IBM AS/400e User Handbook Manual page 397

Removable Storage Media Devices
ensure high data integrity. The tape never leaves the cassette and maintains a self-enclosed
tape path. This unique path eliminates tape thread time and ensures higher reliability.
The 3570 has a combination of read/write technology. Data write is provided by an exclusive
thin-film write module and data read is provided by the IBM Magneto-Resistive (MR) head
technology based on the IBM 3590. In addition, the 4-track 3570 head provides data
redundancy and servo tracking support.
The integrated control unit contains the electronics and microcode for reading and writing
data. The control unit functions include management of the data buffer, error recovery
procedures, and the control of all the tape drive operations.
The library models offer both a random mode or sequential data access mode. They support
two 10-cassette magazines providing from 150 GB (uncompressed) to 300 GB (compressed)
of data on 20 cassettes.
The library models use a cassette loading and transport mechanism to automatically
transport the tape cassettes to and from the cassette magazines and the tape drive. An LCD
operator panel provides the primary method of displaying information and allows the
selection of various menu options. These models also have a security key lock, which
physically locks the cassettes in the library for additional security.
The 3570 Multipurpose Tape Subsystem attaches to all AS/400 systems (except the D02,
E02, F02, and the 9401) using feature #6501, #6534, or #2729. Each #6501 can support up
to two 3570 models and requires an AS/400 interposer, feature #2895 for each SCSI cable.
Each #6534 or #2729 supports one 3570 and does not require an interposer. See "Magnetic
Media Controllers" on page 383 for a description of these controllers.
The 3570 rack-mounted Models C11 and C12 require an AS/400 9309 Rack Enclosure.
Multiple systems may be attached to the 3570, and the 3570 Cx2 models may be varied
online to two systems at a time, with each drive allocated to one system.
OS/400 V3R1 or later is required to support the 3570. OS/400 also provides support for the
library models in random mode. The IBM EDMSuite OnDemand for AS/400 (formerly known
as Report/Data Archive and Retrieval System (R/DARS)) is an application that stores and
retrieves data on disk, optical, or tape media. It supports the 3570 providing record level
access to data.
The 3570 is supported as an Alternate IPL device, but AS/400 IMPI models require RPQ
843945. This RPQ is required because IBM software, PTFs, and MULIC/FULIC tapes are not
distributed on 3570 media. A second tape drive, in addition to the 3570, must be specified as
a valid Alternate IPL device. The RPQ ships IBM service instructions for attaching the 3570
as an Alternate IPL device and a license to make a copy of the MULIC/FULIC tape on 3570
tape media.
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Removable Storage Media Devices