling information sheet

Reading and
Writing Data

The TK85 drive writes 24 pairs of tracks—48 tracks in all—on
the CompacTape III. The drive reads and writes data in a twotrack parallel, serpentine fashion, traveling the entire length of
tape on two tracks (at about 100 inches per second). The drive
then steps the head and reverses tape direction and continues
to read/write on the next two tracks.

Write-Protecting
Data

The CompacTape III cartridge has a write-protect switch
to prevent accidental erasure of data (see CompacTape III
Diagram). When the switch is moved to the left and the small
orange rectangle is visible, data cannot be written to the tape.
Beneath the orange rectangle is an arrow over two lines on the
write-protect switch. The arrow over the two lines symbolizes
data cannot be written to the tape.

Continued on next page

1–5

Data Tape, Continued
Write-Protecting
Data
(continued)

On the right side of the write-protect switch is another symbol,
an arrow over one line. The symbol indicates if the writeprotect switch is moved to the right, data can be written to the
tape.

CompacTape III
Diagram

The following diagram shows the CompacTape III cartridge and
its write-protect switch:
ORANGE
INDICATOR

m
Co

e
ap

III

WRITEPROTECT
SWITCH

WRITEENABLED

WRITEPROTECTED
SHR_X1020C_89

1–6

Cartridge Compatibility

Read-Only
Cartridges

Older CompacTape cartridges can be loaded for read-only
purposes into the TK85 tape drive. Any cartridges recorded by
the TK50, TK70, or TZ30 tape drive can be read by the TK85
drive.

Comparison
of Read/Write
Ability

The following table shows cartridge compatibility with the
TK85 drive:

Cartridge Type

Read/Write Ability in
the TK85 Drive

CompacTape (TK50/TZ30)

Read-only

CompacTape II (TK70)

Read-only

CompacTape III (TK85)

Read/write

1–7

Cleaning Tape

CleaningTape
III Description

The CleaningTape III is a 4 -inch square, light yellow, plastic

cartridge containing 1200 feet of
-inch, cleaning tape. See
Chapter 2 for information on using the CleaningTape III.

Cartridge
Packaging

Your CleaningTape III is supplied with a:
Slide-in label that has 20 boxes, each for marking a check
after cartridge use (see Cartridge Expiration)
Cartridge handling information sheet

Cartridge
Expiration

You can use the CleaningTape III cartridge approximately 20
times before it expires. The word expire does not pertain to an
expiration date. Expire means no cleaning area is left on the
tape.
To record the number of uses, mark a check in one box on the
cartridge label after each cleaning. After the final use, discard
the cleaning tape cartridge.

Continued on next page

1–8

Cleaning Tape, Continued
CleaningTape
III Diagram

The following diagram shows the CleaningTape III:

ea
Cl

nin

e
ap

III

SHR_X1020E_89

1–9

Supplies

Cartridges
Provided

One CompacTape III cartridge and one CleaningTape III
cartridge ship with the Tx85 subsystem.

How To Order

You can order additional cartridges by contacting your Digital
sales representative or by calling Digital’s DECdirect ordering
service at 1–800–DIGITAL.
The following table lists cartridges with order numbers for the
Tx85 subsystem:

1–10

Order Number

Description

TK85–HC

CleaningTape III cleaning cartridge

TK85K–01

CompacTape III data cartridge

Related Documents

For More
Information

The following documents provide more information on the Tx85
subsystem:

Order Number

Title

AA–Z407B–TE

VAX/VMS Backup Utility Reference
Manual

AI–Y506B–TE

Guide to VAX/VMS Disk and Magnetic
Tape Operations

AA–Z424A–TE

VAX/VMS Mount Utility Reference
Manual

EK–TF857–OM

Tx857 Series Magazine Tape Subsystem
Owner’s Manual

EK–OTK85–RC

Tx85 Tape Drive Operator’s Reference
Card

1–11

Chapter 2
Operating the Tx85 Subsystem
In This Chapter

Introduction

This chapter describes operating procedures for the Tx85
subsystem.

Contents

Chapter 2 includes the following topics:
Topic

Page

Indicators and Controls
Cartridge Write-Protect Switch
Loading a Cartridge
Using a Cartridge
Using the CleaningTape III
Unloading a Cartridge
Preserving Cartridges

2–2
2–6
2–8
2–10
2–11
2–12
2–14

2–1

Indicators and Controls

Description of
Indicators and
Controls

The Tx85 subsystem has the following indicators and controls
for operating the subsystem (see Diagram of Indicators and
Controls):

Indicators
Write Protected indicator
Tape in Use indicator
Use Cleaning Tape indicator
Operate Handle indicator
Beeper

Controls
Unload button
Cartridge insert/release handle

Continued on next page

2–2

Indicators and Controls, Continued
Diagram of
Indicators and
Controls

The following diagram shows the Tx85 controls and indicators:
ORANGE
YELLOW
ORANGE
GREEN

se
U
ed
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e
n
ct
in
at dle
ni
te te
e
e a pe per an
ri ro
ap Us Cle Ta
W P
O H
T

Text is 8pt on 8pt
Rt,z,-45
TK85 is TI med (ti) 12pt

t
ad
gh
Lo
Li
o
T
t
ai his
t
W
n
pe
O dle pe
a
an t T
H
r
se his
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In
se
lo e
C dl
an

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nl
to
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ut t
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B gh
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ss L
re
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ai his
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O dle Ta
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o
em

U
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CARTRIDGE INSERT/RELEASE HANDLE
SHR-X0056H-91

Continued on next page

2–3

Indicators and Controls, Continued
Use this table to determine the subsystem’s operating condition:

Interpreting
the Indicators
Indicator
Label

Color

State

Operating Condition

Write Protected

Orange

On
Off

Tape is write-protected.
Tape is write-enabled.

