The 3490E Model C2A is fully compatible with existing 3490E models, using both the Cartridge System Tape and the longer 3490E Enhanced Capacity Cartridge System Tape, and is read-compatible with earlier cartridge formats for ease of migration. The Enhanced Capability format (36-track bidirectional recording), together with standard Improved Data Recording Capability (IDRC) and the higher capacity tape, dramatically increase overall cartridge capacity. The C2A is specifically designed for use in the 3494 Tape Library Dataserver and cannot be used outside of the tape library. Utilization of ES Connection (ESCON*) Channels provides new possibilities in performance, connectivity, and remote tape operations. This model is supported on AS/400*, RS/6000*, and ES/9000* systems.

The 3490 Magnetic Tape Subsystem Enhanced Capability Model C2A is designed for use only in the 3494 tape Library Dataserver.

3490E Model C2A has an Enhanced Capability format (36-track, bidirectional recording) read/write head providing approximately 2X the cartridge capacity of the previous models of the 3480 or 3490 Base models, independent of IDRC. The bidirectional head writes 18 tracks from load point to physical end of tape and then writes the other 18 tracks from physical end of tape to load point. Therefore, fully written tapes are positioned at load point, virtually eliminating the rewind operation. The 2Mb buffer and microcode load provide improved autoblocking increasing cartridge capacity and performance. Autoblocking is always invoked; IDRC invoked is considered normal operations. IDRC may be suppressed, via software only, for special requirements (such as writing tape labels). Half full cartridges (written to physical end of tape) rewind at an average speed of 5 meters per second. The "LOCATE" function has been enhanced to accommodate the bidirectional format. For instance, if the desired record is close to the load point but on the inbound tracks, "LOCATE" reads down the outbound tracks past the desired record, stop, switch to the inbound tracks and read the desired record, eliminating the time required to search the entire recorded tape.

The 3490E Model C2A is specifically designed for use in the 3494 Tape Library Dataserver and cannot be used outside the tape library. The C2A is made up of a Control Unit and two tape drives. There is one key difference between this 3490E model and the C22. The C2A does not use the Automatic Cartridge Loader (ACL). In all other respects, it is functionally equivalent to the rest of the 3490E Cxx members. Model C22 may be field upgraded to the C2A.

Control Unit reliability/availability is provided by reducing the number of electronic cards providing room for a maximum of two ESCON Adapters, two Parallel Adapters, two SCSI Differential Adapters, or any combination, up to 2, of ESCON, Parallel, or SCSI-2 adapters. ESCON provides enhanced connectivity.

The 3490E Model C2A writes only the 36 track format introduced with the previous models of the 3490E A10, A20, B20, B40, D41, and D42; however, for migration purposes, this model reads previous 3480 and 3490 formats, with or without IDRC.

Control Unit reliability/availability improvement is provided by reducing the number of electronic cards providing room for a maximum of two ESCON Adapters, further enhancing connectivity.

Unique microcode and host software is required to support this product. The customer may need JCL changes for 3490 generics or esoterics.

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