MBF COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL FIELD INFORMATION BULLETIN SERVICE GROUP(S): MINI MFG: CIPHER NACS TYPE(S): 4400 MFG. MODEL(S): 900X CATEGORY: MAGNETIC TAPE I/O DESC: 1/2" REEL TO REEL *** TABLE OF CONTENTS AS OF 12/20/90 *** FIB 00001.General Information.........................................09/19/86 FIB 00002.Installation procedure on Basic Four systems................04/01/81 FIB 00003.Two styles of vacuum floor assemblies.......................01/05/82 FIB 00004.4.1A - 4.3A red light halts on MTR writes with SIZ= option..02/19/82 FIB 00005.BOSS modifications to allow offline use of MTR..............04/23/82 FIB 00006.Speed adjustment check procedure............................01/05/83 FIB 00007.Caution for when cleaning MTR vacuum columns................11/22/83 FIB 00008.ERROR 47 while running *MTCRD - patch to fix................12/01/83 FIB 00009.ERROR 0, missed EOT, incorrect data caused by bad connection08/22/84 FIB 00010.MCS/MTR/MTS use on 13xx Systems.............................06/17/85 FIB 00011.SAVERESTORE slowdown with tape connected to a BMTC..........07/24/85 FIB 00012.Formatter cable part numbers................................01/13/86 FIB 00013.Dust door latch & stay part numbers.........................04/03/86 FIB 00014.WRITE DESKEW PROM CAUTION...................................10/20/88 FIB 00015.Possible to reverse Pluggable Read/Write Head Cables on MTR.12/03/90 MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------Table Of Contents Pg01 of 01 FIB 00001 09/19/86 *** General Information *** Transport Speed - 75 inches per second (ips) Dual Density: 800 bits per inch NRZI 1600 bits per inch PE Nine data bit tracks including parity bit *** NACS MACHINE TYPES AND FEATURE NUMBERS *** 4243 *** AVAILABLE DOCUMENTATION *** Model 6500 Magnetic Tape Drive Service Manual - MBF 8036A - S-HDBK-288 *** AVAILABLE TRAINING *** Formal training is available at Sorbus Education Centers *** SPECIAL TOOLS *** Master Skew Tape - MM629010 Molex extractor tool - MM629020 *** SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDURES *** None ORIGINATOR: JOHN ROGERS MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB001 Pg001 FIB 00002 04/01/81 *** Installation procedure on Basic Four systems *** This procedure describes the task of adding a tape drive to an existing system, but can also be used on initial system installation. The 1600 BPI tape drives require BOSS level 7 and HS DMA rev. level D7 (see TSIB 02-302) 1. Install 1600 BPI controller board (PN 903183) in CPU card cage. Check SW1 on controller board; all positions should be OFF. PCB should be in- serted in a DMA slot as follows: A. On 210/410 systems, remove the MTC controller located in slot J7 and replace it with the 1600 BPI controller. NOTE J7 and J8 are DMA slots on 210/410 systems.If the magnetic tape cartridge is to be retained, install the MTC controller in slot J8. B. On 610/730 systems, remove the PCB in slot J9 (MTC controller or dummy board) and replace it with the 1600 BPI controller. NOTE J9 and J10 are DMA slots on 610/730 systems with backplane PN 903147-001. If the magnetic tape cartridge is to be retained, install MTC controller in slot J10. J9 is the only DMA slot available on 610 systems with backplane PN 901639-110. 2. Install the two signal cables (ribbon cables, 50 conductor) on 1600 BPI controller. A. Upper connector from tape drive interface board to upper connector on controller. Observe connector orientation. Pin 1 on controller must connect to pin 1 on the tape drive. B. Lower connector from tape drive interface board to lower connector on controller. Observe controller orientation as in preceding step. 3. Testing operation with the system. A. BOSS packs contain a machine language program :16BPI accessable after system alternate load. This program does not operate on 410 systems. B. To check operation with BOSS on any system, use the tape utility "*MTC". ORIGINATOR: D. GOEHRISCH MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB002 