Virtual TapeServer 6.03.41 Installation Guide
Cabling and Connecting VTS | 19
Note that some older NonStop servers, such as the S7000, require an in-line SCSI terminator.
This pass-through device sits between the external SCSI connector of the PMF board on the
NonStop and the cable that connects to the SCSI converter. The terminators are required for
PMF units through the S72000 models and early S74000 models. To determine if the PMF
requires an external terminator, note the PMF model number. Any PMF labeled with a model
earlier than 1970-A requires the terminator.
Also, a terminator is required when you connect physical tape or disk storage using SCSI.
Each bus (HVD or LVD) requires proper termination. The terminators are typically supplied
with the device hardware.
Cabling the SCSI converter to VTS server module
When the cabling between the VTS SCSI interface conversion module and NonStop S-series
server is complete, connect the SCSI converter to the VTS server module. The VTS server
module uses LVD SCSI with a VHDCI style connector. SCSI termination is handled
internally, so external termination is not required.
The SCSI converter uses a female MD68 connector, so the SCSI cable must have a male MD68
connector at that end. The VTS server module uses a female 68-pin VHDCI connector, so the
SCSI cable must have a male VHDCI connector at that end.
The rear of the VTS server module has slots for multiple dual-channel SCSI cards. The four
VHDCI SCSI ports on the VT5900-E unit are clearly visible.
LVD SCSI supports a maximum cable length of 12 meters (39 feet) if multiple devices are on
the SCSI bus or 25 meters (82 feet) if only a single device is on the SCSI bus. Because the VTS
SCSI converter is located in the same rack or cabinet as the VTS server module (usually the
SCSI converters are located adjacent to the server module), it is recommended that the cable
length between the SCSI converter and the VTS server module be limited to 2 meters (6.5
feet). Each VTS model that includes SCSI converters also includes 6-foot male MD68 to male
68 VHDCI SCSI cables to connect the VTS server module and the SCSI converter.