GBT OPERATIONS PROCEDURES

 Number: INFO-03
Title: DLT Data Tape Management Procedures Last Revision: 5 Nov 02

Info

Visiting astronomers using DLT data storage tapes to save their data will generally require two sets of tapes: 

DLT tape drives are located with the workstations colossus (one drive) and vortex (two drives).

Blank DLT tapes and labels are stored in the OVLBI/Finance equipment room (corner wall cabinet towards windows).

Archived DLT tapes are stored in the OVLBI/Finance equipment room (fireproof cabinet, bottom drawer). Pete has the key. Tapes should be marked per this procedure.

A spreadsheet is used to manage the tapes and a template is available for making additional labels. Both are located in the directory: Halebopp/GBT Ops/DLT Tape Management

Managing DLT Data Tapes

Checking Tapes Out

STEP

 ACTION
1 Determine the total number of tapes required by the observer. Note this number for later entry into the spreadsheet. 
2 Provide the observer with the tapes.
3 Update the DLT Tape Management Spreadsheet:
  • Open the spreadsheet program.
  • Subtract the number of tapes given to the observer from the Blank Tapes block.
  • Add the observers name under the Observers w/ Tapes column. In the block next to their name, enter the number of tapes given.
  • Update the date in the Last Updated block.
  • Save your changes and exit the program.
NOTE Note that the Total Tapes value should remain the same. This value changes only when additional blank tapes are purchased and added into this tracking system or a damaged tape is removed.

Checking Tapes In

STEP

 ACTION
1 Inspect the returned tapes for any obvious damage then store them in the blank tape storage cabinet.
2 Update the DLT Tape Management Spreadsheet:
  • Open the spreadsheet program.
  • Add the number of tapes returned in the Blank Tapes block.
  • Subtract the same number above from the block next to the name of the observer who returned them. If the observer returned all tapes, remove their name.  
  • Update the date in the Last Updated block.
  • Save your changes and exit the program. 
NOTE Note that the Total Tapes value should remain the same. This value changes only when additional blank tapes are purchased and added into this tracking system or a damaged tape is removed.

Setting Up for Data Retrieval

STEP

 ACTION
1 Obtain the requested tape(s) from the storage cabinet.
2 Label the tape and tape case with the following: Project ID, PI (primary investigator) Name, Date, and Tape number (if labeling several tapes for one project, mark them 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.) 
3 Insert a tape into the DLT drive. The observer will specify which drive he intends to use and which tape (if more than one) to load first.
NOTE The observer is responsible for accessing the tape drives and downloading their data. Should they need assistance, direct them to the Guide to GB Computing Tape Drives web page (www.gb.nrao.edu/GBT/MC/doc/GBTprojects/pulsarSupport/BCPM/). Device names for each drive:
  • colossus: Device name of tape drive is:  /dev/nst1 
  • vortex: Device names for its two tape drives:  /dev/rmt/2  and  /dev/rmt/3
4 After a tape has been downloaded, press the Unload button to eject it.
5 Return tapes to the archival storage cabinet when finished.

Prepared by: Dave Rose

Last modified: 5Nov02