Tape in Use

Yellow

Blinking
On

Tape is moving.
Tape is loaded; ready for use.

Use Cleaning Tape

Orange

Drive head needs cleaning, or the tape is bad. See
Using the CleaningTape III in this chapter.

Remains on after
you unload the
cleaning tape

Cleaning tape attempted to clean the drive head, but
the tape expired, so cleaning was not done.

After cleaning,
turns on again
when you reload
the data cartridge

Problem data cartridge. Try another cartridge.

Off

Cleaning is complete, or cleaning is unnecessary.

Operate Handle

Green

On
Off

Okay to operate the cartridge/insert release handle.
Do not operate the cartridge insert/release handle.

All four indicators

–

Power-on self-test is in progress.

Blinking

An error has occurred. See Chapter 3, Solving
Problems.

Continued on next page

2–4

Indicators and Controls, Continued
Beeper

A beeper sounds when you can operate the cartridge insert
/release handle. When you hear the beep, the green light is on.

Unload Button

The Unload button rewinds the tape and unloads the tape from
the drive back into the cartridge. The tape must be completely
rewound and unloaded into the cartridge before you remove the
cartridge from the drive. Depending on tape position, an unload
operation may take from 10 seconds to 4 minutes.

Cartridge
Insert/Release
Handle

Operate the cartridge insert/release handle to load a cartridge
or to eject a cartridge only when the Operate Handle indicator
is on, and after the momentary beep sounds. The handle
lifts to the open position and lowers to the closed position.
See Loading a Cartridge and Unloading a Cartridge for the
operating procedures.

2–5

Cartridge Write-Protect Switch

Positioning
the Switch

Before loading the CompacTape III into the drive, position the
write-protect switch on the front of the cartridge. The switch
can move to the left so that the cartridge is write-protected, or
to the right so that the cartridge is write-enabled (see Diagram
of the Switch).

Diagram of the
Switch

The following diagram shows the write-protect switch on the
CompacTape III:
ORANGE
INDICATOR

a
mp

II
eI

WRITEPROTECT
SWITCH

WRITEENABLED

WRITEPROTECTED
SHR_X1020C_89

Continued on next page

2–6

Cartridge Write-Protect Switch, Continued
Data
Protection

The following table describes what happens to data protection
when you move the write-protect switch:

If you move the write-protect switch
before loading the cartridge. . .

Then. . .

To the left on the cartridge, the tape is
write-protected, with the orange indicator
showing

You cannot write data to the tape.

To the right on the cartridge, the tape is
write-enabled

You can write data to the tape (if it is
not software write-protected).

If you move the write-protect switch
during operation. . .

Then. . .

From the write-protected position to the
write-enabled position

The tape becomes write-enabled after
a variable amount of time (on order of
seconds).

From the write-enabled position to the
write-protected position

The tape becomes write-protected after
a variable amount of time (on order of
seconds).

2–7

Loading a Cartridge

Steps To
Follow

The directions for loading a cartridge into and unloading a
cartridge from the drive are printed on the front of the drive.
The following are more detailed steps for loading a cartridge
(see Diagram of Cartridge Loading):
1. When the green light is on steadily, pull the cartridge insert
/release handle open.
2. Insert the cartridge.
3. Push the cartridge into the drive.
4. Push the handle closed.
The green light turns off and the yellow light blinks to show
that the tape is loading. When the tape is at the beginning-oftape (BOT) marker, the yellow indicator turns on steadily. The
tape is now ready for use.

Continued on next page

2–8

Loading a Cartridge, Continued
Diagram of
Cartridge
Loading

The following diagram shows how to load a cartridge into the
drive:

SHR-0256-87
SHR_X1093_89_CPG

2–9

Using a Cartridge

Tape in Use

Whenever the yellow light is on steadily, the tape is ready to
use. When the tape is being read, written, or rewound, the
yellow light blinks.

Things To
Note During
Cartridge Use

Use the following table to determine what is happening during
cartridge use:

If. . .

Then. . .

The yellow light is
on steadily

A cartridge is loaded, but the tape is not moving. This condition
can mean that no application is communicating with the
controller, or that the application is communicating but is
not delivering commands for tape motion.

The yellow light
blinks irregularly

A read or write is in progress.

The yellow light
blinks regularly

The tape is loading, unloading, or rewinding.

The green light
turns on and the
beeper sounds

The tape is unloaded.

All four lights blink

An error has occurred during operation. See Chapter 3, Solving
Problems.