Pg001 FIB 00003 01/05/82 *** Two styles of vacuum floor assemblies *** Two styles of vacuum floor assemblies exist for the Model 6500 1600 BPI Reel Tape Drive. The older style assembly has separate column sides for mounting the vacuum cover assembly while the new style has these side bars as an integral part of the floor assembly. When replacement of the older style vacuum floor assembly is required order part 154050-101, MM624010. Should you receive a new style assembly as a substitute, return the older style under the proper part number and also return the column sides as part 154015-101, MM628060 (hinge side) and part 154019-901 MM628070 (latch side). When replacement of the newer style vacuum floor assembly is required order part 154050-701, MM624050. Should you receive an old style assembly as a substitute, the column sides will be included. OLD STYLE: VACUUM FLOOR ASSY OLD STYLE 154050-101 MM624010 COLUMN SIDE RIGHT (HINGE) 154015-101 MM628060 COLUMN SIDE LEFT (LATCH) 154019-901 MM628070 NEW STYLE: VACUUM FLOOR ASSY NEW STYLE 154050-701 MM624050 ORIGINATOR: J. RIPPL MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB003 Pg001 FIB 00004 02/19/82 *** 4.1A - 4.3A red light halts on MTR writes with SIZ= option *** A condition has been reported and verified by systems testing which will cause system halt when an attempt is made to write to an MTR tape with the SIZ= option specified in the WRITERECORD. The halt is immediate and spans all Level 4 releases. If an attempt is made to read from an MTR unit using the SIZ= option the system will not halt but rather issue an ERR 17 to the task, the invalid paramater error. With the release of Level 4, the BLK= option and the SIZ= option are no longer supported by the operating system. ORIGINATOR: DAVE FRATER MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB004 Pg001 FIB 00005 04/23/82 *** BOSS modifications to allow offline use of MTR *** The following procedure is provided for updating a customer removable system not configured with a tape at a branch or dealer location. "Host" refers to the branch or dealer system. * BEFORE PERFORMING THE UPGRADE * 1) Erase the two tape drivers "(>TC"&"(>MR" from the CUSTOMERS pack. Even though the system was not configured for tape the BOSS pack will still contain the drivers. 2) Write a new update procedure called "UPDAT01" as follows: Step #1 - CATALOG Use any tape do not re-tension Catalog label and files (Full catalog) - Archive Step #2 - RESTORE Include files $brief $conf $form $oper $queue Include files *PARM Use disc number: 0 Use tape from previous step do not re-tension Tape must be fully cataloged If a selected file is not found, skip the file If a file already exists on disc, do not RESTORE the file Files are Restored at their previous location or at the first available sector If insufficient disc space is found, the operator may skip the file or abort RESTORE from the first backup on tape STEP #3 - RESTORE Include all files Include files OSBBII OSESCP OSINIT OSMONR OSSTRT Include files *DMPFL *SRCFL BBIITC (>MR (>TC Exclude files $brief $conf $form $oper $queue Exclude files *MTCFC *MTCFL *MTCPC *MTCTC Exclude files *PARM Use disc number: 0 Use tape from previous step do not retension Tape must be fully cataloged If a selected file is not found, skip the file If a file already exists on disc, replace the file on disc Files are restored at their previous location or at the first available sector If insufficient disc space is found, the operator may skip the file or abort RESTORE from first backup on tape. Restore from first backup on tape. * UPDATE PROCEDURE * 1) Load the system under the host packs O.S. 2) DISABLE 0, DISABLE 1, power down drives 0 & 1 MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB005 Pg001 3) Place customer pack in 0, host pack in 1, power up drives 0 & 1 4) ENABLE 0, ENABLE 1 5) Start TO with 128 pages and run "*MTC" 6) Mount customers system tape 7) Execute the newly defined procedure "UPDAT01" This procedure will work against either Cartridge or Reel if performed correctly. ORIGINATOR: DAVE FRATER MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB005 Pg002 FIB 00006 01/05/83 *** Speed adjustment check procedure *** The possibility of setting the speed incorrectly using the strobe disk is a very real one due to incorrect lighting or multiple phases used for different banks of fluorescent lights. The following two methods provide alterant checks for verifying the speed adjustment. 