User Guide

ValueLoader Administration
Configuring the ValueLoader
38 ValueLoader LTO Tape Autoloader User Manual
ValueLoader
Operating Modes
3
The operating mode is set based on whether you have automation
software controlling cartridges in the ValueLoader or if you are
manually loading and unloading cartridges using the ValueLoader
Operator’s Panel commands. The ValueLoader always operates in
Autodetect mode, which is transparent to you. In Autodetect
mode, the ValueLoader automatically assumes that you are not
using an automation software package to control cartridge or drive
activity. This is called Stacker or Sequential mode. If the
ValueLoader detects that an automation software package is
controlling tape/drive activity, it will automatically switch to
Random mode.
Random Mode 3
This is the normal mode of operation when a backup software
application is being used. In Random mode, the ValueLoader does
not automatically load tapes into the tape drive; instead, it waits
for commands from the software. To use Random mode, you do
not need to configure anything from the ValueLoader front panel.
In addition, your backup software package must support
ValueLoaders, which often requires the additional installation of a
ValueLoader/library software module.
Sequential Mode 3
Sequence Mode is useful when an adequate software application is
not available. In Sequential Mode, the ValueLoader automatically
loads and unloads tapes from the drive. The operator determines
the first tape to load by loading the desired tape into the tape drive
using the ValueLoader’s front panel controls. See Loading
Cartridges on page 30 for instructions. When the first tape is full or
unloaded for any other reason, the ValueLoader automatically
removes the tape from the drive, puts it in its original slot, then
loads the cartridge in the next available higher numbered slot,
continuing this sequence with each available higher numbered
slot. To further determine how you want tapes loaded into the
ValueLoader’s tape drive while in Sequential Mode, you may set
Circular and Autoload options from the autoload front panel.