RE: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

2020-12-21 Thread David Simpson 
Thanks for the info. 

I think we have a Dell PowerEdge R730xd ear-marked for this, it has a 
reasonable spec and will get repurposed to do the job, but we'll need to buy a 
SAS card to connect it up.

The Overland T24 seems to be quite good on paper at least also (though not many 
stockists here). This looks to be a bit of a halfway between the Superloader 3 
and the aforementioned HPE library. It appears that on the Overland T24 the 
drive can be upgraded later on to a newer LTO generation drive. Not sure that's 
possible on the Superloader 3 - I think those are bought as they are and aren't 
upgradable in future (with new LOT tech drives when those are available).

The MTX compatibility list (below) appears to be long gone, is there any other 
source of such information? Or are things generally assumed to just work (TM) 
these days?

http://mtx.opensource-sw.net/compatibility.php


thanks
David

-
David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
ARCCA, Redwood Building,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Cardiff, CF10 3NB   
    

David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Caerdydd, CF10 3NB

[email protected]
+44 29208 74657

COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. Our 
staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower than 
usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time
 
COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall ymatebion 
fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn ystod yr 
amser digynsail hwn.

-Original Message-
From: Debra S Baddorf  
Sent: 18 December 2020 18:54
To: David Simpson 
Cc: Debra S Baddorf ; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

The MSL4048 included tape “drawers” (magazines, I guess).
Yes, you buy a drive.
You need cables to your computer, and of course tapes.
We dealt with a rep, who was also concerned that the computer and card was a 
fast enough speed, to drive the tape unit well.

But I think that’s all you need.  Since the 3040 is a different model,  talking 
to a rep wouldn’t hurt …..  though they don’t always research things as well as 
you will.

Deb Baddorf
waving to my cousin in Wales

> On Dec 18, 2020, at 12:25 PM, David Simpson  wrote:
> 
> With the HPE StoreEver MSL3040, do you need to buy anything to make the 40 
> slots usable in the Base Library module? Any magazine or cartridge needed(?).
> 
> If I'm interpreting correctly, you just need to buy the Base Library unit + a 
> drive to fit to it and nothing else. 
> 
> thanks
> David
> From: Debra S Baddorf 
> Sent: 17 December 2020 20:10
> To: David Simpson 
> Cc: Debra S Baddorf ; [email protected] 
> 
> Subject: Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 
> experiences
>  
> External email to Cardiff University - Take care when replying/opening 
> attachments or links.
> Nid ebost mewnol o Brifysgol Caerdydd yw hwn - Cymerwch ofal wrth ateb/agor 
> atodiadau neu ddolenni.
> 
> 
> 
> We have the HP StorEver  MSL4048  tape library.  It is sold with 40 tape 
> slots, and you separately choose your tape drive (yeah, half height).
> We’ve loved it.   5 years old now.  We had a weird problem that never found a 
> fix, merely a work-around ….
> 
> A similar  (another brand ) MSL4048 that I also run, wearing another 
> department’s hat has always worked great.   It’s even older yet.
> They replaced older tape drives  (LTO3?)  with LTO4  a few years back, and 
> the library  still works nicely.
> Its age is showing with some mis-reads by the barcode reader — but I print my 
> own labels, so half of that could be my fault.
> 
> Amanda likes them just fine.  I read the comments in a bunch of amanda’s 
> files, and tested the tape library first with
> mtx  and  raw tape commands.   Then tested amanda’s   tape move commands  
> (amtape   slot NN,
> amtape   slot next,   etc)   And then tested a small amanda setup.   
> Now I have 34 nodes, and perhaps 100 DLEs.
> 
> Deb Baddorf
> Fermilab
> 
> > On Dec 17, 2020, at 8:33 AM, David Simpson  wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Quantum Superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040
> >
> > ---
> >
> > I just wondered if anyone had experience of either of these?
> >
> > I used a Quantum Superloader many moons ago (~5 years ago) and found it to 
> > be decent. Though I’m not sure if the latest model can do LTO8 (which I’m 
> > asking Quantum about).
> >
> > The HPE MSL3040 also looks good – would be interested to hear about that if 
>

Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

2020-12-18 Thread Debra S Baddorf 
The MSL4048 included tape “drawers” (magazines, I guess).
Yes, you buy a drive.
You need cables to your computer, and of course tapes.
We dealt with a rep, who was also concerned that the computer and card was a 
fast enough speed, to drive the tape unit well.

