Spectra Stack - User Manual

Use the instructions in this section to install the required rack hardware before
installing a library module. Rack hardware is included in the accessory box shipped
with each module.
Clear a work surface near the targeted rack where you plan to install the library.
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If you notice any damage, contact
Spectra Logic Technical Support (see page 4 for contact information).
Cut and remove the bands on the outside of the container.
Lift up the outer cardboard box. It is not secured to the pallet and lifts off easily.
Remove the inner cardboard sleeve surrounding the module.
Remove the rack rails and accessory kit.
Remove the foam pieces off of the top of the module.
With assistance, lift the module out of the bottom foam nest.
Remove the wrapping from the module and then place the module on a sturdy
work surface.
Save the packaging materials for future use.
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Unpack Library Components
Install Rack Rails
Spectra Stack Tape Library Overview
Precautions
Locate the position where you want to install the Control Module. The rail position
corresponds to the lowest 1U of the module chassis.
If your library includes one or more Expansion Modules, locate the rail position for
each additional module at 6U spacing intervals. Otherwise, continue to Step 3.
Position each rail according to the left-right front-rear orientation information
stamped on the rail.
From the front of the rack, position a rack rail inside the rack and insert the rear rail
hangers into the holes of the rear vertical support of the rack.
Lower the front of the rail until the rail is approximately level.
Extend the front of the rail and insert the hangers through the holes in the vertical
support of the rack (1) until the retention spring snaps into place.
Install a clip nut above the mounting bracket on both of the front vertical supports
of the rack. Position the clip two holes above the top of the mounting bracket (2) at
the front of the rail and push it through the hole in the vertical supports.
Repeat for each additional rack rail.
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Remove a cover from the Control Module.
Insert a small screwdriver into the hole (1) to retract the spring lock.
Slide the cover toward the front of the Control Module (2) until
it contacts the screwdriver. Remove the screwdriver and continue
sliding the cover until all the tabs are released.
Lift the cover off the module (3).
If necessary, repeat to remove the other cover.
Install a cover on an Expansion Module.
Align all tabs on the cover with the slots on the module, gently push
it down, and then slide the cover towards the back of the module
until the spring lock engages.
If necessary, repeat to install the other cover.
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IMPORTANT
Use the instructions in this section to move a cover from the Control
Module to an Expansion Module. The covers are identical and the
procedure to move them is the same for both the top and bottom cover.
If you are installing Expansion Modules below the Control Module,
move the bottom cover from the Control Module to the Expansion
Module that you plan to install as the bottom module of the library.
If you are installing Expansion Modules above the Control Module,
move the top cover from the Control Module to the Expansion Module
that you plan to install as the top module of the library.
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Prepare Library Modules
All Spectra Stack library installations begin with the 6U controller module,
with capacity for 80 tape cartridges and up to six half-height LTO tape drives,
up to three full-height LTO tape drives, or a combination of half-height and
full-height drives.
The Spectra Stack library is expandable, allowing a user to grow the tape
storage capacity as data requirements increase. As data storage needs grow,
the Spectra Stack library can also grow by adding one or more 6U expansion
module(s). Each expansion module supports an additional 80 tape cartridges
and an additional six half-height LTO tape drives or three full-height LTO
tape drives.
Up to six expansion modules can
be added to a controller module,
bringing the total library capacity to
560 tape cartridges and 42 half-
height drives, 21 full-height drives or
a combination of half- and full-height
drives in a single 19-inch NEMA rack.
Each Spectra Stack library module weighs approximately 88 lb. (40 kg)
without drives or tape cartridges installed, and approximately 144 lb.
(70 kg) with six tape drives and 80 tape cartridges installed.
WARNING
Before moving or installing the library, observe local health and safety
requirements and obtain adequate assistance to lift and stabilize the
modules during installation or removal.
When installing or removing a library module from a rack:
Extend the rack leveling jacks to the floor.
Ensure that the full weight of the rack rests on the leveling jacks.
Extend only one rack component at a time.
Install stabilizing feet on the rack (recommended).
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Page 1
The Control Module has a removable cover at the top and bottom of the
library chassis. If your library configuration includes one or more Expansion
Modules, you must transfer one or both covers from the Control Module
to the Expansion Module. If your library configuration does not include an
Expansion Module, skip to Install & Align Library Modules.
The included rack-mounting hardware is only compatible with square hole racks.
An adaptor kit is available for round hole racks. Some threaded round hole racks
are not supported. The distance between the rack front and rear posts must be
between 26.6 inches and 30.8 inches. Add an additional 1.5 inches when using
adaptors. See the Spectra Stack Library User Guide for more information.
WARNING
If you plan to remove the bottom cover, you must first remove the
top cover and confirm that the shipping lock is in place. Use the
sticker on the top of the robot to lock the robot if needed.

