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T E N V A X
DECSYSTEM-10 to VAX Tape Transfer Utility
User Manual
Dave Doxey
DIS Technical Office
Digital Equipment Corp.
555 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742
TENVAX
User Manual
--------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
--------------------
Introduction .................. page 2
Startup ............................ 3
DIRECTORY function ................. 4
EXIT function ...................... 5
READ function ...................... 6
REWIND function .................... 7
WIND function ...................... 8
WRITE function ..................... 9
Adding To A Volume Set .......... 9
Creating A New Volume Set ....... 10
Changing the Tape Reel ............. 11
HELP assistance .................... 12
Switches ........................... 14
Error Messages ..................... 15
Typical Sessions ................... 19
DEC10 to VAX, single volume ..... 19
DEC10 to VAX, multivolume ....... 20
VAX to DEC10, single volume ..... 21
VAX to DEC10, multivolume ....... 22
-------------------- -2-
INTRODUCTION
--------------------
The Ten-to-Vax Tape Transfer Utility (TENVAX) is a utility to transfer data
files in both directions between TOPS-10 and VAX/VMS. Files are moved from
the DEC10 disk to VAX/VMS formatted magnetic tapes and from VAX/VMS formatted
tapes to the DEC10 disk. TENVAX runs on the DECSYSTEM-10 under the TOPS-10
operating system. Files to be transferred by TENVAX must be in ASCII, but may
have fixed or variable length records, and may span more than one tape volume.
Parameters (such as the tape block size) are given sensible default values by
by the system, with the user able to specify different values if desired.
The user interface is question-driven with HELP and CANCEL at every level.
For each question, the user may enter:
1. an answer to the question, followed by <return>; or
2. just <return> to accept the default (printed in angle brackets); or
3. the word "HELP" followed by <return>, to receive on-line assistance; or
4. the word "CANCEL" followed by <return>, to cancel the function in progress.
Not all questions have defaults, so in some cases only options 1, 3, and 4
are available.
Once TENVAX's action has been decided by the user's replies, messages
are printed to describe what the program is doing. These messages are
preceded by three dots (...). Errors, when they occur, are indicated
by a one-line error message giving an error number and a short description
of the problem. The error number can be used to reference a more detailed
description in this manual (page 15).
Because TENVAX deals with multivolume tape sets, it will occassionally
require tape reels to be changed. Depending on the mode of interaction
between the user and TENVAX (on-line, on-line with Operator Dollar Sign,
or batch), the communication concerning the reel change will take various
forms. For a description of these, see "Changing the Tape Reel" (page 11).
-------------------- -3-
STARTUP
--------------------
Before starting TENVAX, the user must mount a tape on one of the system's
tape drives. The mount request (see the TOPS-10 Commands Manual for a
description of the MOUNT command) must be completed by the operator before
TENVAX can be used.
To start TENVAX, the user types RUN TENVAX from the TOPS-10 monitor.
TENVAX responds:
Welcome to TENVAX, version 2.0. Type HELP for assistance.
Tape drive:
The user must tell TENVAX which tape drive to use. A scratch tape
(for writing) or a VAX-11 formatted tape (for reading or writing)
should already be mounted on that drive. There is no default drive.
(Note: TENVAX does not require that the tape on the specified drive
be the first volume of a volume set. This is convenient when the user
is interested in accesssing only the later volumes in a multivolume set.)
If the tape drive is ready (i.e. a mount request has been completed),
TENVAX automatically rewinds the tape and responds:
... at beginning of volume
TENVAX function:
The user chooses a function for TENVAX to perform. The choices are:
DIRECTORY list the files on the VAX-11 formatted tape
EXIT return to the TOPS-10 monitor
READ transfer files from the VAX-11 tape to the TOPS-10 disk
REWIND rewind the VAX-11 tape to the beginning of the reel
WRITE transfer files from the TOPS-10 disk to the VAX-11 tape
WIND wind the VAX-11 tape to the end of the volume set
The function name may be abbreviated by its first few letters provided
the abbreviation is unambiguous. No distinction is made between upper
and lower case characters. There is no default command.