But I think that’s all you need.  Since the 3040 is a different model,  talking 
to a rep wouldn’t hurt …..  though they don’t always
research things as well as you will.

Deb Baddorf
waving to my cousin in Wales

> On Dec 18, 2020, at 12:25 PM, David Simpson  wrote:
> 
> With the HPE StoreEver MSL3040, do you need to buy anything to make the 40 
> slots usable in the Base Library module? Any magazine or cartridge needed(?).
> 
> If I'm interpreting correctly, you just need to buy the Base Library unit + a 
> drive to fit to it and nothing else. 
> 
> thanks
> David
> From: Debra S Baddorf 
> Sent: 17 December 2020 20:10
> To: David Simpson 
> Cc: Debra S Baddorf ; [email protected] 
> 
> Subject: Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences
>  
> External email to Cardiff University - Take care when replying/opening 
> attachments or links.
> Nid ebost mewnol o Brifysgol Caerdydd yw hwn - Cymerwch ofal wrth ateb/agor 
> atodiadau neu ddolenni.
> 
> 
> 
> We have the HP StorEver  MSL4048  tape library.  It is sold with 40 tape 
> slots, and you separately choose your tape drive (yeah, half height).
> We’ve loved it.   5 years old now.  We had a weird problem that never found a 
> fix, merely a work-around ….
> 
> A similar  (another brand ) MSL4048 that I also run, wearing another 
> department’s hat has always worked great.   It’s even older yet.
> They replaced older tape drives  (LTO3?)  with LTO4  a few years back, and 
> the library  still works nicely.
> Its age is showing with some mis-reads by the barcode reader — but I print my 
> own labels, so half of that could be my fault.
> 
> Amanda likes them just fine.  I read the comments in a bunch of amanda’s 
> files, and tested the tape library first with
> mtx  and  raw tape commands.   Then tested amanda’s   tape move commands  
> (amtape   slot NN,
> amtape   slot next,   etc)   And then tested a small amanda setup.   
> Now I have 34 nodes, and perhaps 100 DLEs.
> 
> Deb Baddorf
> Fermilab
> 
> > On Dec 17, 2020, at 8:33 AM, David Simpson  wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Quantum Superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040
> >
> > ---
> >
> > I just wondered if anyone had experience of either of these?
> >
> > I used a Quantum Superloader many moons ago (~5 years ago) and found it to 
> > be decent. Though I’m not sure if the latest model can do LTO8 (which I’m 
> > asking Quantum about).
> >
> > The HPE MSL3040 also looks good – would be interested to hear about that if 
> > anyone has one. If I’m reading correctly the base module comes with 40 
> > slots which seems surprising at the price. Though, I think it requires the 
> > half height tapes.
> >
> > regards
> > David
> >
> >
> >
> > -
> > David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
> > ARCCA, Redwood Building,
> > King Edward VII Avenue,
> > Cardiff, CF10 3NB
> >
> > David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
> > ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
> > King Edward VII Avenue,
> > Caerdydd, CF10 3NB
> >
> > [email protected]
> > +44 29208 74657
> >
> > COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. 
> > Our staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower 
> > than usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time
> >
> > COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
> > bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall 
> > ymatebion fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn 
> > ystod yr amser digynsail hwn.

Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

2020-12-18 Thread David Simpson 
With the HPE StoreEver MSL3040, do you need to buy anything to make the 40 
slots usable in the Base Library module? Any magazine or cartridge needed(?).

