Sun StorageTek™ SL24 Tape IMPORTANT:

Shipping Lock: The shipping lock must be removed for the

Autoloader robotics to work properly. A robot move error is displayed if the
shipping lock is not removed. See Step 1, Removing and storing
Getting started the shipping lock.

WARNING!
The Sun StorageTek™ SL24 Tape Autoloader weighs 15.6 kg (34.3
lb) without media and 20.4 kg (44.9 lb) with media (24 cartridges).
When moving the Autoloader, to reduce the risk of personal injury
or damage to the device:
• Observe local health and safety requirements and guidelines
for manual material handling.
• Remove all tapes to reduce the overall weight of the device.
• Obtain adequate assistance to lift and stabilize the device during
installation or removal.

WARNING!
When placing the Autoloader into a rack, to reduce the risk of
personal injury or damage to equipment:
• Extend the rack’s leveling jacks to the floor.
• Ensure that the full weight of the rack rests on the leveling jacks.
• Install stabilizing feet on the rack.
• Extend only one rack component at a time. Racks may become
unstable if more than one component is extended.

© Copyright 2008 Sun Microsystems, Inc., 4150 Network Circle,

Santa Clara, California 95054, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Sun
StorageTek™ SL24 Tape Autoloader and Sun StorageTek™ SL48
Tape Library are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Other
trademarks may be mentioned herein which belong to other
companies.

Fourth edition: October 2008

The information in this document is subject to change without

notice.

Printed in the US

www.sun.com

AH945-96057
Page 1
Front panel overview Back panel overview: SAS
7 1 3 5

2 3 8 1 4 2 10 9 8 5 6 7
11672
2 6 4 6 7
11341
1. SAS connector 2. Fan
3. Power connector 4. Tape drive
1. Power button 2. Mailslot
5. Ethernet port 6. Serial port (Factory use only)
3. LEDs 4. LCD screen
7. USB port 8. Magazine release hole
5. Control keys 6. Air vents
9. Pull‐out tab containing
7. Magazines 10. Tape drive LED
product information

Back panel overview: parallel SCSI Back panel overview: Fibre Channel

2 3 8 4 1 2 10 9 8 5 6 7 2 3 8 2 1 4 10 9 8 5 6 7
11360 11362

1. Fibre Channel ports 2. Fan

3. Power connector 4. Tape drive
5. Ethernet port 6. Serial port (Factory use only)
7. USB port 8. Magazine release hole
2 3 8 4 1 2 10 9 8 5 6 7
11361
9. Pull‐out tab containing
10. Tape drive LED
product information
1. Parallel SCSI connector 2. Fan
3. Power connector 4. Tape drive
5. Ethernet port 6. Serial port (Factory use only) Optional: Tabletop conversion cover
7. USB port 8. Magazine release hole
9. Pull‐out tab containing
10. Tape drive LED
product information

11359

CAUTION:
Operating the Autoloader on a flat surface without the tabletop
conversion cover may cause errors or damage to the Autoloader.

The Autoloader can either be installed into a rack with the enclosed
rails or installed into the optional tabletop conversion cover and set
on a flat surface.

Page 2
Using the operator control panel (OCP) Using the remote management
The OCP has a power button, four LEDs, four control keys, and interface (RMI)
a 2‐line by 16‐character LCD screen. With the OCP, you can
monitor, configure, and operate most Autoloader functions from the With the RMI, you can monitor, configure, and operate most
Autoloader front panel. Autoloader functions from a web browser.

See Page 12 for the OCP menu tree. Sun recommends that, when possible, the RMI be used as the
primary Autoloader interface because the web interface provides
access to additional features, includes online help, and is easier to
use. However, the RMI is not required to use the product, except
Control keys to configure SNMP, IPv6, and logical libraries. The only tasks you
cannot do from the RMI are:
The OCP displays a menu that lets you access information and
execute commands using the four control keys. • Opening the mailslot.
• Initiating the Wellness test.
• Saving and restoring files and downloading firmware via a USB
flash drive.
To enable the Autoloader’s RMI, follow the instructions in this
installation process to:
• Connect the Autoloader to your local area network with an
Ethernet cable (Step 9).
• Configure the network (Step 10).
• Set the Administrator password using the OCP (Step 12).