Pages 4 through 10 below describe the TENVAX functions in more detail.
-------------------- -4-
DIRECTORY
--------------------
Format:
DIRECTORY
or
DIRECTORY <file-spec>
Description:
The DIRECTORY function lists the files in a VAX-11 formatted volume set.
The <file-spec> limits the DIRECTORY to the files specified. If no file
specification is given, DIRECTORY will issue an additional prompt for the
file specification. All standard TOPS-10 file specifications are legal,
with possible wild cards (? and *) and multiple files separated by commas.
The default file specification is *.* which lists all files.
The DIRECTORY function searches the entire volume set from the current tape
position forward for files which match the specification. For a multivolume
set, this will require changing tape reels (unless the DIRECTORY is being
performed on the last volume only).
A DIRECTORY can only be performed with the tape positioned at the beginning
of a reel (though it need not be the first reel of a volume set). Hence it
may be necessary to REWIND the tape before doing a DIRECTORY.
Example:
TENVAX function: DIRECTORY
Files <*.*>: *.lst
... searching tape
... volume TVXTP2
PRJECT.LST 22-Mar-81
TSTDAT.LST 11-Nov-81
ACCNT.LST 18-Apr-82
... at end of volume set
-------------------- -5-
EXIT
--------------------
Format:
EXIT
Description:
The EXIT function causes TENVAX to return control to the TOPS-10 monitor.
Example:
TENVAX function: EXIT
.
-------------------- -6-
READ
--------------------
Format:
READ
or
READ <file-spec>
Description:
The READ function reads files from a VAX-11 formatted tape (or tape set)
and transfers them into the user's disk directory. Files to be read must be
in ASCII format with fixed-length, variable-length, or variable-length-VFC
records. The files are written to the TOPS-10 disk in standard DEC-10 ASCII
format (7-bit characters, 5 characters per word, with records separated by
carraige-return and line-feed). As with the DIRECTORY function (page 4),
if the specification for the files to be read is not given with the READ
command, READ will issue an additional prompt for the specification. All
legal TOPS-10 file specifications are accepted. The default file specification
is *.* which reads all files.
The READ function searches the entire volume set from the current tape position
forward for files which match the specification. For a multivolume set, this
will involve changing tape reels (unless the READ is being performed on the
last volume only). If more than one READ is planned, it is strongly suggested
that the READs be combined into one command (using a multiple file specifica-
tion), so the volume set need not be searched more than once.
A READ can only be performed with the tape positioned at the beginning of a
reel (though it need not be the first reel of a volume set). Hence it may
be necessary to REWIND the tape before doing a READ.
** Warning ** Files read from the tape will overwrite already existing
files with the same name in the user's disk area.
In the example below, a READ is performed which copies four files from a
two-reel volume set to disk.
Example:
TENVAX function: READ
Files <*.*>: comput.*, pacman.mac
... searching tape
... volume TVXTP2
... reading comput.for
... reading comput.rel
... reading comput.hlp
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
GO
... reading pacman.mac
... at end of volume set
-------------------- -7-
REWIND
--------------------
Format:
REWIND
Description:
The REWIND function rewinds the tape to the beginning of the reel.
This is often useful before doing a DIRECTORY or READ, if the tape
is not positioned at the beginning of the reel. If the tape is already
positioned at the beginning of the reel, the REWIND has no effect.
Note: REWIND rewinds the tape to the beginning of the current reel only.
This is unlike WIND, which winds the tape, possibly through several reels,
until it reaches the end of the volume set.
Example:
TENVAX function: REWIND
... at beginning of volume
-------------------- -8-
WIND
--------------------
Format:
WIND
Description:
The WIND function causes TENVAX to advance the tape until it reaches the
end of the volume set. The purpose of WIND is to prepare for adding new
files to a multivolume set with WRITE. See "Adding Files to a Volume Set"
(page 9).
Note: WIND winds the tape, possibly through several reels, until the
end of the volume set is reached. This is unlike REWIND, which rewinds
the tape to the beginning of the current reel only.