2–10

Using the CleaningTape III

When To Use

If the Use Cleaning Tape indicator turns on (see Diagram
of Indicators and Controls), the drive head needs cleaning
or the tape is bad (see Problem Data Cartridge). Use the
CleaningTape III. Follow the instructions in this chapter for
loading a cartridge into the drive. When cleaning is complete,
the beeper sounds for you to remove the CleaningTape III.
If you use the CleaningTape III when the Use Cleaning Tape
indicator is off, the CleaningTape III will load and clean the
drive.

Problem Data
Cartridge

If the Use Cleaning Tape indicator turns on after you clean the
drive head and reload your data cartridge, your data cartridge
may be causing the problem. Try another data cartridge, and
if the Use Cleaning Tape indicator turns on again, call Digital
Services.

Expired
Cleaning Tape

If the Use Cleaning Tape indicator is on after you load the
CleaningTape III, then cleaning has not been done and the
cartridge is expired. Replace the cleaning cartridge.
The CleaningTape III expires after approximately 20 uses.

2–11

Unloading a Cartridge

Steps To
Follow

Follow these steps to unload a cartridge from the drive (see
Diagram of Cartridge Unloading):
1. Press the Unload button (or issue the appropriate system
software command).
2. When the green light turns on (the beeper also sounds),
pull the cartridge insert/release handle open to eject the
cartridge.
3. Remove the cartridge.
4. Push the handle closed.
CAUTIONS
Cartridges must be removed from the drive before
host system power is turned off. Failure to remove
a cartridge can result in cartridge and drive damage.
To prolong the life of your cartridge, return the
cartridge to its plastic case when you remove the
cartridge from the drive.

Continued on next page

2–12

Unloading a Cartridge, Continued
Diagram of
Cartridge
Unloading

The following diagram shows how to unload a cartridge from
the drive:
1

SHR-0257-87
SHR_X1049_89_CPG

2–13

Preserving Cartridges

Guidelines

For longer life of recorded or unrecorded cartridges, store
cartridges in a clean environment with the following conditions:
Do not drop or bang the cartridge. Doing so can displace
the tape leader, making the cartridge unusable and possibly
damaging the drive.
Keep tape cartridges out of direct sunlight and away from
heaters and other heat sources.
Store tape cartridges in temperatures between 10°C and
40°C (50°F to 104°F). For longer cartridge life, always
store the cartridge in its plastic container and in room
environment conditions of 72°F ± 7°F (22°C± 4°C).
If the tape cartridge has been exposed to heat or cold
extremes, stabilize the cartridge at room temperature for
the same amount of time it was exposed—up to 24 hours.
Do not place cartridges near electromagnetic interference
sources, such as terminals, motors, and video or X-ray
equipment. Data on the tape can be altered.
Store tape cartridges in a dust-free environment where
the relative humidity is between 20% and 80%. For longer
cartridge life, store the cartridge at 40% ± 20% relative
humidity.
Place an identification label only in the slide-in slot on the
front of the cartridge.

2–14

Chapter 3
Solving Problems
In This Chapter

Introduction

This chapter describes what to do if you have drive or tape
problems.

Contents

Chapter 3 describes the following topics:
Topic

Page

Common Errors
Inspections

3–2
3–4

3–1

Common Errors

Avoiding
Basic
Problems

You can avoid some errors by following these guidelines:
Use the correct cartridge type. See Cartridge Compatibility
in Chapter 1.
Care for your cartridges according to the guidelines in
Preserving Cartridges , Chapter 2.
Make sure the cartridge leader and the drive leader are in
their correct positions. See Inspections in this chapter.
Unload the cartridge before powering down the system.

Error
Influences

If an error does occur during subsystem operation, you may be
able to correct the error yourself. Factors influencing errors
include:
Defective media
Dirty drive head
Operator or user errors
Incorrect backup commands
See Finding Solutions in this chapter for information on
detecting and correcting these errors.

Continued on next page

3–2

Common Errors, Continued
Finding
Solutions

Use the following table to interpret error symptoms, determine
their causes, and take corrective action:

Symptom

Probable Cause

Possible Correction

Failure to mount or
read/write with new
or used cartridge

Bad cartridge

Retry with another cartridge.

Dirty drive head

Use CleaningTape III.

VMS INITIALIZE
command fails with
parity error

Tape calibration
failed

Try another cartridge.

Green light is on and
tape does not move
(yellow light stays on,
does not blink)

Cartridge load error

Inspect the cartridge for a
mispositioned leader (see Diagram
of Cartridge Leader in this chapter).
Replace the cartridge if its leader is
mispositioned.
Inspect the drive for a damaged,
misplaced, or unhooked leader (see
Diagrams of Drive Leader in this
chapter). Call Digital Services if
the drive leader is not in the correct
location.

All four lights
blinking

Drive failed selftest or detected a
hard error during
operation

Try to clear the error by pressing the
Unload button. If the error does not
clear (the tape does not rewind and
unload and the four lights blink), you
have a hardware failure. Call Digital
Services.

3–3

Inspections

Checking the
Cartridge
Leader

Before you use a tape cartridge, be sure the tape leader is in
the same position as the one in Diagram of Cartridge Leader.
Lift the door lock with your thumb and open the small door to
expose the leader.
CAUTIONS
Do not touch the exposed magnetic tape.
If the tape leader is not in the correct position, do
not try to fix it. Use another cartridge instead.