10763

Cancel — Cancels the current menu option, returns to the previous Logging in
menu level, or returns to the Home screen. Using the OCP, find the Autoloader’s IP address from the Info
Enter — Executes the current menu or selects the current option > Network screen. Open any HTML web browser and enter
displayed on the LCD screen. the Autoloader’s IP address. Select the account type. For the
administrator account, you must also enter the administrator
Previous — Selects the previous item or value in the currently password. Click Sign In.
displayed menu.
Next — Selects the next item or value in the currently displayed menu.

LED indicators Once signed in, click Help in the upper right‐hand corner for more
The OCP has four LEDs that provide a variety of information. information about the fields and information in the RMI.

Ready — Green when power is on, blinking with tape drive or

Autoloader robotics activity. NOTE:
The Autoloader is shipped without an administrator password.
Clean — Amber when a cleaning cartridge should be used.
You must set the administrator password with the OCP before you
Attention — Amber if the Autoloader has detected a condition that can use the RMI’s administrator functions. Once the administrator
requires attention. password is set, you can access the RMI by providing the
administrator password on the login screen.
Error — Amber if an unrecoverable tape drive or Autoloader error
occurs. A corresponding error message displays on the LCD screen.

Status icons
The green Status OK icon indicates that the
Autoloader is fully operational and that no user
interaction is required.
The blue exclamation point Status Warning icon
indicates that user attention is necessary, but that the
device can still perform most operations.
The red X Status Error icon indicates that user
intervention is required and that the device is not
capable of performing some operations.

Page 3
Unpacking the Autoloader 1 Removing and storing the shipping
Remove the packaging, accessories, and Autoloader from the box lock
one layer at a time. Place the Autoloader on a level work surface.
Carefully remove the foam padding and then the bag from the
Autoloader. Save the packaging materials to move or ship the
Autoloader in the future.

Identifying product components

1
11400
2 3

6 IMPORTANT:
4 5
Shipping lock: The shipping lock must be removed for the
robotics to work properly. A robot move error is displayed if the
7 9 shipping lock is not removed.

8
The shipping lock prevents the robotic transport mechanism from
moving during shipment and must be removed and stored before
powering on the Autoloader.
11358

Locate the adhesive tape holding the storage lock at the top of the
Confirm that you received the following product components: Autoloader. Remove the adhesive tape, then remove the storage lock
1. Parallel SCSI cable (parallel SCSI Autoloaders — ordered and store it as shown.
separately)
2. U320 parallel SCSI terminator (one per parallel SCSI drive)
3. Fibre Channel cable (Fibre Channel Autoloaders — ordered
separately)
Optional: Installing the tabletop
4. SAS fanout cable (SAS Autoloaders) conversion cover
5. Ethernet cable (ordered separately)
6. Power cord (ordered separately)
7. Two rack rails
8. Three packets of rack hardware
9. Product documentation

11349

Skip this step if you are mounting the Autoloader in a rack.

Place the cover on the work surface behind the Autoloader. Slide the
Autoloader into the cover until the front panel of the Autoloader
is aligned with the cover.
Tighten the two captive screws on the front bezel to secure the
Autoloader in the cover.

Page 4
2 Determining your rack type Customizing the rails for M6
threaded‐hole racks

11420

You will need a #2 Phillips screwdriver, a small flat screwdriver, the

two rack rails, and the hardware packets for your rack.
Racks having vertical mounting rails with 10–32 threaded holes in the
11422
rack column (Sun StorEdge Expansion Cabinet).
• You will need the Standard rack hardware packet and the packet Insert a clip nut from the Standard rack hardware packet onto the
of alignment pins marked 10–32 threaded‐hole rack. back of the large hole on the front of each rail.

Racks having M6 threaded holes in the rack column (Sun Rack 900
and 1000).
Customizing the rails for 9.5 mm square‐hole
• You will need the Standard rack hardware packet.
racks
Racks having 9.5 mm square holes in the rack column (Sun
StorageTek Rack).
• You will need the Standard rack hardware packet and the packet
of alignment pins and clip nuts marked 9.5 mm square‐hole rack.