Note: For a multivolume set, WIND may involve changing several tape
reels. Most of this effort can be avoided by the following technique.
If just starting TENVAX, mount the last volume of the volume set on the
tape drive. Perform a WIND on this volume, and the end of the volume set
will be reached without having to change tape reels. If in the middle of
a TENVAX session, perform a WIND on whatever volume is currently mounted.
When TENVAX asks for the next volume to be mounted, ignore all the middle
volumes and mount the last volume of the volume set instead. WIND will
then reach the end of the volume set without having to change tape reels
again.
Example:
TENVAX function: WIND
... winding tape
... volume TVXTP2
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
GO
... at end of volume set
-------------------- -9-
WRITE
--------------------
Format:
WRITE
or
WRITE <file-spec>
Description:
The WRITE function transfers files from the TOPS-10 disk to a VAX-11
formatted magnetic tape (or tape set). Files to be written must be
in ASCII format, but may have fixed-length or variable-length records.
The files are always written on the VAX-11 formatted tape as variable-
length ASCII files (whether or not the DEC-10 disk file has fixed-length
records), with ANSI-78 standard labels. As with DIRECTORY and READ (see
above) if no file specification is given an additional prompt is issued.
All legal TOPS-10 file specifications are accepted; in addition, the disk
file switches listed on page 14 may be used. There is no default file
specification.
After the file specification is entered, the user is prompted for the
tape block size. The default block size is 8192 characters, a common
setting used by VAX/RMS. This default should almost always be used.
In the exceptional case when the user needs to enter a different value,
the tape block size must be a multiple of 4 between 20 and 16376. In
addition it must be at least 4 greater than the number of characters in
the longest record in the files being written (the extra 4 characters
are needed for a VMS variable-length record count). A large tape block
size is desireable for information to be stored efficiently on the tape.
WRITE appends the given files at the current tape position. Note this
means that if the tape is positioned in the middle of the volume set
(e.g. at the beginning of the third reel in a 4-volume set), all old
information from that point forward in the volume set will be lost.
To add files to a volume set without destroying information already on
the tape, follow the instructions below.
Adding To A Volume Set
------ -- - ------ ---
To add to a volume set, the tape should first be positioned at the end
of the volume set (that is, at the end of the last file on the last
reel of the volume set). This can be done using the WIND function, if
necessary (it can never hurt, and is in fact safest, to do a WIND before
writing). Then WRITE the files to be added to the volume set. Note
that to position the tape at the end of a multireel volume set, only
the last reel in the volume set need be mounted and positioned (see the
WIND command, page 8). To create a new volume set, see page 10.
Example:
TENVAX function: WRITE
Files: bigfil.txt
Block size <8192>: 544
... writing bigfil.txt
... at end of volume set
-10-
Creating A New Volume Set
-------- - --- ------ ---
To create a new volume set, a scratch tape should be positioned at its
beginning (i.e. at the beginning-of-volume marker). This is the condition
just after the tape is mounted, or after a REWIND function is executed.
Then WRITE the files to be inserted in the new volume set. The WRITE
function will proceed as described on page 9, except:
Before writing the new volume set, TENVAX will prompt for:
- the name of the volume set, and
- the density at which to write the tapes in the volume set.
The default volume set name is "NONAME", which has no special significance.
The default tape density is 1600 bits per inch, a common setting.
Note: TENVAX assumes that a new volume set is being written whenever a WRITE
is performed with the tape positioned at the beginning-of-volume marker. This
cannot conflict with situations when the user wants to add files to an existing
volume set. In those situations, the tape will always be positioned at the
end-of-volume marker following the last file in the existing volume set (see
page 9).
Example:
TENVAX function: WRITE
Files: bigfil.txt
Block size <8192>: 9000
... at beginning of volume, assuming new volume set
Volume set name <NONAME>: TVXTP2
Volume set tape density <1600>: 6250
... writing bigfil.txt
... at end of volume set
---------------------- -11-
Changing the Tape Reel
----------------------
When performing a DIRECTORY, READ, WIND, or WRITE on a multivolume set,
TENVAX may require that the tape reel be changed. This will happen when
1. DIRECTORY is performed on any but the last reel of the set; or
2. READ is performed on any but the last reel of the set; or
3. WIND is performed on any but the last reel of the set; or
4. WRITE is performed and the files being written do not all fit onto
one tape reel.