Diagram of
Cartridge
Leader

The following diagram shows the correct position of the
cartridge leader:

CARTRIDGE
LEADER

DOOR LOCK
(RELEASE BY LIFTING
DOOR LOCK WITH THUMB)
SHR-0002-86
SHR_X1027_89_CPG

Continued on next page

3–4

Inspections, Continued
Checking the
Drive Leader

Compare the leader inside your drive with those shown in
Diagrams of Drive Leader. If the leader is unhooked, misplaced,
or damaged, call Digital Services. Do not try to fix the leader.

Diagrams of
Drive Leader

The following diagram shows the location of the leader inside
the drive:
TAKEUP
LEADER

NOTCH IN
LEADER

BUCKLING
LINK

se
U
ed
e
ng
ct
in
at le
ni
te te
e
e a e
er nd
ri ro
ap Us Cle ap Op Ha
W P
T
T
U
nl
oa
d

CARTRIDGE INSERT/RELEASE
HANDLE (DOWN)

SHR-0249-87
SHR_X1028G_91_CPG

Continued on next page

3–5

Inspections, Continued
Diagrams of
Drive Leader
(continued)

The following diagram shows the correct and incorrect locations
of the drive leader:

TAKEUP
LEADER

BUCKLING
LINK

CORRECT
LOCATION
OF LEADER

ACCEPTABLE

LEADER
UNHOOKED

UNACCEPTABLE

TAKEUP
LEADER
NOTCH
LEADER
DISPLACED
ABOVE
LINK

SHR-0249-87
SHR_X1028F_91_CPG

3–6

Chapter 4
Running Local Programs
on the TF85 Subsystem
In This Chapter

Introduction

This chapter shows you how to use the following local programs
that reside in read-only memory (ROM) on the TF85 subsystem:
PARAMS allows you to modify parameters for your TF85.
DIRECT provides a directory of available local programs.
HISTRY displays information about the TF85.

Contents

Chapter 4 includes the following topics:
Topic

Page

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program
Using the TF85 DIRECT and HISTRY Utilities

4–2
4–10

4–1

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program

About
PARAMS

PARAMS can be executed while the tape is controlled by
another application. PARAMS is used only to access and
change controller parameters.
When you execute PARAMS, communications between the host
system and the TF85 subsystem are through the diagnostic
utilities protocol (DUP). When you exit PARAMS, control is
returned to the operating system.

Starting
PARAMS

After defining a symbol node name to be the node name
parameter for your drive, access PARAMS with the DCL
command. The following example shows the sequence of
commands to start PARAMS. These commands are for the
VMS operating system, version 5.4 or later.
$ SHOW CLUSTER
View of Cluster from system ID 18582 node: DROVIM 7-OCT-1991 11:47:03

----------------------------|
SYSTEMS
|MEMBERS |
|---------------------------|
|NODE
| SOFTWARE | STATUS |
|-------|----------|--------|
|DROVIM | VMS V5.3 | MEMBER |
|GEAR
| RFX V103 |
|
|LIBRY | RFX V103 |
|
|TF85
| TFX V002 |
|
|CANDY | VMS V5.3 | MEMBER |
|BOLTS | VMS V5.3 | MEMBER |
----------------------------$ SET HOST/DUP/SERVER=MSCP$DUP/TASK=PARAMS TF85

Continued on next page

4–2

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
Starting
PARAMS
(continued)

Note that you can determine the node name by executing the
SHOW CLUSTER command. Also note that, after TASK=, you
append PARAMS to execute the PARAMS program.
NOTE
The node name is the name of the tape device.
The node name is derived from the subsystem’s
serial number, unless you already reassigned the
node name through PARAMS. A drive received from
the factory has a unique drive serial number and,
therefore, a unique node name.
Once you invoke PARAMS through the SET HOST/DUP
command, the screen displays the following prompt:
PARAMS>

The PARAMS> prompt indicates that you have accessed the
PARAMS program.

Unit Off-Line
Message

If, when using the SET HOST/DUP command, you receive the
error message:
Unit offline

you might have forgotten to load the FYDRIVER program.
(Loading FYDRIVER a second time will not cause any problem.)
Load FYDRIVER as follows:
$ MCR SYSGEN

(to access SYSGEN)

$ SYSGEN> LOAD FYDRIVER

(to load FYDRIVER, prerequisite
to using diagnostics)

$ SYSGEN> CON FYA0/NOADAP

(to configure FYDRIVER)

$ SYSGEN> EXIT

Continued on next page

4–3

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
Changing the
Node Name

You may want to change the default node name to something
you can recognize more easily than the node name the system
created. If you decide to change the node name, you should be
aware of the following:
It is preferable to change the node name only once—when
the device is first installed into your VMS system. Digital
Services representatives know how to change the node
name and avoid the error and additional system reboot
described in this section.
If you change the node name after the subsystem has been
correctly recognized by VMS, VMS will not recognize the
new subsystem node name when you exit PARAMS.
That is, if you execute the DCL command, SHOW
CLUSTER, you will not see the subsystem’s old or new
node name in your table. If you try to use the subsystem,
all applications will get errors indicating the subsystem is
not present. To avoid problems, reboot VMS. Then, you can
use the subsystem with its new node name.

