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ARCHIVE PYTHON DDS-DC OAT DRIVES---PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MANUAL
If the first WRITE command stores less than 126 kilobytes of data, the data is placed in the buffer until the
next WRITE command exceeds the 126-kilobyte buffer capacity and forces the stored data to actually be
written to tape.
The following steps outline a typical sequence for using a blank cassette.
1.
Gently push the blank DAT cassette into the cassette insertion slot on the front panel with the arrow
on the top side of the cassette entering the opening first. (See Figure 4-4.)
Once the cassette is partially inserted, the drive mechanism automatically completes the cassette
insertion and proper positioning.
The amber and green rectangular LEDs on the front panel go ON as the drive checks the cassette to
determine its state (blank, write-protected, prerecorded audio, firmware update, and etc.) and
positions to the data area, which takes about 10-12 seconds.
2.
Start the software application and issue a command.
For example, if you want to back up a file, issue the appropriate command or make the appropriate
menu selections from backup application software. The Python drive begins initializing the tape
before completing the backup (WRITE) operation. WRITE operations are completed during the
initializing operation without delay until all internal buffers are filled.
3.
After completing the backup and after the amber rectangular LED on the front panel is OFF, push
the eject (tape unload) button on the front panel to remove the cassette. The Python buffer is then
emptied to tape, and the tape is rewound.
The Python's data buffer is also emptied to the tape in these three cases:
o
A REWIND command is issued.
o
The eject button is pushed.
o
A delay as defined by MODE SELECT or the one-minute default delay time in which no
activity occurs.
Before the Python drive ejects the cassette it automatically updates the system log, which requires a
few seconds; then it rewinds and ejects the cassette. When ejected, the cassette is pushed out of the
cassette insertion slot to a half-way position for easy removal.
4.6 Using a Cassette Containing Data
The sequence for writing a cassette that already contains data is similar to the blank cassette sequence except
the cassette is not automatically initialized by the drive. A brief delay occurs when the cassette is first
inserted as the Python drive identifies the cassette type and state, and positions to the data area.
4.7. Using a Prerecorded Audio Cassette
Inserting a prerecorded audio cassette in the Python drive automatically plays the cassette. A brief delay
after you insert the cassette occurs as the drive determines that the cassette is in the audio format. After that
brief delay, the audio tape is played. However, no output jack (either digital or analog) is available as a
standard feature in Python DDS-DC drives to allow the drive to interface to sound reproduction equipment.
Connection must be made to an internal digital audio signal point. Contact your Archive sales representative
if this capability is a major component of your specific application.
4-10
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