Depending on the mode of interaction between TENVAX and the user, the
communication concerning the tape reel change takes different forms.
There are three possible modes of interaction: on-line, on-line with
Operator Dollar Sign, and batch.
In on-line mode, all communication from TENVAX goes to the user's terminal.
When the tape reel is to be changed, the user will receive the message
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
The user is responsible for changing the tape reel and typing GO to TENVAX
after the change is done.
In on-line mode with Operator Dollar Sign, all communication from TENVAX goes
to the user's terminal except messages that begin with a "$" character. Hence
the tape-change message goes to the operator. The operator is responsible for
changing the tape reel and typing GO to TENVAX after the change is done.
In batch mode, there is no interactive communication between TENVAX and the
user. As with Operator Dollar Sign mode, messages that begin with a "$"
character go to the operator. The operator receives the tape-change message
and is responsible for changing the tape reel and typing GO to TENVAX. Note
that since the operator receives and answers the tape-change message, GOs
should not be inserted into the batch job.
-------------------- -12-
HELP assistance
--------------------
The user may type HELP to receive assistance in answering any TENVAX
prompt. The following is a catalog of the HELP answers given to each
of TENVAX's questions.
Tape drive: HELP
Specify the logical or physical name for the tape drive you
want TENVAX to access. You should have already mounted either
a scratch tape (for writing) or a VAX-11 formatted tape (for
reading or writing) on this drive.
TENVAX function: HELP
Specify the function which you want TENVAX to perform. Choose from:
DIRECTORY list the files on the VAX-11 formatted tape.
EXIT return to the TOPS-10 monitor.
READ transfer files from the VAX tape to your disk directory.
REWIND rewind the VAX tape to the beginning of the reel.
WIND wind the VAX-formatted tape to the end of the volume set.
WRITE transfer files from disk to the VAX-formatted tape.
Unambiguous abbreviations (e.g. DIR, WR) are accepted.
Files <*.*>: HELP (after READ command)
Specify a list of files to read from the VAX tape. Separate the files
listed by commas. The file names may include wild-cards (that is, ? and *).
TENVAX will search for the given files from the current tape position to
the end of the volume set. The files, once found, will be inserted into
your disk directory. The default file specification *.* reads all files
from the tape.
Files: HELP (after WRITE command)
Specify a list of disk files to write to the VAX tape. Separate the files
listed by commas. The file names may include wild cards (that is, * and ?).
TENVAX will append the given files at the current tape position. If the
tape is positioned at the beginning-of-tape marker, TENVAX will assume a
new volume set is being created.
Block size <8192>: HELP
Specify the number of ASCII characters to be written in each tape block.
This number must be a multiple of 4 between 20 and 16376. In addition,
it must be at least 4 greater than the length of the longest record in
the files to be written. For data to be compacted efficiently on the
tape, it is a good idea for the block size to be large compared to the
record size. The default of 8192 characters is a common setting used
by VAX/VMS.
-13-
Volume set name <NONAME>: HELP
Specify a volume name to be given the new volume set. Only the first
six characters are significant. The default "NONAME" has no special
significance.
Volume set tape density <1600>: HELP
Specify the density in bits-per-inch at which TENVAX is to write tapes
in the volume set. Possible values are 200, 556, 800, 1600, and 6250.
Note that most tape drives will accept only a few of these values. The
default density is 1600 bpi, a common setting.
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO: HELP
$ In the process of reading from or writing to the VAX-11 formatted
$ tape, the end of the current tape reel was reached. The file being
$ read or written should be continued on another reel. Mount that
$ reel (a scratch tape if you are writing) on the tape drive. Then
$ type GO.
-------------------- -14-
SWITCHES
--------------------
The following is a list of switches that work with the WRITE function when
specifying disk files. They have no effect when specifying tape files with
READ. To use them, simply attach them to the file specification. A more
detailed explanation of their syntax and effects can be found in the TOPS-10
Commands Manual under BACKUP.
