Tape Help Package

Tape Help Package

November 25, 2003

Description of the Tape Help Package contents

The Tape Help Package is a collection of eServer, pSeries and RS/6000 tape drive information that is available elsewhere but is not always easy to find or understand. This package attempts to collect the information in one area under one topic for easier reference.

Table of Contents

Tape Help Package

Information Regarding Tape Drive Environment and Use

IBM's goal is to provide you with a product that you can configure and use reliably. Tape drives require specific maintenance and environmental conditions to operate well over time. Using high quality, data grade media, handling and storing this media properly, operating the tape drive in a clean environment and keeping the tape drive properly cleaned can help you to avoid problems with your IBM tape drive.

Media Grades

IBM uses two different grades of media. We supply Program Transmittal Fixes (PTFs) on a tape that is designed to be written to only once and read from a few times. This tape is not designed to be used as a backup medium. IBM also sells media designed to be used for storage.

IBM supports the tape that we sell. If IBM service personnel analysis indicates a problem with non-IBM media it may be necessary for the customer to replace the media.

Tape Handling and Storage

Most tape is supplied in a sealed cartridge. It is provided this way so that the tape will remain in a clean environment. Opening the cartridge allows dirt and airborne particles to enter and then become a source of contamination. The cartridge should only be opened by the tape drive and not an operator. The tape also is held under proper tension inside the cartridge. If the cartridge is dropped, this tension will be relaxed. Inserting a dropped cartridge into a tape drive can cause incorrect loading and result in a jam. This will ruin the tape and can cause physical damage if the cartridge is not removed properly.

When the tapes are stored, they must be replaced in their protective containers and stored on their end. The storage area must be clean, dry, normal room temperature and away from any magnetic fields.

Environmental Issues

Tape drives are designed to operate in a clean environment. Problem factors are dirt, dust, fibers and airborne particles. Airborne particles are the most difficult to address. When a tape is installed in the tape drive, the clearance between the heads and the tape is measured in microns. Particles can damage the tape or the head if they come in contact with either. IBM offers a tape drive filter enclosure for some systems to solve this problem. The enclosure draws air in through a filter and supplies the tape drive with clean air. Customers are responsible to provide a clean operating environment for the tape drive and system.

Tape Drive Cleaning

No matter how clean the environment, debris may build up on the heads of any tape drive. Every time tape motion occurs, some of the media surface comes off on the heads. Over time, this builds up and causes errors in reading and writing. Customers are responsible to clean the tape drive in accordance with the cleaning information provided with the tape drive.

We only recommend that you use IBM cleaning cartridges for IBM tape drives.

Cleaning cartridges can be used a limited number of times. Once a cleaning cartridge has been used to its maximum number of times, the cartridge is considered expired. When cartridges expire, they must be replaced. Never reuse an expired cleaning cartridge. Doing so allows previously removed dirt to be reintroduced to the tape drive. When you have cleaned the tape drive, mark the usage on the cartridge in order to best determine when your IBM cleaning cartridge has expired.

SCSI Hardware Issues

SCSI bus cables and terminators may affect tape drive performance. IBM cables and terminators are designed specifically to keep the SCSI bus as free of noise as possible. Use of non-IBM cables or terminators may adversely affect the SCSI bus performance. If IBM service personnel analysis indicates a problem with non-IBM cables, it may be necessary for the customer to replace them with the appropriate IBM cables.

Microcode Updates

IBM constantly works to provide the best possible tape drive products. To make certain that the drives work their very best, IBM occasionally releases changed microcode for the tape drives. When a microcode change is developed, IBM makes it available to you through the service organization or by electronic delivery.

pSeries and RS/6000 customers

Microcode changes are available from the following IBM Web site:
http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload/download.html

Summary

Your tape drive must be installed in the cleanest possible environment. Additionally, IBM tape drives require high quality, data grade tapes and cleaning on a regular basis. Media must also be stored and handled properly. Improper use, storage or handling of tape drives or media may void your IBM warranty or service agreement

If a tape drive stops functioning due to a component failure during the tape drive warranty or maintenance time, IBM will replace the tape drive unit. IBM will replace any defective tape drive under the terms and conditions of the IBM warranty or service agreement. It is our objective to work with you to identify the cause of any tape drive problems and provide a solution.