Summary

Spectra Stack Tape Library Overview

Unpack Library Components

Steps to unpack library modules from shipping containers, including inspection and removal of packaging.

Install Rack Rails

Instructions for installing rack mounting hardware for library modules, ensuring compatibility with square hole racks.

Prepare Library Modules

Procedure to move protective covers from the Control Module to Expansion Modules if applicable.

Precautions

Handling and Installation Warnings

Safety advice regarding module weight, lifting, and proper rack installation with leveling jacks.

Install & Align Library Modules

Installing Modules into Rack

Steps to physically install library modules into a server rack using rail assemblies and thumbscrews.

Aligning Library Modules

Procedures for aligning installed library modules for proper robot movement between them.

Install Tape Drives

Installing Tape Drives

Instructions for installing half-height and full-height tape drives into the library's drive bays.

Connect Cables

Connecting Network and Power

Guide for connecting Ethernet cables and power cords to the library's modules.

Connecting Data Cables

Instructions for connecting Fibre Channel and SAS cables to tape drives.

Power On Library

Powering On the Library

Steps to power on the library module using the front panel power button.

Configure Internal IP Addressing

Setting Internal IP Addresses

Procedure to configure internal IP addresses to avoid network conflicts during initialization.

Login to the Library

Accessing the Library Interface

Steps to access the user interface via the OCP screen and log in.

Initial Configuration Wizard

Setting Administrator Password

Procedure to set the administrator password for initial library setup and RMI access.

Network Configuration

Steps to configure network settings like hostname, domain, and IP addressing.

Time and Date Settings

Setting the library's timezone, date, and time format for accurate logging.

Updating Configuration

Finalizing and applying configuration changes made during the initial wizard.

Configure Encryption Password

Setting Encryption Password

Procedure to configure the encryption password required for using encryption standard.

Enter Activation Keys

Installing Activation Keys

Process of entering activation keys via RMI to enable library features.

Create a Partition

Create Partition Scheme

Using the Basic Wizard to define partition schemes with available drives and slots.

Load Tape Media

Importing Tape Cartridges

Methods for importing tape cartridges via the EE port or bulk loading magazines.

Contact Spectra Logic

Overview

1. Technical Specifications and Physical Characteristics
2. Installation and Setup
3. Initial Configuration and Software Features
4. Security and Licensing
5. Partitioning and Media Management
6. Maintenance and Support

The Spectra Stack Tape Library is a modular, expandable storage solution designed for data backup operations. It begins with a 6U controller module that can hold up to 80 tape cartridges and up to six half-height LTO tape drives, three full-height LTO tape drives, or a combination of both. As storage needs grow, the library can be expanded by adding up to six 6U expansion modules. Each expansion module adds capacity for another 80 tape cartridges and six half-height LTO tape drives or three full-height LTO tape drives. When fully configured with a controller module and six expansion modules, the Spectra Stack can store up to 560 tape cartridges and accommodate 42 half-height drives or 21 full-height drives, all within a single 19-inch NEMA rack.