Customizing the rails for 10–32

threaded‐hole racks

11421

Using a flat screwdriver, replace the two alignment pins on the front
and back of each rail with the pins from the 9.5 mm threaded‐hole
rack packet.

11421

Using a flat screwdriver, replace the two alignment pins on the front
and back of each rail with the pins from the 10–32 threaded‐hole
rack packet.

11422

Insert a clip nut from the Standard rack hardware packet onto the
back of the large hole on the front of each rail.

Page 5
3 Securing the rails to the rack Optional: Adding a tape drive

10807

With a tape drive upgrade kit, the Autoloader can hold up to two
half‐height LTO tape drives.

11423
Remove the drive bay cover with a Phillips screwdriver. Slide the
tape drive into the bay until it is firmly seated. Tighten the blue
Using two screws and flat washers from the Standard rack hardware thumbscrews with your fingers until the tape drive is secure.
packet, secure the front of one rail to the front of the rack. Extend
the rail and secure the back of the rail to the rack using two screws
and flat washers.
Secure the other rail in a similar fashion.
5a Planning the Fibre Channel
configuration
4 Installing the Autoloader

11418

The Fibre Channel tape drive has two Fibre Channel ports. Only one
port may be used at a time, but both ports can be connected for path
failover if your application supports path failover.
Direct connection
You will need a 2 Gb or 4 Gb Fibre Channel HBA. A 4 Gb HBA is
recommended for LTO‐4 tape drives for optimum performance.
SAN connection
All switches between the host and the Autoloader must be of the
appropriate type. A 2 Gb switch in the path may result in
11404
performance degradation when backing up highly compressible data
to a 4 Gb tape drive.
Slide the Autoloader onto the rails. Secure the front bezel to the
Configure zoning on the Fibre switch so only the backup servers can
rack using a #2 Phillips screwdriver placed through the small holes
access the Autoloader.
in the mounting bracket to tighten the captive screws on each side
of the Autoloader.
NOTE:
See Step 13 for additional Fibre Channel configuration information.
See the Sun StorageTek™ SL24 Tape Autoloader and SL48 Tape Library
User and service guide on the documentation CD for instructions on
changing the Fibre Channel configuration.

Page 6
5b Planning the parallel SCSI 6 Changing the SCSI ID
configuration On a parallel SCSI Autoloader, if you need to change the SCSI ID for
one or both of the tape drives, do so before connecting the Autoloader
to the host computer.
1. Attach the power cord to the Autoloader.
2. Power on the Autoloader by pressing the power button on the
front panel.

11414
3. On the front panel, press Enter.
4. Press Next until the display shows Configuration. Press
If you are unfamiliar with configuring parallel SCSI devices, read the
Enter.
parallel SCSI configuration information in the Sun StorageTek™ SL24
Tape Autoloader and SL48 Tape Library User and service guide on the 5. Press Next until the display shows Change Drive 1 or Change
documentation CD. Drive 2. Press Enter to select the tape drive that needs a new
SCSI ID.
Follow these general guidelines when planning the parallel SCSI
configuration: 6. Press Next until the display shows the new SCSI ID. Press Enter.
• The LTO‐3 and LTO‐4 tape drives are Ultra320 parallel SCSI 7. Change the SCSI ID of the other tape drive if necessary.
devices. Only put one LTO‐3 or LTO‐4 tape drive on an Ultra320
bus. Putting an LTO‐3 or LTO‐4 tape drive on a lower performance
bus may degrade its performance. Do not connect an LTO TIP:
tape drive to an SE SCSI bus because it will seriously degrade The SCSI ID can also be changed from the RMI Configure: Drive
performance. screen once the RMI is configured.
• The LTO‐2 tape drive is an Ultra160 parallel SCSI device. Up to
two LTO‐2 tape drives can share an Ultra320 bus or each tape
drive can be on its own Ultra160 bus.
• Avoid putting the Autoloader on the same SCSI bus as a disk
drive or SE device. 7 Preparing the host
• The default SCSI ID of the bottom half‐height or full‐height tape If necessary, install software, a host bus adapter (HBA), and
drive is 4. The default SCSI ID of the top half‐height tape drive is 5. compatible drivers in the host computer.
For parallel SCSI and SAS Autoloaders, ensure that your HBA
supports multiple LUNs. For parallel SCSI devices, verify that
5c Planning the SAS configuration multiple LUN support is enabled for the HBA and operating system.
Sun recommends that the host server be powered off before attaching
new devices.