Tape Drive LED Information

1/4" Tape Drives

150mb, 525mb, and 1.2GB 1/4" tape drives

The meaning of the LED is:

4GB SLR5 1/4" tape drive

The meaning of the LED is:

1/4" QIC-5010 13GB, 30GB SLR60 tape drives:

LED's description are from left to right. The meaning of the LED's are:

Note: Where:
* is On for approximately 2 seconds at POST
** is On or Off
*** is On, Off, or Flashing

4mm Tape Drives

2GB, 4GB and 12GB 4mm tape drive:

LED's description are from left to right. The meaning of the LEDs are:

Note: Where
* is On, Off, or Flashing

20GB 4mm tape drive:

LED's description are from left to right. The meaning of the LEDs are:

Note: Where
* is On, Off, or Flashing

7332-005 and 7332-110 4mm Autoloader:

LED's description are from left to right. The meaning of the 4 LEDs and the 2 buttons are:

Table 1. Top Row

Table 2. Bottom Row

Note: Where
* is Off, or Flashing

Table 3. 8-digit alphanumeric LED display information:

Note: n represents a digit from 1 to 12.

7332-220 4mm Autoloader:

The informational area of the autoloader contains 2 information areas, LEDs and a multifunctional LCD.

LED's description are from top to bottom:

Note: Where
* is On, Off, or Flashing

LCD Meaning:

The Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) has five(5) display regions that provide information about the autoloader:

• The 10-character dot matrix display provides information on the autoloader operating status and potential error conditions.
• The 7-segment display shows the number of current cartridge loaded in the drive, or the cartridge selected whey you press the Select button repeatedly.
• DC (Data Compression) and WP (Write-Protected) in the center of the LCD indicate when data compression is being used for writing, and if the cartridge is write-protected.
• The six(6) numbered boxes on the right of the LCD are individually lit to show which magazine slot contain a cartridge.
• The "Odometer" lines appear at the bottom of the LCD. These lines show how much tape has been used. The more lines shown, the more tape has been used.

LCD Message Categories

• S - Status Information

• I - Informational Message

• E - Error information

Each message in the following chart is categorized by these three(3) categories in the Type section of the chart.

The OAR section of the chart indicates the state of the Operator Attention LED(AMBER LED):

• On
• Flashing

LCD 4 Digit Codes

Table 4. LCD Messages

LCD 2 Digit Codes

This chart is a supplement to the 7332-220 Service Guide. Often these two digit codes will indicate that a drive needs to be replace. However some times the cause for these errors is simple to correct and should be attempted instead of replacing the tape drive.

Possible causes for the 2 digit codes are:

• Screws used to secure the tape drive to the drive mounting bracket are too long. These screws can be a maximum of 4mm long, longer screws will interfere with the internal operation of the autoloader.

  Note: The screws used to secure the 7332-220 cover and other parts of the drive are 6mm long.

• Cartridges that are damaged may not operate properly and may impede the operation of the autoloader.

• Improperly mounted or secured labels on cartridges may impede the operation of the autoloader.

• Loose or damaged SCSI cable inside the 7332-220.

In general:

• Remove any cartridge from the drive. If the cartridge will not eject, recycle power to the tape drive.

• Remove the magazine.

• Recycle power to the tape drive.

• Try a different cartridge.

• Check cables, terminators, system connections, etc.

• Check for other causes for interference to the magazine.

Definitions

The following is a description of the R, X, Y, and Z motions:

• R-motion:
  The rotational movement of the carousel inside the autoloader.

• X-motion:
  The movement of the picker arm in an autoloader when moving the cartridges in and out of the magazine.

• Y-motion:
  The movement up and down of the platform in an autoloader when carrying cartridges between the magazine and the drive.

• Z-motion:
  The motion of the magazine transport in an autoloader when it takes a magazine that the user has inserted and conveys it to the carousel. The same motion in reverse is used to eject the magazine.