PARAMS
Functions

At the PARAMS> prompt, you can use the following commands:
Use. . .

To. . .

HELP
SHOW /ALL
SHOW parameter
SET parameter
WRITE
EXIT

Display a list of available commands and usage format
Display all subsystem parameters
Display a specific parameter
Set a parameter
Save changes permanently in EEROM
Exit from PARAMS

Continued on next page

4–4

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
SHOW
Command

Use the SHOW command to display the settings of the
subsystem parameters. The SHOW command has two formats:
SHOW /ALL
SHOW parameter
To list all parameters, type:
PARAMS> SHOW /ALL

The list of parameters is long but includes five that you might
want to change. In the following example, each row shows the
parameter’s name, the parameter’s current value, the factoryset default value, the acceptable minimum and maximum
values, and the format for representing the values:
Parameter

Current

Default

Minimum

Maximum

UNITNUM
FORCEUNIT
NODENAME
FORCENAME
SYSTEMID

0
1
T8DBBB
0
420000F00002

0
1
TF85
0

0
0

255
1

Radix
Decimal
Decimal
Ascii
Decimal
Quad

To display a specific parameter, type:
PARAMS> SHOW systemid
Parameter

Current

SYSTEMID

420000F00002

Default

Minimum

Maximum

Radix
Quad

Continued on next page

4–5

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
SHOW
Command
(continued)

The following table defines the five parameters:

Parameter

Definition

UNITNUM

TMSCP unit number.

FORCEUNIT

Determines whether the UNITNUM value or DSSI node ID
is used to identify the TMSCP unit. If you set FORCEUNIT,
then you should also assign UNITNUM to the desired value.
UNITNUM means nothing when FORCEUNIT = 0.
1 — Uses the DSSI node ID.
0 — Uses the TMSCP unit number.

NODENAME

Node name for the TF85 subsystem.1 Enter a 6-character
name. (The factory setting is a unique string derived from the
subsystem serial number.)

FORCENAME

1 — Uses a ‘‘canned’’ node name: TF85x, where x = A through
H, depending on the DSSI node number value (0 through 7,
respectively).1
0 — Uses the value set in NODENAME.

SYSTEMID

DSSI controller module’s 48-bit (hex) system ID. It is
recommended that you never change this value; it uniquely
identifies your drive.

1 If you intend to change either NODENAME or FORCENAME, the system will not recognize the drive as

available until you boot the VMS operation system.

Continued on next page

4–6

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
SET
Command

Use the SET command to change parameters that you can list
with the SHOW command.
Syntax for the SET command is:
SET parameter value
In this example, parameter is the name of the parameter to be
set and value is the value you want assigned to the parameter.
CAUTION
The controller module does range validation
checking on each parameter. However, it is not
guaranteed all combinations of settings will result
in correct controller module operation.
Parameters changed are not actually effective until you execute
a WRITE command, described in the next section. If you
forget to issue a WRITE command and try to EXIT, a warning
message displays, telling you the parameter was modified but
not written.
NOTE
If you request changing some parameters, the
system will warn you that it must reset the
controller to accept the changes. Details are in
the EXIT Command section of this chapter.

Continued on next page

4–7

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
WRITE
Command

Use the WRITE command to save, in nonvolatile memory,
the changes you made using the SET command. The WRITE
command is similar to the VMS SYSGEN WRITE command.
The syntax is WRITE at the PARAMS> prompt. The program’s
response depends on which parameters you changed. If the
change is allowed without resetting the controller, the response
is merely the PARAMS> prompt.
In the following example, the response requires user action:
PARAMS> SET NODENAME TAPE1
PARAMS> SET UNITNUM 18
PARAMS> WRITE

Changing NODENAME and UNITNUM each requires a reset
(initialization) of the controller. PARAMS asks:
Changes require controller initialization, ok? [Y/(N)] Y

CAUTION
Answering YES aborts the controller’s current
application, if any, and saves the parameters. Your
changes take effect immediately and program
control returns to the DCL command prompt.
To avoid aborting the current application, answer
NO. If you answer NO, all parameters changed using
SET since the previous successfully completed
WRITE command are ignored. You are returned to
the PARAMS> prompt. See the next section, EXIT
Command.
The above example sets the TF85 subsystem’s node name to
TAPE1, and the TMSCP unit number to 18. Executing WRITE
and answering YES to the controller initialization question
saves the node name and unit number in EEROM and resets
the controller.
Continued on next page

4–8

Using the TF85 PARAMS Program, Continued
EXIT
Command

Typing the EXIT command, at the PARAMS> prompt, ends the
PARAMS program, and the word Completed appears on your
screen.
NOTE
To exit from questions during the local program
dialogue, type Ctrl/C , Ctrl/Z , or Ctrl/Y . In this case,
your latest changes will be ignored.
The following table describes what happens when you use the
EXIT command:

If you. . .

Then the. . .

Did not SET a
parameter

EXIT succeeds immediately.

SET parameters
and forgot to
execute WRITE

EXIT is ignored and you are advised:
Parameter modified but not written. Still Exit?