11416 8a Connecting the Autoloader: Fibre

The server must have a SAS HBA with an external connector. Most Channel
SAS RAID controllers do not support Tape Autoloaders.

WARNING!
Do not connect the Autoloader to a SAS RAID controller unless the
controller is qualified with the Autoloader. The server might not be
able to boot when the Autoloader is connected to a non‐supported
SAS RAID controller. 11419

Remove the FC port dust cap from Port A. Attach one end of the FC
cable to Port A on the tape drive. Attach the other end of the FC cable
to a switch or HBA.

Page 7
8b Connecting the Autoloader: parallel 9 Powering on the Autoloader
SCSI

11366

To use the web‐based management interface, plug one end of the

11415 Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the Autoloader.
Plug the other end of the cable into an Ethernet LAN port.

NOTE: Plug the power cable into the Autoloader and the power outlet.
A parallel SCSI LTO‐3 or LTO‐4 tape drive should be the only Power on the Autoloader using the power button located on the
device on the bus. A maximum of two LTO‐2 tape drives can be front panel. Check the LCD screen to make sure the Autoloader is
on a single Ultra320 bus. receiving power.
Power on the host server and all devices you powered off earlier.
Attach one end of the parallel SCSI cable to one of the connectors
on the tape drive. Attach the other end of the cable to the host bus
adapter (HBA) or to the connector on the previous device on the SCSI
bus. 10 Configuring the network
Attach a terminator to the remaining SCSI connector on the tape drive. Configuring the network enables you to monitor, configure, and
Connect the second tape drive, if applicable. control Autoloader functions from the remote management interface
(RMI). By default, the Autoloader will request an IP address from a
DHCP server. You can configure the Autoloader to use a static IP
address. Once the Autoloader has an IP address, you can change the
network configuration from the OCP or RMI.
8c Connecting the Autoloader: SAS
The Autoloader supports IPv4 and IPv6. By default, the Autoloader
The SAS cable supplied is configured to use IPv4, the most common current version. You can
with the Autoloader enable IPv6 or both Internet Protocols from the OCP or RMI, and
has a mini‐SAS then finish configuring IPv6 from the RMI.
connector on the HBA
end and four mini‐SAS NOTE:
connectors on the tape
drive end. This cable To use the Web‐based remote management interface, you must also
can be used to connect set the administrator password.
up to four tape drives
to a SAS HBA. Any of
11622 To find the IP address obtained via DHCP:
the four connectors can
be used for any tape 1. From the Home screen, press Next until the display shows
drive. Status/Information. Press Enter.

SAS signal rates require clean connections with a minimum number 2. Press Next until the display shows Network Information.
of connections between the HBA and the Autoloader. Do not use Press Enter.
adapters or converters between the HBA and the Autoloader. Sun 3. The display shows IPv4 Network Enabled. Press Enter.
recommends a maximum SAS cable length of six meters.
4. Press Next until the display shows the IP address.
5. Press Cancel until the display shows the home screen.
To set the IPv4 IP address or enable IPv6:
1. From the Home screen, press Next until the display shows
Configuration. Press Enter.
2. Press Next until the display shows Configure Network
11417
Settings. Press Enter.
Attach the HBA end of the cable to the SAS HBA. Attach a connector 3. The display shows IPv4 Network Enabled. To change the
to each tape drive. setting, press Enter. Press Next until the display shows the
The unused ends are single channel and not suitable for use with desired setting. Press Enter to accept the new setting.
most disk arrays. Use the other ends to connect tape drives, or coil 4. Press Next until the display shows IPv6 Networking. To
and secure them to the rack to minimize stress on the connectors. enable IPv6 networking, press Enter. The display shows IPv6
Network Disabled. To change the setting, press Enter. Press
Next until the display shows the desired setting. Press Enter to
accept the new setting.