Table 5. LCD 2 Digit Error Display

VXA Tape Drives

VXA-2 80GB Tape Drive

LED's description are from left to right. The meaning of the LED's are:

Table 6. LED Information

8mm Tape Drives

2.3GB 8mm tape drive:

LED's description are from left to right. Meaning of the LEDs:

5GB, 7GB, 20GB and 60GB 8mm tape drives:

LED's description are from left to right. Meaning of the LEDs:

Note: Where
* is On, Off, or Flashing

8mm 20GB drive ONLY

Meaning of the LEDs

The next 2 LED settings apply only to the 20GB 8mm drive.
LED's description are from left to right:

Note: Where
* is On, Off, or Flashing

20GB and 60GB 8mm tape drive LCD messages:

The 16-digit alphanumeric LCD display information:

Note:
* Indicates that there is an ICON accompanying this message. To see what the ICON looks like you will have to look at a drive or the Operator Guide or the Service guide.
** Progress symbols

DLT Tape Drives

7205-311 35GB DLT tape drive:

There are 10 LEDs on the tape drive and another LED on the 7205-311 power supply. The following is the description of the 10 LEDs on the tape drive:

Left side LEDs(6)

Note:
In a read operation, the indicators will reflect the density and compression status of the pre-written tape.

* On the drive this is an international symbol the wording here is a description of what that symbol means.

Right side LEDs(4)

Note: Not all errors(Flashing LEDs) are drive failures. Media can cause these failures. Before replacing the drive clean the drive and try new media.

Note:
* On the drive this is an international symbol the wording here is a description of what that symbol means.
** Likely caused by a detached leader on the drive, have the drive leader replaced by service personnel and check all tape cartridges as this is normally caused by a leader problem on a tape cartridge.

7205-440 40GB DLT tape drive:

There are 9 LEDs on the tape drive and another LED on the 7205-440 power supply. The following is the description of the 9 LEDs on the tape drive:

Left side LEDs(5)

Note:
In a read operation, the indicators will reflect the density and compression status of the pre-written tape.
* On the drive this is an international symbol the wording here is a description of what that symbol means.

Right side LEDs(4)

Note: Not all errors(Flashing LEDs) are drive failures. Media can cause these failures. Before replacing the drive clean the drive and try new media.

Note:
* On the drive this is an international symbol the wording here is a description of what that symbol means.
** Likely caused by a detached leader on the drive, have the drive leader replaced by service personnel and check all tape cartridges as this is normally caused by a leader problem on a tape cartridge.

7205-550 160GB DLT tape drive:

There are 3 LEDs on the tape drive and another LED on the 7205-550 power supply. The following is the description of the 3 LEDs on the tape drive:

LEDs meanings from Left to Right

Note:
* On the drive this is an international symbol the wording here is a description of what that symbol means.

Tape Drive Performance/Reliability Checklist

The Tape Drive Performance/Reliability Checklist is an overview of how to evaluate and prevent tape drive problems.

Media Selection

Media selection is very important as improper or low grade media will not work properly with the tape drive.

• Use only the tape cartridges supported by your tape drive.
• These must be high quality data grade media, such as the IBM data grade cartridge originally supplied with your drive.
• Don't attempt to write on previously written software distribution tapes. Often these tapes will not support being rewritten without modifications to the cartridge. If the cartridges are modified it is possible to cause tape jams or misalignment.

Media Replacement

Cartridges which are used regularly (e.g. daily/weekly backup tapes) should be discarded after about a hundred uses. Cartridges which are in use when media-related errors are reported by your backup application, or are physically dropped, or are exposed to extremely harsh environments should be discarded.

Media Storage

Proper media handling and storage is important to reduce the chance of damage to the media.

• Protect your cartridges from particulate contamination when they're not in use. Put each cartridge in its protective case or place the cartridge in a dust-tight container designed for tape cartridge storage.
• Keep your cartridges in an area where the temperature and humidity are comfortable for you and are relatively constant.
• Orient cartridges in storage so that their cases are on an edge (vs flat). If cartridges are moved between areas whose temperature or humidity differ greatly, let the cartridge adapt for several hours prior to use.

Cleaning Cartridge Selection/Usage

Proper cleaning is important to reduce errors and rereads/rewrites.