Technical Specifications and Physical Characteristics:

Each Spectra Stack library module weighs approximately 88 lb (40 kg) without drives or tape cartridges. With six tape drives and 80 tape cartridges installed, a module's weight increases to about 144 lb (70 kg). The rack-mounting hardware included with each module is compatible with square hole racks, and an adapter kit is available for round hole racks. The distance between the rack front and rear posts must be between 26.6 and 30.8 inches, with an additional 1.5 inches needed when using adapters.

Installation and Setup:

Installation begins by unpacking the components, inspecting for damage, and then installing the rack rails. The rack rails are designed for easy installation, with rear hangers inserting into vertical support holes and a retention spring snapping into place. Once the rails are in, the library modules are installed, starting with the lowest module and proceeding upwards. Two people or a lift are recommended for raising the modules to the rack rail height. Modules slide into the rack rails and are secured with captive thumbscrews.

For configurations with multiple modules, alignment is crucial for robot movement. This involves loosening thumbscrews on both sides of each module, adjusting an alignment mechanism at the back of the modules, and then re-tightening the thumbscrews. Expansion interconnect cables are used to connect adjacent modules, ensuring proper communication.

Tape drives are installed into vacant drive bays at the back of the library. Half-height drives require one drive bay cover to be removed, while full-height drives require two. It's important to only remove covers for the drive being installed and to ensure all unused bays have covers. Drives are slid along alignment rails until flush with the back of the library and secured with blue captive screws.

Cabling involves connecting Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SAS cables. An Ethernet cable plugs into the lower Ethernet port on the Control Module. Power cords connect to each power supply and then to AC power circuits, with redundant power supplies ideally connected to different circuits for increased redundancy. Fibre Channel cables connect from an HBA or SAN to the tape drive ports, and SAS cables connect from an HBA to the SAS port on the tape drive.

Initial Configuration and Software Features:

After powering on the library by pressing the power button on the Control Module, the Initial Configuration Wizard guides the user through essential setup steps. This includes configuring date and time, network settings, and an administrator password. The wizard can be partially skipped, with remaining steps completed via the Remote Management Interface (RMI).

A critical step is configuring internal IP addressing to prevent conflicts between internal and external Ethernet networks. The wizard presents three default IP address ranges, from which the user selects one not used by their data center network.

The library's user interface is accessed via the OCP screen, where users log in with a selected user type and password. The Initial Wizard also covers timezone selection, allowing users to choose their geographical location, which determines the library's time zone. Date and time can be set manually or automatically.

Security and Licensing:

For users planning to utilize Encryption Standard, an encryption password must be configured. This is done by logging in as a Security user, navigating to the Encryption Standard settings, and entering the password.

Activation keys are essential for enabling various features on the library. These keys, typically emailed to the contact person on the sales order, are entered through the RMI under the License Key Handling section.

Partitioning and Media Management:

To prepare the library for data backup, at least one partition must be created. The Basic Wizard guides users through this process, creating one or more partitions using all available drives and licensed slots. This wizard deletes any previously configured partitions. Users can specify the number of partitions, and the wizard evenly divides resources (drives and licensed slots) among them. Magazine slots are allocated in five-slot groups.

Barcode label length and alignment can also be configured. The barcode label length, which defaults to 8 digits, can be adjusted up to 15 digits for compatibility with backup software. The alignment (left or right) determines how barcode digits are reported to the backup software. Auto Clean can be enabled to automatically clean a tape drive when requested.

Tape media can be imported either through the EE port or by bulk loading magazines. The EE port allows for importing up to 10 tape cartridges at a time without interrupting normal library operations. Bulk loading involves opening a magazine, extending it, loading tape cartridges into the slots, and then pushing the magazine back into the library. All library operations stop when a magazine is open for bulk loading.

Maintenance and Support:

The manual emphasizes precautions during installation and removal, such as extending rack leveling jacks, ensuring the rack rests on them, and installing stabilizing feet. It also provides contact information for Spectra Logic Phone Support in various regions (United States and Canada, Europe, Deutsch Sprechende Kunden, Australia, Mexico, Central/South America, Asia, New Zealand, Africa, Middle East) and directs users to the online support website.

Spectra Stack Specifications