If you answer YES, the system EXITS and returns to the DCL
prompt. Your modifications are not saved.
If you answer NO, the system returns to the PARAMS> prompt.
To save your modifications, enter WRITE at the prompt, and
then EXIT.
SET parameters
and executed
WRITE

System EXITS and returns to the DCL prompt.

4–9

Using the TF85 DIRECT and HISTRY Utilities

Starting
DIRECT and
HISTRY

To start DIRECT or HISTRY, use the same procedure for
starting PARAMS, but alter the value of /TASK in the SET
HOST/DUP command:
/TASK=DIRECT

or
/TASK=HISTRY

The following example shows the SET HOST/DUP command
with DIRECT or HISTRY as the task:
$ SET HOST/DUP/SERVER=MSCP$DUP/TASK=DIRECT nodename
$ SET HOST/DUP/SERVER=MSCP$DUP/TASK=HISTRY nodename

Using DIRECT AND HISTRY requires no further user
interaction.

About DIRECT

The DIRECT utility provides a directory of the diagnostic and
utility programs resident in the TF85 subsystem. An example
of a DIRECT display follows:
DIRECT V1.0
HISTRY V1.0
PARAMS V1.0

D
D
D

Completed

Continued on next page

4–10

Using the TF85 DIRECT and HISTRY Utilities, Continued
About HISTRY

The HISTRY utility displays information about the history
of the TF85 subsystem. An example of the HISTRY display
follows:
TF85
DSSI: T8MB3Q /3 (DIPs)
Controller:
S#: EN03000170
HW: 000/PCB-rev:A000
Bt: 121/96626CC9 ( 8-APR-1991 21:10:48)
Cd: 001/0F1AA48E (22-MAR-1991 16:06:35)
EE: 086.011 TD: 002
Drive:
S#: EN04500464
HW: 000/A000
Cd: 033/E9DF
EE: 020/6300
Loader (S/H/M): 000/000/000
Power on Hours: 1499
Power Cycles:
68
Completed

Using the example above, the following list describes some of
the information you see when you run HISTRY:
Reflects your device’s node name. The DSSI node name is
encoded from the controller serial number. The /3 (DIPs)
indicates that the DSSI node ID for this device is 3.
The serial number for the controller board.

The revision number of the controller software.

The serial number for the tape drive.

4–11

Appendix A
Tx85 Subsystem Specifications

Mode of
Operation

The Tx85 subsytem operates in a streaming mode with a
maximum transfer rate (at tape) of 800 kilobytes/s, formatted.

Media

The specified media for the TF85 subsystem is 12.77 mm
(1/2 in) unformatted magnetic tape with the following
characteristics:
Track density = 96 tracks/in (48 tracks)
Bit density = 42,500 bits/in
Number of tracks = 48
Tape speed = 100 in/s
Track format = Two-track parallel, serpentine recording
Cartridge capacity = Up to 2.6 gigabytes, formatted

Power
Consumption

The TF85 subsystem consumes 56 W maximum.
The TZ85 subsystem consumes 40 W maximum.

Continued on next page

A–1

Tx85 Subsystem Specifications

Power
Requirements

The TF85 subsystem has the following power requirements:
12 V

5% @ 1.6 A (2.6 A surge), 75 mV ripple peak-to-peak

+5 V

5% @ 4.5 A, 75 mV ripple peak-to-peak

The TZ85 subsystem has the following power requirements:
12 V

5% @ 1.2 A (1.5 A surge), 75 mV ripple peak-to-peak

+5 V

5% @ 3.5 A, 75 mV ripple peak-to-peak

Continued on next page

A–2

Appendix B
Standard VMS Commands
Using the Subsystem Efficiently

Introduction

This section identifies guidelines that you should follow to use
the Tx85 subsystem effectively with your host application. To
take best advantage of the subsystem’s efficient processing
abilities, you must use certain qualifiers with the MOUNT and
BACKUP commands. This appendix describes those qualifiers
and their appropriate values.

Guidelines

For efficient operation of the TF85 or the TZ85 subsystem:
Choose a large record size when mounting a tape. The
maximum value, 65534, is recommended.
Do not use the COPY command to save more than 9,999
files onto the tape.
The TF85 subsystem has an additional consideration for
operating efficiency:
Be aware that the TF85 subsytem uses a default
FORCECACHING parameter that enables the DSSI
controller to cache write data to the drive. (See the
discussion in TF85 FORCECACHING with the MOUNT
Command.)

B–1

Tape Commands

Introduction

The Tx85 cartridge tape subsystem uses most of the standard
magnetic tape commands that can be invoked under VMS
operating system, version 5.4 or later.
This section discusses the following VMS commands used to
operate the Tx85 subsystem:

For More
Information

For this command. . .

See page. . .

ALLOCATE
INITIALIZE
MOUNT
BACKUP
COPY
DISMOUNT
DEALLOCATE

B–3
B–3
B–4
B–5
B–6
B–6
B–6

This appendix is a reference only; it does not include all the
details that may be involved in using VMS commands.
For more information about VMS commands and command
files, see the VAX/VMS Guide to Using Command Procedures
(AA–H782B–TE), VAX/VMS Command Language User’s Guide
(AA–DO23C–TE), or the VMS System Manager’s Guide.

