• Why is my tape drive not detected on my Windows® NT 4.0 system?

• What is AIT?

• Does AIT require cleaning like other tape mechanisms?

• Does the AIT1 External package include a terminator or SCSI cable?

• Why does my backup succeed some days, but fail others?

• Is AIT compatible with current 8mm data cartridges?

• What happens if I insert a non-AIT 8mm cartridge into the drive?

• What is MIC?

• How do I set compression for my AIT tape drive?

• What is ME or AME?

• Why won't my tape drive eject tapes?

• What are the benefits of MIC?

Why is my tape drive not detected on my Windows® NT 4.0 system?
If you have Service Pack 4 or 6, you’ll need to install the Windows® NT drivers located on our website. Service Pack 6a already contains the correct NT drivers. Service Pack 5 will not support tape drives, so users should upgrade to Service Pack 6a. Obtain the latest drivers and firmware for your SCSI card. If you are using an Adaptec card, run an aspxI check, and update the aspxI layer for your card if necessary. Finally, check for proper SCSI termination and ID settings.

What is AIT ?
AIT (Advanced Intelligent Tape) is a new intelligent tape technology developed by Sony. It incorporates a new recording format, ALDC compression, MIC (Memory In Cassette) capabilities, and the exclusive use of AME (Advanced Metal Evaporated) media.

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Does AIT require cleaning like other tape mechanisms?
Unlike many conventional tape drives, there is no need for periodic cleaning of AIT drives. The drive itself constantly monitors head output to check for possible contamination and will then invoke the built-in Active Head Cleaner. Under extreme environmental conditions, a cleaning cartridge may be required, and the drive will indicate this to the user and the application.

Does the AIT1 External Drive package include a terminator or a SCSI cable?
Yes, it has a active terminator and 3' 68-pin to 68-pin male SCSI cable.

Why can I do a successful backup on some days, while other days, the backup fails?
Replace the tapes that fail with known good tapes. The particular tapes that are not successfully backing up are most likely defective.

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Is AIT compatible with current 8mm data cartridges?
No. The AIT drive only accepts AIT AME cassette and rejects all other 8mm cassettes. AIT is accepted by 8mm mechanisms, but is permanently write protected. The AIT drive recognizes an AIT AME cassette by ID holes on the cassette.

What happens if I insert a non-AIT 8mm cartridge into the drive?
The AIT drive will eject the cartridge. If you put an AIT cartridge into a non-AIT 8mmr drive it will be accepted, but it is permanently write-protected. The recorded data will not ever be damaged.

What is MIC?
Memory in Cassette. Data structure and history are stored in captive EEPROM on the cassette. The AIT drive reads the data directly from the EEPROM - not the tape area. In addition to faster access to data (Load/Unload, file Search), there is capability of multiple partitioning with support by application software.

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How do I set compression for my AIT tape drive?
The compression can ONLY be set in the software OR the hardware, not both. If the compression is to be set on the hardware, you will need to set the jumper or dip switch accordingly. Please refer to your manual for specific instructions.

What is ME or AME?
AME (Advanced Metal Evaporated) is the tape formulation used by AIT. Key characteristics include a 100% pure cobalt magnetic layer, a dual magnetic layer design, the absence of binder material which prevents tape head contamination, and a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) protective coating for extreme durability.

Why won't my tape drive eject tapes?
First, make sure the correct type of tape is being used. Try issuing a SCSI bus reset or power the drive OFF and back ON to override this condition. Disconnect the data cable from the drive to determine if the cable or connection may be the problem. If this does not work and if it is absolutely mandatory that the tape cassette be removed prior to returning the drive for repair, an emergency cassette removal procedure can be performed. See manual or contact technical support for further assistance.

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What are the benefits of MIC?
MIC (Memory In Cassette) enables much faster file access by using 150 times search mode. It provides for up to 256 tape partitions to enhance file accessibility, off-line cassette contents & history recognition, higher data security using MIC ID, and many more features. It also allows for fast load and unload operation with identification happening in less than 10 seconds.

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