• Use only the cleaning cartridges supported by your tape drive. These must be high quality cartridges, such as the IBM cleaning cartridge originally supplied with your drive.
• Refer to the "Media Selection" for proper cleaning cartridge part numbers and their minimum recommended usage.
• Cleaning Cartridges often are specifically designed for specific drive usage, use only the cleaning cartridge specified for the drive being used.
• The need to clean a tape drive is often indicated by an message on the tape drives display or by a cleaning indicator, such as an Amber LED on the drive being on solid(not flashing).
• Clean the tape drive after any media related error is encountered.
• Mark the cleaning cartridge usage counter every time the cartridge is used.
• Often it is possible to observe the remaining cleaning material through the cartridge's window and discard the cartridge when fully used.

Environment

Locate your tape drive at table top level or higher and away from sources of particulate contamination such as outside doorways, high foot traffic areas, printers, and copiers. Maintain comfortable temperature and humidity (ideally 30-40% Relative Humidity) when the tape drive is in use. Note that this may require a timing adjustment of nighttime setbacks. Minimize the amount of time cartridges spend in the drive when not in actual use.

Troubleshooting

If a backup failure occurs, try cleaning the drive and retrying the operation with a new cartridge. Verify that this checklist's recommendations are being followed by the system's operators. Look for trends, process changes, and/or environmental changes. Avoid mechanical loading problems by placing labels only in the designated cartridge spine and top locations and assuring that they are not peeling off or more than two layers thick. Contact your IBM CE if problems persist.

Note: The TAPE DRIVE PERFORMANCE/RELIABILITY CHECKLIST is based on the copyrighted "8MM PERFORMANCE/RELIABILITY CHECKLIST" by the Exabyte Corporation and is distributed free of charge with Exabyte Corporation permission.

Tape Drive Error Information

Details AIX Error Log entries(errpt -a) for tape entries:

Note:

• * 4mm tape drives will flash the Amber LED
• ** 4mm tape drives will put the Amber LED on solid
• *** 8mm 5GB, & 7GB put the Amber LED on solid after 30 hours of tape motion without the drive being cleaned. 8mm 20GB put the Amber LED on solid after 70 hours of tape motion with AME media and 20 hours with MP media.  
  
• 8mm 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, & 20GB tape drives will log a TAPE_ERR3 when: Rewrite % is equal to or greater than 2% with at least 100mb of data written,
  or
  Reread % is equal to or greater than 1% with at least 20mb of data read.
• The 20GB drive MUST BE CLEANED after using 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length media before any subsequent write operation will be allowed.
• TAPE_ERR3 and TAPE_ERR6 are "soft errors" that are posted to the AIX error log. In other words, neither error terminated the tape operation. They are informational errors that may cause AIX to send an informational message to the user.  
  
• TAPE_ERR4 errors are often found to be caused by noise on the SCSI bus. Noise on the SCSI bus can be caused by one or more of the following:
  • Loose SCSI Cables (reseat and tighten all SCSI connections).
  • Bent pins in the SCSI connection (check all SCSI connections for bent pins).
  • Device is not supported on the SCSI adapter/system(insure device is supported by the SCSI adapter/system).
  • Improper, missing or multiple SCSI bus termination(check SCSI bus termination).
  • SCSI cables(insure the proper IBM SCSI cables are used).
  • SCSI cables exceed the supported length for the bus(check the IBM information on SCSI bus length).
  • Other SCSI devices on the bus(it may be necessary to remove the other SCSI devices one at a time to determine device causing the problem).

Tape Drive Problem Determination

Details the steps that should be taken to resolve problems.

Tape drives are very expensive and often are not the reason a tape cannot be read or written. Often the problem is caused by one or more of the following:

• Not cleaning the tape drive, using cleaning cartridges that are used up, use of cleaning cartridges that are not supported, not following the recommended cleaning frequency, or cleaning instructions.
• Not cleaning the tape drive after an I/O error prior to retrying the failing operation.
• Poor Quality media, or worn out media being used. Clean the drive and retest the operation with a new IBM data cartridge recommended for the drive.
• Misunderstanding of the meaning of the LED's on the tape drive.
• Environment not suitable for tape drive operation.
• PTF's level of the system does not support the tape drive.
• Bad blocksize, attempts to read at one blocksize and the tape is written at another. Or the blocksize, attempting to write at is preceded by a 0 (ZERO), 0512 is not the same as 512. The zero is recognized by the system as Octal and some applications do not support Octal values.
• Device buffering turned off causing the drive to write every block of data as it is received. Normal operation is to buffer the data allowing the drive to stream the data to the tape as a continuous operation.
• Writing a tape with one command then attempting to read the tape with a non compatible command, such as: writing the tape with a "tar" command and attempting to read the tape with a "restore" command.
• Improper SCSI bus termination.
• Conflict of tape drives SCSI address with another device on the bus.
• Electrical problems with the electrical power going to the system and the tape drive. This could be no electrical ground, poor electrical ground, measurable voltage on the ground or neutral, etc..
  This is not for the user to check, a trained professional should check this.
• Other device causing "noise" on the bus.