Continued on next page

B–2

Tape Commands, Continued
Using the
ALLOCATE
Command

The ALLOCATE command provides exclusive access to a
device and optionally establishes a logical name for that device.
Once you have allocated a device, other users cannot access that
device until you explicitly DEALLOCATE it, or until you log
out. Use the following format to allocate the Tx85 subsystem:
$ ALLOCATE device_name: [logical name]

For example, to allocate the Tx85 subsystem for your use and
assign it to the logical name TAPE1, do the following:
$ ALLOCATE MIA0: TAPE1

Using the
INITIALIZE
Command

CAUTION
Be sure to use a scratch tape before initializing;
otherwise, any data on the tape will be destroyed.
Use the INITIALIZE command to specify the device name, and
write a volume name to the magnetic tape volume loaded into
the Tx85 tape drive. The tape must be write-enabled for the
initializing operation. Use the following format:
$ INITIALIZE device_name: [volume label]

As an example, to initialize the device TAPE1 and assign the
volume name GMB001, type the following:
$ INITIALIZE MIA0: GMB001

For the initialization to succeed, the cartridge must not have
been mounted (with the MOUNT command).
For detailed information regarding volume names and magnetic
tape operations, see the Guide to VAX/VMS Disk and Magnetic
Tape Operations (AA–M539A–TE).

Continued on next page

B–3

Tape Commands, Continued
Using the
MOUNT
Command

The MOUNT command lets you make a magnetic tape volume
available for processing. It loads the tape with the protection
set according to the write-protect switch on the cartridge.
Use the following format to mount a tape with the Tx85
subsystem:
$ MOUNT/FOREIGN/CACHE=TAPE_DATA device_name: [volume label]
[logical name]

As an example, to make TAPE1 available for processing, type
the following:
$ MOUNT/FOREIGN/CACHE=TAPE_DATA MIA0: GMB001 TAPE1

The screen displays a message:
%MOUNT-I-MOUNTED, GMB001 mounted on MIA0:

You must use the /FOREIGN qualifier when you are performing
BACKUP commands. Do not use it when you are performing
COPY commands.
Continued on next page

B–4

Tape Commands, Continued
TF85
FORCECACHING
with the
MOUNT
Command

The TF85 DSSI controller has a parameter, accessible through
the DUP PARAMS utility, that controls whether tape caching is
done. This parameter is called FORCECACHING. Its default
value is 1, which means that the controller always caches—even
if you specify /NOCACHE with the MOUNT command, unless
you also specify /READ_CHECK or /WRITE_CHECK.
You can modify FORCECACHING to value 0, which allows the
subsystem to honor the various means the application program
has to specify that commands not be cached.
CAUTION
Setting FORCECACHING to 0 and specifying
/NOCACHE with the MOUNT command can result in
significant subsystem performance degredation.
For more information, see the VAX/VMS Mount Utility
Reference Manual (AA–Z424A–TE).

Using the
BACKUP
Command

The BACKUP command provides protection against file volume
corruption by creating backup copies.
Use the following format to back up a file:
$ BACKUP/BLOCK=65534/ignore=(label) source:*.* tape:file.name

You can also back up lists of files and entire volumes.
See your system manuals before deciding on qualifiers for use
with the BACKUP command. For detailed information about
BACKUP and other VMS tape commands, see the VAX/VMS
Backup Utility Reference Manual (AA–Z407B–TE).

Continued on next page

B–5

Tape Commands, Continued
Using the
COPY
Command

Use the COPY command, with the Tx85 subsystem, to copy
files from tape.
In the following example, the MOUNT command requests that
the volume labeled GMB001 be mounted on the drive at MIA0
and assigns the logical name TAPE1.
The COPY command uses the logical name TAPE1 for the input
file specification. All files on MIA0 are copied to the current
default disk and directory. The files keep their original file
names and file types.
$ MOUNT MIA0: GMB001 TAPE1:
$ COPY TAPE1:*.* *.*

NOTE
Using the COPY command to move multiple files
may not achieve optimum performance. Check with
your system manager for more information.

Using the
DISMOUNT
Command

The DISMOUNT command cancels the previous MOUNT
command, makes the unit unavailable for processing, and
unloads the tape:
$ DISMOUNT logical_name or device_name:

Using the
DEALLOCATE
Command

The DEALLOCATE command cancels the previous
ALLOCATE command and makes the unit available for other
users. The following is an example of the command:
$ DEALLOCATE MIA0: or TAPE1

B–6

Appendix C
Digital Services
Service Plans

Introduction

Digital Equipment Corporation offers a range of flexible service
plans.

On-Site
Service

On-site service offers the convenience of service at your site
and insurance against unplanned repair bills. For a monthly
fee, you receive personal service from our service specialists.
Within a few hours, the specialist is dispatched to your site
with equipment and parts to give you fast and dependable
maintenance.

BASIC Service

BASIC service offers full coverage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Options are available to extend
your coverage to 12-, 16-, or 24-hour periods, and to include
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Under the basic service
plan, all parts, materials, and labor are covered in full.

Continued on next page

C–1

Service Plans, Continued
DECservice
Plan

The DECservice plan offers a premium, on-site service for
producing committed response to remedial service requests
made during contracted hours of coverage. Remedial
maintenance will be performed continuously until the
problem is resolved, which makes this service ideal for
customers requiring maximum service performance. Under
the DECservice plan, all parts, materials, and labor are covered
in full.