Page 8
If IPv4 networking is enabled, you can continue configuring the IPv4
network settings from the OCP:
1. From the Home screen, press Next until the display shows 12 Setting the administrator password
Configuration. Press Enter.
Setting an administrator password provides access to the
2. Press Next until the display shows Configure Network administrator functions with the remote management interface (RMI)
Settings. Press Enter. to only those people who know the administrator password. The
administrator password must be exactly eight digits consisting of
3. Press Next until the display shows IPv4 Networking. Press
the numbers 0 through 9.
Enter.
To set the administrator password:
4. Press Next until the display shows DHCP (IPv4) Enabled.
To change the setting, press Enter. Press Next until the screen 1. On the front panel, press Enter.
displays the desired setting. Press Enter to accept the new setting.
2. Press Next until the display shows Configuration. Press
5. If DHCPv4 is disabled, press Next to display the IP address. Enter.
To change the IP address, press Enter. Set the new IP address
with the Next and Enter keys. 3. Press Enter to change the administrator password.

6. Press Next to display the subnet mask. To change the subnet 4. The first number will flash. Press Next until the first number
mask, press Enter. Set the new subnet mask with the Next and for the new password is displayed. Press Enter to accept the
Enter keys. number. The next number flashes. Repeat for each number in
the password.
7. Press Next to display the gateway address. To change the
gateway address, press Enter. Set the new subnet address with 5. Press Cancel twice to move to the top of the menu.
the Next and Enter keys.
If you enabled IPv6, you must continue configuring IPv6 from the
RMI after setting the administrator password in Step 12. You can
find the IPv6 IP address obtained by the Autoloader from the OCP
13 Configuring the Fibre Channel ports
Information/Status > Network Information menu item. Sun recommends leaving the Fibre Channel ports at the default
See the Sun StorageTek SL24 Tape Autoloader and SL48 Tape Library settings of Port Speed: Automatic and Port Type: Auto Detect.
User and Service Guide included in the product documentation for With these settings, the tape drive will choose the appropriate
additional information on configuring IPv6. configuration. See the Sun StorageTek™ SL24 Tape Autoloader and
SL48 Tape Library User and service guide on the documentation CD for
instructions on changing the Fibre Channel configuration.

11 Setting the date and time

This option sets the date and time used by the Autoloader to record
events and should be set during the initial installation process. You
Magazine release
can also set the date and time from the RMI Configure: System
screen.
Access to this feature requires the administrator password, if set.
To set the date and time from the OCP:
1. From the Home screen, press Next until the display shows
Autoloader Date/Time. Press Enter.
2. Enter the administrator password, if requested. 2
3. A number in the year will flash. Click Next until the correct
1
number is displayed. Click Enter to accept the number. Repeat
for each number in the date and time.
11342
4. Press Cancel until the display shows the home screen.
When possible, release the magazines from the control panel or
web‐based interface. If you must remove the magazines from both
NOTE: sides of the Autoloader at the same time or when the Autoloader is
When setting the hours, the time is based on a 24‐hour clock. There not powered on: 1) insert a straightened paper clip or small pin about
is no a.m. or p.m. designation. For example, 1:00 p.m. is 13:00. 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) into the magazine release hole, while 2) another
person pulls out the magazine from that side.

NOTE: IMPORTANT:
The Autoloader time does not adjust itself for daylight saving time; Do not force the pin once you encounter resistance. Doing so can
you must adjust the time through the front panel or web‐based damage the Autoloader.
management interface.

Page 9
14 Labeling tape cartridges 15 Loading cartridges
Use the front panel Operations > Unlock Left Magazine option
to release the left magazine. Pull the magazine straight out of the
front of the Autoloader. You might be requested to provide the
administrator password to access the magazines.
Insert the tape cartridges into the slots. By default, the slots are
numbered 1 to 24, starting with the bottom front left slot.
To use the mailslot feature, leave the bottom slot in the front of the left
magazine empty. The rest of the slot numbers are adjusted as shown.