Problem Determination Steps

When experiencing problems with IBM tape drives, 1/4", 4mm, 8mm, DLT, or VXA tape drives you should do the following before placing a service call:

Cleaning the tape drive

It is very important to follow the recommended cleaning information provided with the tape drive. If the tape drive is not cleaned properly even new media may not perform properly.

Do not over clean the tape drive as over cleaning can damage the tape drive, follow the cleaning information provided with the drive.

If the recommended cleaning schedule or non IBM cleaning cartridges have been used it may be necessary to clean the tape drive more than once to get the drive fully cleaned.

Clean the tape drive using the IBM Cleaning Cartridge:

1/4" Tape Drives

Note: * May be used for up to 50 cleanings

4mm Tape Drives

Note: * May be used for up to 50 cleanings

VXA Tape Drives

Note: * May be used for up to 20 cleanings

8mm Tape Drives

Note:
* May be used for up to 12 cleanings
** May be used for up to 22 cleanings
*** May be used for up to 18+ cleanings(The drive varies the cleaning media usage. The drive will display "Expired" Message and Clean LED(AMBER on solid) if an expired, maximum number of cleanings, cleaning cartridge is inserted into the drive.)

DLT Tape Drives

Note: * May be used for up to 20 cleanings

Check the media

Often media problems cause unnecessary drive replacements.

If an user application is failing with media(I/O) errors to a tape drive:

• Check what type and brand of media being used and insure it is supported on the tape drive.
• Clean the tape drive with the appropriate IBM cleaning cartridge.
• After cleaning the tape drive retry the application, and if it fails again, clean the drive again, and retry the operation on new IBM media.

This will often result in replacing a single data cartridge that resolves the problem.

1/4" Tape Drives

Note:
* Drive must have a microcode level of 0345 or higher to use this tape.
** Withdrawn(obsolete)

4mm Tape Drives

Note: Do not change the default density settings in AIX for the 4mm tape drive as the 4mm tape drives do automatic media sensing and write and read the correct format for each tape. Changing the default density settings may cause unpredictable results.

Note:
* Tapes that are not DDS4, or DDS3, or DDS2 are not supported and will eject when inserted into the 20GB 4mm DDS4 tape drive or DDS4 Autoloader.
** Tapes that are not DAT72, or DDS4, or DDS4 are not supported and will eject when inserted into the 36GB 4mm DAT72 tape drive.

VXA Tape Drives

The Smit density setting for VXA2 format/capacity is "129".
The Smit density setting for VXA1 format/capacity is "128".

8mm Tape drives

2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB and 20GB Drive/Media Capacity

Each 8mm tape drive only supports specific media, the following data will give you information that can be used to make an informed decision on what media to use:

• 8mm media of 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length are Metal Particle(MP) media.
• 8mm media of 22m, 45m, 75m, 125m, 150m, 170m or 225m length are Advanced Metal Evaporated(AME) media. Use the AME media on 20GB and 60GB drives ONLY. MP media can only be read on the 20GB drives.
• 8mm drives with 2.3GB or 5.0GB capacity Read/Write 15m, 54m, or 112m length "MP" media only.
• 8mm drives with 7.0GB capacity Read/Write 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length "MP" media only.
• 8mm drives with 20.0GB capacity can only Read 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length "MP" media.
• 8mm drives with 20.0GB capacity can Read/Write ONLY on 22m, or 170m length "AME" media.
  If the 22m or 170m AME tape has been written in 60GB format, the tape cannot be read by the 20GB drive, it can be rewritten by the 20GB drive as if the tape were blank.
• AME data tapes of lengths: 45m, 75m, 125m, 150m, and 225m are not supported on the IBM 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, and 20GB 8mm tape drives
• 8mm media of 22m, 160m, and 170m should bear the Recognition System Logo.