1. Install a skew tape with the transport set to low density. Run the tape foward and reverse while scoping any data bit. The time period for one sine wave = 33.2 us. ------------------------------- | | | __ __ | | / \ / | | / \ / | | / \ / | |/ \ / | |----------\----------/-------| | \ / | | | \ / | | | \ / | | | \__/ | | |<-----33.2 us-------->| | | | ------------------------------- 2. Using a capstan rpm indicator (tach) PN 0R999976 that is required for servicing Potter tape drives, set the foward and reverse speed for 970 rpm as measured at the capstan. ORIGINATOR: NORM JONES MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB006 Pg001 FIB 00007 11/22/83 *** Caution for when cleaning MTR vacuum columns *** When cleaning the vacuum columns, it is important not to allow ANYTHING to touch the silver transducer strips in the center of the columns, as this will cause permanent damage. CAUTION If any materal touches the silver transducer strips, the transducer may require replacement. ORIGINATOR: J. VANDERHEYDEN MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB007 Pg001 FIB 00008 12/01/83 *** ERROR 47 while running *MTCRD - patch to fix *** On levels prior to 4.5A, an Error 47 occurs in Program *MTCRD statement 320 when the disk lacks sufficient free sectors. This problem was fixed on Level 4.5A. The following will correct this problem: LOAD "*MTCRD" EDIT320C[ELSE][READRECORD(1,IND=12,ERR=9210)P$;] EDIT330C[ ][GOSUB8700;] SAVE"*MTCRD" The corrected statements should read as follows: 0320 IF ERR<>15 THEN GOTO 9210 ELSE READ RECORD(1,IND=12,ERR=9210)P$: LET M$="N O SPACE AVAILABLE PAST SECTOR "+STR(NUM(S$))+" TO RESTORE FILE "+A$(4,6),M 1$="RETRY AFTER S E C T O R S A R E M A D E A V A I L A B L E", M2$="S K I P FILE",M3$="ABORT",M4$=""; ON POS(P$(255,1)="ASO")-1 GOTO 9240,2080,0330 0330 GOSUB 8700; ON POS(Z$="1223") GOTO 0330,0340,2080,9240 ORIGINATOR: TONY TIANGCO MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB008 Pg001 FIB 00009 08/22/84 *** ERROR 0, missed EOT, incorrect data caused by bad connections *** SYMPTOM: Miscellaneous Interface Problems, such as: 1. Incorrect Data written to tape with no tape errors reported 2. Error 0's 3. System fails to recognize EOT sticker Could fail in a number of ways depending on which interface signal is lost. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Interface cables not properly secured in the strain reliefs on the side cabinet frame. CAUSE: Bad connections between controller interface PCBA (P/N 621070) and formatter board (P/N MM621040), bent/ broken pins in controller interface PCBA caused by the weight of the interface cables. CURE: Examine controller interface PCBA, carefully for bent/ broken pins, reseat controller interface PCBA, and secure interface cables to the side frame strain reliefs. If the problems persist, replace the controller interface PCBA. ORIGINATOR: NORM JONES MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB009 Pg001 FIB 00010 06/17/85 *** MCS/MTR/MTS use on 13xx Systems *** PROBLEM: 13xx Systems with MCS or MTR/MTS halts when loading FIX: The MCS tape drive is an off-line device only. MTC or MTR/MTS may be on-line or off-line devices. Configuration may include a mix of these devices. However, due to hardware constraints at this time, a MCS controller (MM550040) and a MTR/MTS controller (MM620011) may 'NOT' be installed in a system at the same time. The system will fail to load (halt) if both are physically present. The SILVER diagnostics may not function