Using the mt command to control tape devices

The mt command syntax

You can control tape devices with the mt command. The syntax of the mt command is as follows:

mt [-f|-t] tapedevice command [ count ]

This section discusses only the eom, fsf, rewind, offline, and status commands. Keep in mind the following information:

The -f and -t options are interchangeable as far as the filer is concerned. Only the -f option is shown here.
For additional information about controlling tape devices and detailed information about the mt command, consult the mt(1) man page.
For information about the format of a filer tape device name, consult the tape(4) man page.

Moving a tape to the end of data

You can append material, such as a dump, on a tape device. To do so, use the eom command, which moves the tape to the end of data (end of media if the tape is full), as in the following example:

mt -f nrst0a eom

After this command, you can write to the remainder of the tape. Make sure that there is enough tape for your additional data.

Appending a dump

To skip over a previously created dump file and append a dump on a tape device, use the fsf command, as in the following example:

mt -f nrst0a fsf 1

Rewinding a tape

To rewind a tape, use the rewind command, as in the following example:

mt -f nrst0a rewind

Taking a tape drive off-line

To rewind the tape and, if appropriate, take the tape drive off-line by unloading the tape, use the offline command, as in the following example:

mt -f nrst0a offline

Displaying status information

To display status information about the tape unit, use the status command, as in the following example:

mt -f nrst0a status

Tape drive: Quantum DLT7000

Status: ready, write enabled

Format: 85937 bpi 70 GB (w/comp)

fileno = 0  blockno = 95603  resid = 0

Part No. 210-02334
File: tape3.htm
Last updated: 02/24/99 12:17:08