/ABEFORE:<date> accessed before <date>
/ASINCE:<date> accessed since <date>
/BEFORE:<date> created before <date>
/ERNONE error message if no files match (default)
/LENGTH:<m:n> length between m and n blocks
/OKNONE no error message if no files match
/SINCE:<date> created since <date>
Examples:
TENVAX function: WRITE *.MAC/BEFORE:8-JUL-82
TENVAX function: WRITE VDAT.*/OKNONE
TENVAX function: WRITE *.*/LENGTH:9:12
-------------------- -15-
Error Messages
--------------------
The following is a catalog of the possible error messages. Each error
message is explained, with possible causes and correction procedures.
"System Problems":
Some errors are labelled as "system problems". This means that the fault
is probably not with the user or the tape, but with the hardware, the
operating system, or the utility itself. For system problems, it is
suggested that the user EXIT from TENVAX and try again. If the same error
results, consult the operator. Perhaps the tape drive is bad, in which
case another tape drive may work.
?ERROR [1] Ambiguous function. Try HELP for assistance.
In response to the TENVAX function prompt, the user typed a word fragment
which could be extended to form more than one TENVAX function name. For
example, RE could be the beginning of READ or REWIND, and W could be the
beginning of WRITE or WIND. Use more letters of the function to be
performed so there will be no ambiguity.
?ERROR [2] No such function. Try HELP for assistance.
In response to the TENVAX function prompt, the user typed a word fragment
which could not be extended to form any TENVAX function name. Review the
legal function names and enter one of them.
?ERROR [3] Block size must be a multiple of 4 between 20 and 16376.
In response to the BLOCK SIZE paramter prompt, the user typed a value that
was either too small, too large, or not a multiple of 4. Enter a legal
value, or accept the default.
?ERROR [4] Tape label missing or incomplete.
While attempting a READ, DIRECTORY, or WIND, TENVAX could not find a tape
label which it expected. Either the tape is positioned at an improper
point, or the wrong tape is mounted, or the tape was incorrectly written.
To fix the positioning problem, do a REWIND and try again. To fix the
wrong tape problem, EXIT from TENVAX and mount the right tape. To fix
the incorrectly written tape problem, rewrite the tape.
?ERROR [5] Tape label not in VAX/ANSI format.
While attempting a READ, DIRECTORY, or WIND, TENVAX discovered an improperly
written label. Either the tape is positioned at an improper point, or the
wrong tape is mounted, or the tape was incorrectly written. To fix the
positioning problem, do a REWIND and try again. To fix the wrong tape
problem, EXIT from TENVAX and mount the right tape. To fix the incorrectly
written tape problem, rewrite the tape.
Note: error [5] will often occur after a disk file access failure (e.g.
"file not found"). The problem can be corrected by doing two REWINDs.
?ERROR [6] Device is not a magtape drive.
In response to the TAPE DRIVE parameter prompt, the user gave a device name
not currently associated with a tape drive. Either the device name is
incorrect, or the operator has not yet completed the mount request (a tape
must be mounted on the given drive before starting TENVAX). To fix the
incorrect device name problem, enter the correct device name. To fix the
incomplete mount request problem, wait until the mount request is completed
and try again.
-16-
?ERROR [7] Could not open i/o channel to tape drive.
While attempting to perform a READ, REWIND, DIRECTORY, WIND, or WRITE,
TENVAX tried to access the tape drive and failed. This is a system
problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [8] Could not set industry-compatible mode for tape output.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX tried to signal the tape drive
to adopt industry-compatible 9-track output mode and failed. This is a
system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [9] Could not set block size for tape output.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX tried to signal the tape drive
to adopt a legal tape block size and failed. This is a system problem (see
page 15).
?ERROR [10] Density must be one of 200, 556, 800, 1600, or 6250.
In response to the VOLUME SET TAPE DENSITY prompt, the user entered an
illegal value. Enter one of the legal values, or accept the default.
?ERROR [11] Could not get density information from tape drive.