properly with the MCS controller in the system (may report MTR present). Diagnostic ":MCS" is available for testing the MCS. ORIGINATOR: J. RIPPL MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB010 Pg001 FIB 00011 07/24/85 *** SAVERESTORE slowdown with tape connected to a BMTC *** PROBLEM: Under a Type 2 load, SAVERESTORE backups to 1/2 inch tape drives (MTR/ MTS) are slower by a factor of 3 or 4 times when connected to a BMTC as when connected to a TDP (PDC). The reason is due to the way the buffering is handled for a BMTC for levels 8.4B/C/D for the Type 1 load which was also implemented for the Type 2 load. SOLUTION: In 8.5A, Type 2 load SAVERESTORE is optimized for better performance due to a rewrite in the tape handling routines with this release. ORIGINATOR: J. RIPPL MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB011 Pg001 FIB 00012 01/13/86 *** Formatter cable part numbers *** By popular demand, the cables for the Formatter PCBA have been added to the parts matrix for the Cipher reel-to-reel tape drive. Cipher P/N Sorbus ICN Description ---------- ---------- ------------------------------------- 160004-001 MM627073 Cable, Formatter J101 to Servo J101 160002-001 MM627071 Cable, Formatter J102 to Data J102 160002-002 MM627072 Cable, Formatter J103 to Data J103 ORIGINATOR: C. GAHAN MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB012 Pg001 FIB 00013 04/03/86 *** Dust door latch & stay part numbers *** The dust door on the Cipher reel-to-reel tape drive - MM625020, has been replaced for broken latches more often than for other causes. An P/N has been assigned to the latches so they may be replaced in the field, rather than replacing the door. An P/N has also been assigned to the door stay assembly, which is not part of the door. Sorbus P/N CIPHER P/N DESCRIPTION ---------- ---------- ---------------- MM629040 731920-900 Latch, Dust Door MM625030 131012-900 Door Stay ORIGINATOR: J. VANDER HEYDEN MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB013 Pg001 FIB 00014 10/20/88 *** WRITE DESKEW PROM CAUTION *** SYMPTOM/TEXT: **** WRITE DESKEW PROM CAUTION **** When replacement of the R/W head becomes necessary, be sure the new head comes with a matching Write Deskew Prom ( both the head and prom must have matching numbers ).These two items must be replaced as a set. Use part number MM623050 when ordering. The Deskew prom is installed in location U90 of the Data PCBA. See the service manual 8036B page #4-7 for details on replacement. Please note that anytime the Data PCBA is replaced, the Deskew Prom must be moved from the original board to the new board. If you are experiencing write problems, check the labels on the Prom and R/W head to see that they match. NOTE: ABOVE INFO ON PROM REPLACEMENT IS ALSO IN TAPE DRIVE MANUAL #8063B, ON PAGE 4-7...UNDER HEAD REPLACMENT. ORIGINATOR: Barry Matthews LOGON: 05DPS4 MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB014 Pg001 FIB 00015 12/03/90 *** Possible to reverse Pluggable Read/Write Head Cables on MTR *** SYMPTOM: Drive passes all tests and diagnostics but will not interchange tapes with other drives in either densities. PROBLEM DETERMINATION: Both Read and Write/Erase Head cables plugged in with Pin 1 at the wrong end. FIX: Reverse both cables at the Head. See the following text. Be aware that the CIPHER 900X MTR can operate with both Read and Write cables reversed end-for-end. The samples found to have this problem had the pin 1 (red-stripe) markings positioned inboard toward the transport casting. This is consistent with the 880 MTS pluggable heads, but wrong for the particular cables on the MTR. Since the keying at the PCBA is by the jackscrew polarity, it is not possible to state any absolute rule for pin 1 at the Head, however, it does no harm to reverse the cables (pin 1 for 20) at each head and try out reading tapes from another transport if this problemn is suspected. ORIGINATOR: J. VanderHeyden MAGNETIC TAPE I/O-CIPHER-900X-----------------------FIB015 Pg001