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Chapter 4: Operating the Autoloader
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Operating modes The system driven mode is the normal mode of operation. In this mode, the
Operator’s Panel displays the status associated with the actions that were caused
from commands issued through the drive's SCSI interface. Some of these
actions, including loading, rewinding, and moving tape, appear.
When an Operator’s Panel button is pressed and released, the Operator’s Panel
changes to interaction mode. In interaction mode, you can change settings for
the autoloader.
Interaction mode continues for three minutes after you stop pressing buttons,
or the requested robotic action stops. The Operator’s Panel returns to system
driven mode automatically.
The system driven mode has two operating modes — Random and Sequential.
The operating mode used depends on whether automation software is
controlling cartridges in the autoloader. Initially, the autoloader assumes you
are not using automation software to control cartridge or drive activity. This
is called sequential mode. If the autoloader detects that automation software is
controlling tape drive activity, it switches to random mode automatically.
The following sections provide more information about sequential and random
modes.
Random mode
Random mode is the normal operating mode when a backup program is used.
In random mode, the autoloader loads a cartridge into the drive when it receives
the appropriate commands from the program. To use this mode, your backup
program must support autoloaders. This support often requires an
autoloader/library program module to be installed.
Important “SEQ” appears on the LCD when the autoloader is in
Sequential Mode. No message appears during Random
mode.