The following chart shows data interchange using IBM data grade tapes among 8mm 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, 20GB, and 60GB tape drives. The chart list the external model types as an example but the data applies to the internal versions of the drives also.

2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, 20GB and 60GB supported media

The following chart shows chart shows the supported IBM data grade tapes usage 8mm 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, 20GB, and 60GB tape drives.

Note:

• Compress - Compression Capable
• NonC - Non Compression Capable
• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The drive cannot write on this media.
• N/S - Not Supported.
• N/A - No IBM media Available.
• D= - Density setting
• Eject- The drive will eject this media.  
  
• # This media is Metal Particle(MP) the 20GB drive MUST BE CLEANED after reading this media prior using Advanced Metal Evaporated(AME) media. When you are ready to use AME media insert the AME media and let the drive eject the AME media. The drive then is to be cleaned. Cleaning the drive prior to inserting the AME will still require the drive to be cleaned again as the drive will eject the AME media and display the MUST CLEAN message.
• * Use the Density setting to write this format/capacity with this drive.
• ** Data interchange between the 2.3GB, 5GB, and 7GB tape drives is ONLY capable on the 15m, 54m or 112m Data Cartridges, not on the 160m.
  
• *** The 60GB drive can Read tapes written by the 20GB drive but cannot write tapes that can be Read by the 20GB drive. Tapes written by the 60GB drive can only be read on a 60GB drive.

20GB and 60GB tape drive interchange

The following chart shows data interchange using the IBM 8mm data grade tape between the 8mm 20GB and 60GB tape drives. The chart lists the external model type as the example but the data applies to the internal versions of the 20GB drive also.

• Metal Particle(MP) media is not supported in the 60GB tape drive and is ejected. MP media is normally 15m, 54m, 112m, 160m lengths.
• MP media can only be read on the 20GB drives.
• Advanced Metal Evaporated(AME) media is available in 22m, 45m, 75m, 125m, 150m, 170m, or 225m lengths.
• AME "SmartClean" data cartridges contain a build in cleaning capability. Cartridges of 75m, 150m, and 225m are "SmartClean" Cartridges.
• AME media of 22m, or 170m length are the only AME media supported in the 20GB drive.
• Format is a term used to describe the way a tape is written.
• The 20GB 8mm tape drive ONLY writes/reads a "Mammoth" format.
• The 60GB 8mm tape drive ONLY writes "Mammoth2(M2)" format.
• The 60GB 8mm tape drive READS "Mammoth" or "Mammoth2(M2)" format.
• It is not possible to write data on a 60GB drive and read the data on the 20GB drive.
• If the 22m or 170m AME tape has been written by a 60GB 8mm drive the tape cannot be read by the 20GB drive. The 20GB drive will treat this tape as if the tape were a blank tape.
• There is no need to use density settings for writing or reading tapes on either the 20GB or the 60GB drives as the drives do automatic media and tape format recognition.

Note:

• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The 60GB drive cannot write a format that can be read by the 20GB 8mm drive.
• N/S - Not Supported  
  
• * Media must be 22m or 170m AME ONLY.
• ** The 60GB drive can read Mammoth or M2 format but can only write M2 format.

DLT Tape Drives

The following chart shows the various DLT media and their IBM Part number and the associated density setting:

Note: DLTtapeIV, DLTtapeIIIxt, and DLTtapeIII are the trademarks of Quantum Corp.

Microcode Level

The Tape Drives Microcode level is important in that there have been many fixes for problems incorporated in the new levels of microcode. The level of microcode in the drive is field upgradeable without changing the tape drive. User installable microcode is available from the WEB at:
http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload/download.html

Determine Microcode Level

To determine the microcode level in the tape drive use the following AIX command:
lscfg -vl rmt0 <- the Z1 or FW field will show the microcode level

The current microcode levels are:

AIX Error Log

Review the AIX Error Log for all errors around the time the application was unable to process the tape.

If there is no error in the AIX error log around the time application was unable to process the tape the following would be likely causes of the problem:

• Data cartridge was not appropriate for the operation. For example the application attempted to write to 5GB 8mm media in 20GB 8mm drive.
• A backup was attempted to a data cartridge that was write protected.
• The amount of data being written to the tape exceeded the capacity of the data cartridge.

