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TELESCOPE OPERATIONS

DLT DATA TAPE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Info

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

* One set to take with them (to be returned after they download the files onto their system).

* One set given back to us (before leaving) to be placed in our data archival cabinet.

DLT tape drives are located with the workstations prospero (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 VLBI Tape 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: gbfiler/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: (1) Open the spreadsheet program. (2) Subtract the number of tapes given to the observer from the Blank Tapes block. (3) Add the observers name under the Observers w/ Tapes column. In the block next to their name, enter the number of tapes given. (4) Update the date in the Last Updated block. (5) Save your changes and exit the program.
NOTE 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: (1) Open the spreadsheet program. (2) Add the number of tapes returned in the Blank Tapes block. (3) 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. (4) Update the date in the Last Updated block. (5) Save your changes and exit the program.
NOTE The Total Tapes value should remain the same.

Setting Up for Data Retrieval by an Observer

STEP ACTION
1 Obtain the requested tape(s) from the archival storage cabinet.
2 Insert the tape(s) into the DLT drive(s). 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. Device names for each drive: prospero = Device name of tape drive is: /dev/st1 vortex = Device names for its two tape drives are /dev/rmt/2 and /dev/rmt/3
3 After a tape has been downloaded, press the Unload button to eject it.
4 Return tapes to the archival storage cabinet when finished.

Setting Up for Data Copying

STEP ACTION
1 Obtain the requested number tape(s) from the storage cabinet.
2 Label the tape(s) with the following: GBT Project ID, PI Name (primary investigator), Date (observation date), Tape number (if labeling several tapes for one project, mark them 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.), Copy number (1, 2, 3, etc.), Misc. (any additional info requested to help identify the tape contents)
3 Insert tapes into the DLT drives. The observer will specify which drive(s) he intends to use.
NOTE The observer is responsible for accessing the tape drives and copying their data. See information previously noted concerning information and tape drive names.
4 After a tape has been copied, press the Unload button to eject it.
5 If the observer requests a copy be mailed to them: Obtain their mailing address. Pack the tape(s) in a box for shipping. Send them copy to 2 of any tapes requested. We keep copy 1. Give the package and shipping name/address to Sherry. She will prepare them for shipment and provide a tracking number to pass to the observer.
6 Store all tapes not sent in the archival storage cabinet.

-- DavidRose - 6 Feb 2008

Topic DLTDataTapeManagementProcedures . { Edit | Attach | Ref-By | Printable | Diffs | r1.7 | > | r1.6 | > | r1.5 | More }
Revision r1.7 - 06 Feb 2008 - 18:25 GMT - DavidRose
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