IBM System Storage TS2230, Setup, Operator, And Service Manual

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2. When installation is complete, run the SCAN ( s ) option to determine if your
system can detect all of the Ultrium tape drive devices (including any libraries
or autoloaders that may be on the bus).
3.
Select the drive that is to be tested or to have firmware downloaded.
4. For testing, select the Test Device ( t ) option.
Note: This option will perform a series of LOADS, UNLOADS, and
WRITE/READ operations. Both tape drive control commands and data
are sent to the device over the interface bus.
5. If allowed to complete, the test will run for at least 30 minutes. At any time an
ABORT (
a ) can be entered to end the device test early if it is determined that
interface communications have been satisfactorily achieved.
Resolving Problems Reported by the Server
The procedure for fixing interface bus errors varies, depending on whether the
error is consistent or intermittent, and on your configuration. The sections that
follow describe how to fix an error.
Fixing SAS Bus Errors
1. Check if the tape drive power is on.
2. Verify the SAS cable is connected properly to the server and to the tape drive.
3.
Replace SAS cable if it shows any signs of damage.
Resolving Media-Related Problems
To resolve problems that are related to media, the drive's firmware includes:
v Test Cartridge & Media diagnostic that verifies whether a suspect cartridge and
its magnetic tape are acceptable for use.
v
Statistical Analysis and Reporting System (SARS) to assist in isolating failures
between media and hardware. To determine the cause of failure, SARS uses the
cartridge performance history that is saved in the cartridge memory (CM) and
the drive performance history that is kept in the drive's VPD (Vital Product
Data) area in NVRAM. Any failures that SARS detects are reported as TapeAlert
flags on the server (see
IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Drive SCSI Reference ).
Attention:
If you insert the IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge into another
manufacturer's drive, the SARS data in the cartridge memory may become lost
or invalid.
If you encounter a media-related problem, refer to “Function Code E: Test
Cartridge & Media” on page 3-16.
Pre-Call Checklist
If you have questions or problems, go through this checklist before contacting IBM
Technical Support. Ensure that the total SAS cable length does not exceed 5.5m (18
ft). Perform the following steps before you place a call to IBM Technical Support.
Where instructions refer you to the web, visit
http://www.ibm.com/storage/lto
.
1. Perform a general checkup of the hardware and connections:
v
Verify that all cables are connected properly at both ends.
v Before attaching the SAS cables, ensure that the connector does not contain
bent or recessed pins.
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TS2230 Tape Drive Setup, Operator and Service manual