11
11894 10
7
9
Attaching a bar code label to each tape cartridge enables the 6
8 3
Autoloader and application software to identify the cartridge quickly, 5
thereby speeding up inventory time. Make it a practice to use bar 2
4
code labels on your tape cartridges. 1
M1

IMPORTANT:
The misuse and misunderstanding of bar code technology can
result in backup and restore failures. To ensure that your bar
codes meet Sun’s quality standards, always purchase them from an 23
approved supplier and never print bar code labels yourself. 22
19
21
18
15 20
17
14
16
13
12

10771

NOTE:
When the mailslot is disabled, the mailslot becomes slot 1 and all
other slots are renumbered.

Replace the magazine in the Autoloader.

Repeat for the right magazine. The right magazine does not have
a mailslot.

11895

LTO tape cartridges have a recessed area located on the face of the
cartridge next to the write‐protect switch. Use this area for attaching
the adhesive‐backed bar code label. Only apply labels as designated.

Page 10
16 Verifying the installation Ordering media
Verify that the Autoloader has the current firmware revision.
To find the firmware revision on the front panel:
1. From the Home screen, press Next until the display shows
Status/Information. Press Enter.
2. Press Next until the display shows Autoloader Information.
Press Enter.
3. Press Next until the display shows the Firmware Rev.
11383
4. Press Cancel until the display shows the home screen.
To find the current firmware revision, visit the http://sunsolve.sun.com Use Sun storage media to prolong the life of the
website. Autoloader and tape drives. To order data and
cleaning cartridges please use the contact information
After configuring the Autoloader, you can save the configuration below to locate the nearest Sun tape media reseller:
database to a USB flash drive from the OCP or to a file from the In the US contact 1‐877‐STK‐Tape
RMI Configuration > Save/Restore screen. Having a backup of In EAME contact 33 (0) 1 69 038341
the Autoloader configuration is helpful when recovering from a
configuration error, setting up multiple Autoloaders with similar
configurations, or if the Autoloader needs service.
Technical support
Call your local Sun Solution Center for warranty or contractual
17 Configuring additional features support. Contact numbers are at: http://www.sun.com/service/
contacting/. Or, get self help at http://sunsolve.sun.com.
The Autoloader has many features to customize it for your
organization. See the Sun StorageTek™ SL24 Tape Autoloader and SL48
Tape Library User and Service Guide on the documentation CD for
more information about these features and instructions for their
configuration.
Related documentation
The Sun StorageTek™ SL24 Tape Autoloader and SL48 Tape Library
• Partitioning an Autoloader with two tape drives into two logical User and service guide on the documentation CD includes additional
libraries. information about installing, configuring, upgrading, and
• Configuring IPv6 networking. operating the Autoloader. English, Japanese, French, German,
• Enabling and configuring SNMP network management. Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Italian versions of
the guide can be found on the Sun documentation website at:
• Naming the Autoloader. http://docs.sun.com/app/docs.

Helpful websites
For other product information, see the following websites:
http://sun.com
http://sunsolve.sun.com
http://docs.sun.com/app/docs
http://www.sun.com/storagetek/tape_storage
http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/home/index.html

Page 11
Operator control panel menu
HOME

Unlock Mailslot Status/Information Configuration Operations Support

Inventory Set Logical Libraries Unlock Left Magazine Power On/Off Drives

Change Admin
Autoloader Information Password Unlock Right Magazine Run Demo

Drive 1 Information Set Reserved Clean Drive Run Slot To Slot Test
Slot Count

Drive 2 Information Configure Mailslot Move Tape Run Wellness Test

Component Status Barcode Format Perform Inventory Drive FW Upgrade

Reporting

Autoloader
Network Information Change Drive 1 Reboot Autoloader FW Upgrade

Change Drive 2 Enable Autoldr Force Drive

SCSI ID Password Locks To Eject Tape

Autoloader
Set Master Drive Error Log

Autoloader Behavior Autoloader

Warning Log

Autoloader Date/Time Sun Service

Configure Network
Settings

Configure
Auto Cleaning

Restore Defaults
Requires Admin Password
Requires Service Password Save/Restore
(Sun Service personnel only) Configuration

11412

Page 12