While attempting to verify the tape density input by the user, TENVAX tried
to signal the tape drive to indicate its acceptable density settings and
failed. This is a system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [12] Tape drive not capable of that density. Try another value.
In response to the VOLUME SET TAPE DENSITY prompt, the user entered a value
which the particular tape drive being used is unable to write at. Enter a
different value, or accept the default.
?ERROR [13] Could not set density on tape drive.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX tried to signal the tape drive
to adopt a legal tape density and failed. This is a system problem (see
page 15).
?ERROR [14] Tape block is incomplete.
While attempting to perform a READ, TENVAX discovered a block on the VAX
tape that was shorter than it expected. The block size information in the
file header label does not agree with the size of the actual block on the
tape. EXIT from TENVAX and try again; if this doesn't work, the tape is
bad and will have to be rewritten.
?ERROR [15] Record too long for tape block. Try a larger block size.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX discovered a record in one of
the files being written which was longer than the BLOCK SIZE parameter - 4.
Do the WRITE again, with the TAPE BLOCK SIZE parameter at least 4 greater
than the number of characters in the longest record to be written.
?ERROR [16] Record too long for internal buffer.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX discovered a record too long to
fit in the memory space reserved according to the BLOCK SIZE parameter.
This error should not normally occur since an unexpectedly long record would
cause error [15] first. This is a system problem (see page 15).
-17-
?ERROR [17] Invalid filename separator.
The user enetered an improperly formed file specification. File names must
be listed in the form: file.extension, file.extension, ..., file.extension.
The "file" part should be no more than 6 characters and may consist of
letters and digits only, starting with a letter. The "extension" part
should be no more than 3 characters and may consist of letters and digits
only. The wildcards * and ? may be used anywhere in place of a character
position in the file name. Multiple files must be separated by commas,
with spaces and tabs optional after the commas. Redo the READ, WRITE, or
DIRECTORY and enter the file specification correctly.
?ERROR [18] Tape is write-locked.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX discovered that the tape was
write-locked. EXIT from TENVAX and have the operator mount the tape again,
this time write-enabled. Note that in some cases a write-locked tape will
result in error [19] instead of error [18].
?ERROR [19] Tape i/o operation failed.
While attempting to perform a READ, DIRECTORY, WIND, or WRITE, TENVAX tried
to do an i/o operation with the tape drive and failed. For a WRITE, it is
possible that the tape was write-locked. In that case, EXIT from TENVAX
and have the operator mount the tape again, this time write-enabled.
Otherwise, either the tape is bad or the tape drive is bad. If the tape
is bad, rewriting the tape will fix the problem. If the tape drive is bad,
it is a system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [20] Parity error.
While attempting to perform a READ, DIRECTORY, or WIND, TENVAX discovered
a parity error on the tape. It is also possible that the parity error
occurred on the channel as information left the tape. First, EXIT from
TENVAX and try again. If this doesn't work, rewrite the tape and try again.
If this also fails, it is a system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [21] Tape block too large.
While attempting to perform a READ, TENVAX discovered a block on the VAX
tape that was longer than it expected. The block size information in the
file header label does not agree with the size of the actual block on the
tape. EXIT from TENVAX and try again; if this doesn't work, the tape is
bad and will have to be rewritten.
?ERROR [25] Unexpectedly reached physical end of tape.
While attempting to perform a DIRECTORY, READ, WIND, or WRITE, TENVAX
reached the physical end of the tape. Either the tape was positioned at
an improper point, or it was incorrectly written. To fix the positioning
problem, do two REWINDs and try again. To fix the incorrectly written tape
problem, rewrite the tape and try again.
?ERROR [26] Unidentified i/o error.
This is a system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [30] File i/o failure for <file> - <reason>
This is a system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [40] Disk file access failure (from Lookup) for <file> - <reason>
The operating system was unable to access the given disk file for the reason
described. This error will result, for instance, if a given disk file is
not found. The safest way to recover is to EXIT from TENVAX and try again.
Other expedients (such as REWINDing the tape and trying again) may lead
to some strange errors (such as number [5], see above).
