Exabyte EXB-8505 8mm - Manual (Page 90)

Using SCSI Commands
This section describes the SCSI commands used to write, read, erase,
and search for data, and to copy microcode, inquire about tape drive
status, set operating parameters, and perform diagnostic tests.
Writing Data
To transfer bytes or blocks of data from the initiator to the tape drive,
use the WRITE (0Ah) command. The data can be written in any of the
four supported logical tape formats (two formats for the EXB-8205
and EXB-8205XL), which are specified by the MODE SELECT (15h)
command.
To write filemarks or setmarks (8500c format only), use the WRITE
FILEMARKS (10h) command.
Reading Data
To transfer bytes or blocks of data from the tape drive to the initiator,
use the READ (08h) command. The tape drive automatically sets itself
to the format used when the tape was written and can read tapes that
have a combination of fixed-length and variable-length blocks.
Erasing Data
Use the ERASE (19h) command to erase all tape from the current
valid tape position to the physical end of tape (PEOT). When the erase
operation is successfully completed, the tape is automatically
rewound to the logical beginning of tape (LBOT).
5-6 EXB-8205 and EXB-8505 510504
(Standard and XL)
5 Interface Specifications