Carry-In
Service

Carry-in service offers fast, personalized response, and the
ability to plan your maintenance costs for a smaller monthly
fee than on-site service. When you bring your unit to one of
160 Digital SERVICenters worldwide, factory-trained personnel
repair your unit within 2 days. This service is available on
selected terminals and systems. Digital SERVICenters are open
during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

DECmailer
Service

DECmailer service offers expert repair at a per use charge.
This service is designed for users who have the technical
resources to troubleshoot, identify, and isolate the module
causing the problem. Mail the faulty module to our Customer
Returns Center where the module is repaired and mailed back
to you within 5 days.

Per Call
Service

Per call service offers a maintenance program on a
noncontractual, time-and-materials-cost basis. It is appropriate
for customers who have to perform first-line maintenance, but
may occasionally need in-depth support from Digital Services.

C–2

Index

A
ALLOCATE, B–3

B
BACKUP, B–5
/BLOCK=65534, B–5
Beeper, 2–5

C
Cartridge
loading a, 2–8
preserving, 2–14
unloading a, 2–12
using a, 2–10
Cartridge care
acclimatization, 2–14
guidelines, 2–14
handling, 2–14
labeling, 2–14
storage, 2–14
Cartridge compatibility
of cartridge recorded by TK50, 1–7
of cartridge recorded by TK70, 1–7
of cartridge recorded by TZ30, 1–7
read-only cartridges, 1–7
read/write ability, 1–7
Cartridge insert/release handle
when to operate, 2–5
Cartridge leader
how to inspect, 3–4

Cartridges provided, 1–10
CleaningTape III
description, 1–8
diagram, 1–9
expiration, 1–8, 2–11
how to order, 1–10
label, 1–8
packaging, 1–8
when to use, 2–11
CompacTape III
description, 1–5
diagram, 1–6
how to order, 1–10
packaging, 1–5
positioning the write-protect switch, 2–6
reading and writing data on, 1–5
write-protecting data on, 1–5
Controls
cartridge insert/release handle, 2–5
diagram, 2–3
Unload button, 2–5
COPY, B–6

D
Data protection, 2–7
Decals, on the Tx85 subsystem, 1–4
Diagnostics, local
DIRECT utility, 4–10
HISTRY program, 4–11
Diagnostic utilities protocol (DUP), 4–2
Diagram
cartridge leader, 3–4
CleaningTape III, 1–9
CompacTape III, 1–6
drive leader, 3–5

Index–1

Diagram (cont’d)
indicators and controls, 2–3
loading a cartrige, 2–9
Tx85 front panel, 1–4
unloading a cartridge, 2–13
write-protect switch, 2–6
Digital repair services
BASIC service, C–1
carry-in service, C–2
DECmailer service, C–2
DECservice plan, C–2
on-site service, C–1
per call service, C–2
DIRECT utility, 4–10
DISMOUNT, B–6
Drive leader
how to inspect, 3–5

E
Error message
SET HOST/DUP, 4–3
Errors
avoiding, 3–2
causes, 3–3
correcting, 3–3
influences, 3–2
symptoms, 3–3

I
Indicators
all four blinking, 2–4, 3–3
all four on, 2–4
beeper, 2–5
diagram, 2–3
how to interpret, 2–4
Operate Handle, 2–4
Tape in Use, 2–4
Use Cleaning Tape, 2–4
Write Protected, 2–4
INITIALIZE, B–3

L
Loading a cartrige
diagram to follow, 2–9
steps to follow, 2–8
Local programs, 4–1

M
MOUNT, B–4
/CACHE=TAPE_DATA, B–4
/FOREIGN, B–4

FORCECACHING, B–5
FYDRIVER, 4–3

Operate Handle indicator
off, 2–4
on, 2–4
Operating efficiency
guidelines, B–1
Operating procedures, 2–1

H
HISTRY program, 4–11

Index–2

PARAMS, 4–1
EXIT, 4–9
SET, 4–7
SHOW, 4–5
WRITE, 4–8
PARAMS prompt, 4–3
Problem resolution, 3–1
Procedures, operating, 2–1
Product description, 1–2
basic components, 1–2
Tx85 diagram, 1–4

R
Related documents, 1–11
Repair services, C–1

S
SET HOST/DUP, 4–2
error message, 4–3
Solving problems, 3–1
Specifications, A–1
Subsystem parameters
displaying, setting, saving, 4–4

Unloading a cartridge
diagram to follow, 2–13
steps to follow, 2–12
Use Cleaning Tape indicator
off, 2–4
on, 2–4
Using a cartrige, 2–10

V
VMS
commands, B–2
logical device name, B–3, B–6

W
Write Protected indicator
off, 2–4
on, 2–4
Write-protect switch
diagram, 2–6
MOUNT command, B–4
positioning, 2–6
write-enabling, 2–7
write-protecting, 2–7

T
Tape cartridge
CleaningTape III, 1–8
CompacTape III, 1–5
leader inspection, 3–4
Tape in Use indicator
blinking, 2–4
on, 2–4

U
Unload button, 2–5

Index–3