-18-
?ERROR [41] Disk file access failure (from Enter) for <file> - <reason>
The operating system was unable to access the given disk file for the reason
described. As with error [40], the safest way to recover is to EXIT from
from TENVAX and try again. Other expedients may work but are not suggested.
?ERROR [42] Could not open i/o channel to disk.
While attempting to perform a READ or WRITE, TENVAX attempted to access
the disk and failed. This is a system problem (see page 15).
?ERROR [43] Binary file writing not supported. Skipping file.
While attempting to perform a WRITE, TENVAX discovered one of the specified
files in binary, not ASCII, format. As TENVAX cannot transfer binary files,
it skips the file and performs the rest of the WRITE.
Note: error [43] is fatal in batch processing, and in that case the WRITE
is not completed.
?ERROR [44] Cannot perform READ or DIRECTORY at end of volume set.
TENVAX was asked to perform a READ or DIRECTORY with the tape positioned
at the end of the volume set. The user must REWIND the tape first.
-------------------- -19-
Typical Sessions
--------------------
A. Transferring Files From the DEC-10 to the VAX, single volume.
.RUN TENVAX
Welcome to TENVAX, version 2.0. Type HELP for assistance.
Tape Drive: MTA
... at beginning of volume
TENVAX function: WRITE ACCNT.DAT, ACCNT.LST
Block Size <8192>:
... at beginning of volume, assuming new volume set
Volume Set Name <NONAME>:
Volume Set Tape Density <1600>:
... writing DSK:ACCNT.DAT[100,315]
... writing DSK:ACCNT.LST[100,315]
... at end of volume set
TENVAX function: WRITE NEWACT.DAT
Block Size <8192>:
... writing DSK:NEWACT.DAT[100,315]
... at end of volume set
TENVAX function: EXIT
.
When this example begins, the user (call him Bob) has already mounted a scratch
tape on drive MTA: in preparation for writing some files on the tape in VAX-11
format. He types RUN TENVAX to the TOPS-10 monitor, executing the TENVAX
utility. TENVAX says hello, and asks for a tape drive. Bob replies with MTA,
the drive he is using. TENVAX automatically rewinds the tape on MTA: and tells
Bob he is at the beginning of the tape volume. Then a TENVAX function is
requested. Bob enters WRITE ACCNT.DAT, ACCNT.LST as he wants to write those
two files to the tape. TENVAX asks what block size to use, 8192 being the
default. Bob hits <return> to accept the default. TENVAX, noticing that
the tape is at the beginning, tells Bob he is starting a new volume set.
Bob accepts the default volume name NONAME and tape density 1600 bits per inch.
TENVAX writes the files to tape in VAX format, informing Bob of each file as
it is written. When the WRITE is complete, Bob is told he is at the end of
the volume set, which contains the two files he just wrote. TENVAX asks for
another function. Bob decides to write another file, NEWACT.DAT. This time,
since the tape is not at the beginning, TENVAX knows that Bob is not creating
a new volume set. So it asks for the block size (Bob accepts the default
again) but not for a volume name or tape density. NEWACT.DAT is added to
the tape, making three files in all. Bob is finished, so he tells TENVAX
to EXIT.
-20-
B. Transferring Files from the DEC-10 to the VAX, multivolume.
.RUN TENVAX
Welcome to TENVAX, version 2.0. Type HELP for assistance.
Tape Drive: MTA
... at beginning of volume
TENVAX function: WRITE BIGFIL.TXT
Block Size <8192>:
... at beginning of volume, assuming new volume set
Volume Set Name <NONAME>: DEC1
Volume Set Tape Density <1600>:
... writing DSK:BIGFIL.TXT[100,315]
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
GO
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
GO
... at end of volume set
TENVAX function: EXIT
.