If I'm interpreting correctly, you just need to buy the Base Library unit + a 
drive to fit to it and nothing else.

thanks
David

From: Debra S Baddorf 
Sent: 17 December 2020 20:10
To: David Simpson 
Cc: Debra S Baddorf ; [email protected] 

Subject: Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

External email to Cardiff University - Take care when replying/opening 
attachments or links.
Nid ebost mewnol o Brifysgol Caerdydd yw hwn - Cymerwch ofal wrth ateb/agor 
atodiadau neu ddolenni.



We have the HP StorEver  MSL4048  tape library.  It is sold with 40 tape slots, 
and you separately choose your tape drive (yeah, half height).
We’ve loved it.   5 years old now.  We had a weird problem that never found a 
fix, merely a work-around ….

A similar  (another brand ) MSL4048 that I also run, wearing another 
department’s hat has always worked great.   It’s even older yet.
They replaced older tape drives  (LTO3?)  with LTO4  a few years back, and the 
library  still works nicely.
Its age is showing with some mis-reads by the barcode reader — but I print my 
own labels, so half of that could be my fault.

Amanda likes them just fine.  I read the comments in a bunch of amanda’s files, 
and tested the tape library first with
mtx  and  raw tape commands.   Then tested amanda’s   tape move commands  
(amtape   slot NN,
amtape   slot next,   etc)   And then tested a small amanda setup.   
Now I have 34 nodes, and perhaps 100 DLEs.

Deb Baddorf
Fermilab

> On Dec 17, 2020, at 8:33 AM, David Simpson  wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Quantum Superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040
>
> ---
>
> I just wondered if anyone had experience of either of these?
>
> I used a Quantum Superloader many moons ago (~5 years ago) and found it to be 
> decent. Though I’m not sure if the latest model can do LTO8 (which I’m asking 
> Quantum about).
>
> The HPE MSL3040 also looks good – would be interested to hear about that if 
> anyone has one. If I’m reading correctly the base module comes with 40 slots 
> which seems surprising at the price. Though, I think it requires the half 
> height tapes.
>
> regards
> David
>
>
>
> -
> David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
> ARCCA, Redwood Building,
> King Edward VII Avenue,
> Cardiff, CF10 3NB
>
> David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
> ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
> King Edward VII Avenue,
> Caerdydd, CF10 3NB
>
> [email protected]
> +44 29208 74657
>
> COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. Our 
> staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower than 
> usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time
>
> COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
> bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall 
> ymatebion fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn 
> ystod yr amser digynsail hwn.

Re: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

2020-12-17 Thread Debra S Baddorf 
We have the HP StorEver  MSL4048  tape library.  It is sold with 40 tape slots, 
and you separately choose your tape drive (yeah, half height).
We’ve loved it.   5 years old now.  We had a weird problem that never found a 
fix, merely a work-around …. 

A similar  (another brand ) MSL4048 that I also run, wearing another 
department’s hat has always worked great.   It’s even older yet.  
They replaced older tape drives  (LTO3?)  with LTO4  a few years back, and the 
library  still works nicely.  
Its age is showing with some mis-reads by the barcode reader — but I print my 
own labels, so half of that could be my fault.

Amanda likes them just fine.  I read the comments in a bunch of amanda’s files, 
and tested the tape library first with
mtx  and  raw tape commands.   Then tested amanda’s   tape move commands  
(amtape   slot NN,
amtape   slot next,   etc)   And then tested a small amanda setup.   
Now I have 34 nodes, and perhaps 100 DLEs.

