Converting Old Data Tapes

This page describes how to copy data tapes onto the SunBlade100 computer and tape reader (both located in the lab).
1. When reading data tapes, the file will end up in the directory you are currently in. Because of this, be sure to be in the data directory of the Lightning (SunBlade100) computer.

2. Make sure the tape reader is connected properly and turned on.

  1. Save tape files to /data
    1. cd /data

3. Once the tape is properly inserted and tape reader is running, run the following command: /usr/local/citation/bin/copy_tape
4. It will ask if you want to skip any files, say no
*Note: If after saying yes, you may run into an error that states you can't read the tape. Read the back of the tape. It may state to skip files. For example: “Use 2nd file.” In that case, you say yes. The next prompt will ask you how many files to skip. For this example, you would skip 1 to continue to file 2.

5. The tape reader should have a yellow light indicating that it is reading the tape. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING WHILE THE READER IS READING THE TAPE

6. Once the reading is done, the yellow light will be gone and the command line will appear on the computer screen

Field projects are listed in https://atmoswiki.azurewebsites.net/doku.php?id=atmos:citation:field:home&s[]=field&s[]=projects

Cleaning the Reader

*Locate an 8mm Cleaning Cartridge
*The uses left will be marked, 10 uses per cartridge.
*take the tape out and place it in the reader, the yellow light will turn on.
*After a couple minutes, the yellow light will turn off, it will be done reading, and rejected.