When this example begins, the user (call her Sue) has already mounted
a scratch tape on drive MTA: in preparation for writing her very large
file BIGFIL.TXT to tape in VAX format. She types RUN TENVAX to execute
the TENVAX utility. TENVAX asks for a tape drive. She replies MTA, the
tape drive she is using. TENVAX automatically rewinds the tape on drive
MTA: and tells Sue she is at the beginning of the volume. Then a TENVAX
function is requested. Sue responds WRITE BIGFIL.TXT to write her large
file to tape. TENVAX asks for the block size. Sue accepts the default
of 8192 characters. TENVAX notices that the tape is at the beginning and
informs Sue that she is starting a new volume set. Sue chooses the volume
name DEC1 and accepts the default tape density of 1600 bits per inch.
TENVAX tells Sue it is writing her file to tape. When the first reel of
tape is exhausted, TENVAX types a message that the end of the volume has
been reached and that the next volume (another scratch tape) should be
mounted so the file can be continued. This message goes to Sue unless
she is using Operator Dollar Sign or running batch, in which case it goes
to the operator. When the second volume is exhausted, yet another volume
is requested in the same way. TENVAX is able to complete BIGFIL.TXT on
this volume, so it tells Sue she has reached the end of the volume set.
The volume set consists of three volumes but only one file. This is exactly
what Sue wanted, so she tells TENVAX to EXIT.
-21-
C. Transferring Files from the VAX to the DEC-10, single volume.
.RUN TENVAX
Welcome to TENVAX, version 2.0. Type HELP for assistance.
Tape Drive: MTA
... at beginning of volume
TENVAX function: READ *.*
... searching tape
... volume VAX11
... reading PEACH.LST
... reading ORANGE.LST
... reading PLUM.DAT
... at end of volume set
TENVAX function: EXIT
.
When this example begins, the user (call him Bob) has already taken a tape he
wrote from the VAX and mounted it on drive MTA: in preparation for reading it
in on the DEC-10. He types RUN TENVAX, executing the TENVAX utility. TENVAX
asks for a tape drive, and Bob enters MTA. TENVAX automatically rewinds the
tape on drive MTA: and tells Bob he is at the beginning of the volume. When
a TENVAX function is requested, Bob says READ *.* to read all the files on the
tape. TENVAX begins to search the tape. It finds that the volume name of
the tape is VAX11 and informs Bob. It then finds the first file on the tape,
PEACH.LST. This is followed by ORANGE.LST and PLUM.DAT. When Bob is told
that he is at the end of the volume set, all three files have been read from
the tape and inserted in Bob's disk directory. Bob is happy, so he tells
TENVAX to EXIT.
-22-
D. Transferring Files from the VAX to the DEC-10, multivolume.
.RUN TENVAX
Welcome to TENVAX, version 2.0. Type HELP for assistance.
Tape Drive: MTA
... at beginning of volume
TENVAX function: READ *.*
... searching tape
... volume JUNKFD
... reading PIZZA.TXT
... reading HOTDOG.TXT
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
GO
... reading ICECRM.TXT
$ End of volume reached. Please mount next volume and type GO.
GO
... end of volume set
TENVAX function: EXIT
.
When this example begins, the user (call her Sue) has already taken the
first tape of a multivolume set she wrote from the VAX and mounted it on
tape drive MTA: in preparation for reading it in on the DEC-10. She types
RUN TENVAX to execute the TENVAX utility. TENVAX asks for a tape drive.
Sue replies MTA, the tape drive she is using. TENVAX asks for a TENVAX
function. Sue replies READ *.* to read all the files in the volume set.
TENVAX begins searching the tape. It finds that its volume name is JUNKFD,
and informs Sue. It then finds the first file on the tape, PIZZA.TXT.
The next file on the tape is HOTDOG.TXT. HOTDOG.TXT isn't finished when the
end of the tape volume is reached, so TENVAX sends a message to mount the next
volume. This message goes to Sue unless she is using Operator Dollar Sign
or running batch, in which case it goes to the operator. TENVAX finishes
reading HOTDOG.TXT, after which it finds ICECRM.TXT. ICECRM.TXT requires
another change of tape reels. ICECRM.TXT turns out to be the last file in
the volume set. When it is finished, Sue is told that she is at the end of
the volume set. Three files have been transferred into her disk directory.
She has nothing else to do, so she tells TENVAX to EXIT.