Deb Baddorf
Fermilab

> On Dec 17, 2020, at 8:33 AM, David Simpson  wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> Quantum Superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040
>  
> ---
> 
> I just wondered if anyone had experience of either of these?
> 
> I used a Quantum Superloader many moons ago (~5 years ago) and found it to be 
> decent. Though I’m not sure if the latest model can do LTO8 (which I’m asking 
> Quantum about).
> 
> The HPE MSL3040 also looks good – would be interested to hear about that if 
> anyone has one. If I’m reading correctly the base module comes with 40 slots 
> which seems surprising at the price. Though, I think it requires the half 
> height tapes.
> 
> regards
> David
> 
> 
>  
> -
> David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
> ARCCA, Redwood Building,
> King Edward VII Avenue,
> Cardiff, CF10 3NB 
>  
>  
> David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
> ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
> King Edward VII Avenue,
> Caerdydd, CF10 3NB
>  
> [email protected]
> +44 29208 74657
>  
> COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. Our 
> staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower than 
> usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time
>  
> COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
> bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall 
> ymatebion fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn 
> ystod yr amser digynsail hwn.

RE: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

2020-12-17 Thread David Simpson 
Hadn't appreciated that half-height drives were fairly similar to full, taking 
the same size tapes (had only encountered full), but these days some commentary 
seems to suggest reliability is roughly the same.

-
David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
ARCCA, Redwood Building,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Cardiff, CF10 3NB

David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Caerdydd, CF10 3NB

[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
+44 29208 74657

COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. Our 
staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower than 
usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time

COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall ymatebion 
fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn ystod yr 
amser digynsail hwn.

From: [email protected]  On Behalf 
Of David Simpson
Sent: 17 December 2020 14:33
To: [email protected]
Subject: Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

External email to Cardiff University - Take care when replying/opening 
attachments or links.
Nid ebost mewnol o Brifysgol Caerdydd yw hwn - Cymerwch ofal wrth ateb/agor 
atodiadau neu ddolenni.

Hi all,
Quantum Superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040

---

I just wondered if anyone had experience of either of these?

I used a Quantum Superloader many moons ago (~5 years ago) and found it to be 
decent. Though I'm not sure if the latest model can do LTO8 (which I'm asking 
Quantum about).

The HPE MSL3040 also looks good - would be interested to hear about that if 
anyone has one. If I'm reading correctly the base module comes with 40 slots 
which seems surprising at the price. Though, I think it requires the half 
height tapes.

regards
David


-
David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
ARCCA, Redwood Building,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Cardiff, CF10 3NB

David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Caerdydd, CF10 3NB

[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
+44 29208 74657

COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. Our 
staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower than 
usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time

COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall ymatebion 
fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn ystod yr 
amser digynsail hwn.

Quantum superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040 experiences

2020-12-17 Thread David Simpson 
Hi all,

Quantum Superloader 3 and HPE StoreEver MSL3040

---

I just wondered if anyone had experience of either of these?

I used a Quantum Superloader many moons ago (~5 years ago) and found it to be 
decent. Though I'm not sure if the latest model can do LTO8 (which I'm asking 
Quantum about).

The HPE MSL3040 also looks good - would be interested to hear about that if 
anyone has one. If I'm reading correctly the base module comes with 40 slots 
which seems surprising at the price. Though, I think it requires the half 
height tapes.

regards
David



-
David Simpson - Senior Systems Engineer
ARCCA, Redwood Building,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Cardiff, CF10 3NB

David Simpson - peiriannydd uwch systemau
ARCCA, Adeilad Redwood,
King Edward VII Avenue,
Caerdydd, CF10 3NB

[email protected]
+44 29208 74657

COVID-19 Cardiff University is currently under remote work restrictions. Our 
staff are continuing normal work schedules, but responses may be slower than 
usual.  We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time

COVID-19 Ar hyn o bryd mae Prifysgol Caerdydd o dan gyfyngiadau gweithio o 
bell.  Mae ein staff yn parhau ag amserlenni gwaith arferol, ond gall ymatebion 
fod yn arafach na'r arfer. Rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich amynedd yn ystod yr 
amser digynsail hwn.