HP StorageWorks DAT 72x10 Tape Autoloader - Manual (Page 40)

Setting autoloader behaviors
This option allows the setting of the autoloader mode to Automatic, Sequential or Random.
The operating mode is set based on whether you have automation software controlling cartridges in
the autoloader. By default, the autoloader automatically detects the required mode (automatic mode);
however, you can also change the modes from the Configuration menu.
Automatic mode
The default setting is Automatic mode. This mode allows the autoloader to switch between Random and
Sequential mode depending on the SCSI commands received. The autoloader is in Sequential mode until
it detects certain SCSI commands which put it in to Random mode. You can also configure the autoloader
for Sequential or Random mode. If you do this, it will remain in Sequential or Random mode unless you
revert to Automatic, which can be accessed through the Configuration menu.
Random mode
Random mode is used when there is a full featured or a robotics aware backup application in use. This
is the most common mode of operation. In Random mode, the autoloader will not automatically load
cartridges into the drive; it waits for commands from the software. Your backup software must support
robotics, which may require the additional installation of a autoloader module.
Sequential mode
NOTE:
HP strongly recommends that you use backup software that is robotics-aware.
Sequential mode is used when the backup software is NOT robotics-aware or was designed for
standalone drives only. In Sequential mode, the autoloader automatically loads and unloads cartridges
from the drive. The operator determines a cartridge to load by loading the desired cartridge into the tape
drive using the operator control panel.
When a cartridge is full or unloaded for any reason, the autoloader automatically removes the cartridge
from the drive, puts it in its original slot, then loads the next available higher numbered slot.
Autoload and Loop
To further determine how you want cartridges loaded into the autoloader’s tape drive while in Sequential
mode, you can set Loop and Autoload options from the autoloader operator control panel.
When Autoload mode is on, the library automatically loads the cartridge from the lowest-numbered full
slot into the tape drive. It then follows standard sequential operation.
When Loop mode is on, the original first cartridge in the sequence is reloaded after the library has
cycled through all available cartridges. If Loop mode is off and the last cartridge has been unloaded, the
library stops loading cartridges until you manually load another.
CAUTION:
Use caution when choosing Loop mode as it makes it possible to overwrite data on previously written
cartridges.
To set autoloader mode
Do the following:
40 Autoloader administration