AIX error log entries of the form: TAPE_ERR1, TAPE_ERR2, or TAPE_ERR3 are normally media related errors that can be corrected by cleaning the tape drive and retrying the operation. If the error occurs again on the same data cartridge, clean the tape drive and use a new IBM data cartridge.

AIX error log entries of the form: TAPE_ERR6 are caused by the tape drive requesting cleaning. Either the tape drive has exceeded the recommended cleaning interval or the tape drive has exceeded the tape drives internal limit for soft errors and is requesting cleaning.

The AIX command to review the AIX error log is:
errpt -a | pg

Read Previously Written Data Cartridge

If there are problems reading previously written data cartridges it may be necessary to determine if there was data previously written to the data cartridge and at what block size the data was written at.

Read tape on another system

If another system is available attempt to read the tape on the other system. If it can read the tape then check the blocksize set in the "good" system to insure it matches the system where the tape could not be read.

Determine block size of previously written tape

It will be necessary to do a dd of the tape to determine if there is data on the data cartridge and also determine the blocksize the data cartridge was written at.

• To determine the blocksize currently set for the tape drive on the system use the AIX command "lsattr". Write down this blocksize:
  lsattr -El rmt0
• Set the tape drives blocksize to 0 (if not already at 0):
  chdev -a block_size=0 -l rmt0
• Determine the blocksize the tape was written at:
  dd if=/dev/rmt0 bs=128k count=1 | wc -c
• Use the chdev command to set the blocksize for the tape.
• Process the tape.
• Set the tape drives blocksize back to the previous setting you wrote down previously.

Verify mksysb table of contents

There may be times when you want to verify the table of contents of a AIX "mksysb" tape without actually restoring the data. The following AIX command will display the table of contents of the mksysb tape:
restore -s4 -Tvqf /dev/rmt0.1

Note:

• You must use the no rewind setting(.1) for this command to work.
• The blocksize set for the tape drive must match the blocksize the tape was written at. If you cannot determine the blocksize the data on the tape was written at, using a blocksize of "0" will enable the tape drive to read the tape but will take a very long time.

Reset the tape drive

There may be times when you want to reset a tape drive to clear an error condition(including stuck tape) without powering off the tape drive. It is possible on most IBM 1/4", 4mm, 8mm, DLT, and VXA tape drives to reset the tape drive by pressing and holding the eject button depressed for 15-30 seconds(drive power must be ON).
Another way to reset the tape drive is to sign on the system with root authorization and issue the AIX command:
diag -c -d

SCSI Address

Determine that there is no conflict of SCSI addresses between the tape drive and any other SCSI device.
lsdev -Cs scsi

Check Connections

For externally attached tape drives check all external SCSI connections. Check all connectors to be sure there are no bent or damaged pins in the connector. Insure all connections are secure, screws or clips are tightly attached.

Check SCSI Termination

For externally attached tape drives check to insure the proper IBM terminator is in use. Check the P/N. Insure the terminators are securely attached.

AIX Diagnostics

To test the tape drive run the tape drive diagnostics using the IBM test tape or diagnostic tape. To run the AIX diagnostics it is necessary to have root access. From the command line enter the AIX command:
diag

AIX Diagnostic Media

1/4" Tape Drives

Note: Diagnostics will fail if the wrong tape is used in the 1/4" drive.

4mm Tape Drives

Note: * Usage is counted and there is a maximum of 50 uses(tape insertions).

VXA Tape Drives

8mm Tape Drives

DLT Tape Drives

Placing a Service Call

Only after all this is done, and the problem persists, should the tape drive service call be placed. When placing a service call have the following information available:

• The type of tape drive you are placing the service call on, 5GB 8mm, or 20GB 4mm, etc..
• The machine type, model, and serial number of the IBM machine where the tape drive is installed. If the tape drive is externally mounted this will be the information from the external enclosure housing the tape drive.
• The type of problem being reported.
• If there were AIX error log entries, what the error log entries were, such as: TAPE_ERR1, TAPE_ERR6, etc..
• Be prepared to assist the support person to do further problem isolation and problem determination, including:
  • You have system access.
  • Have the tape drive test tape or diagnostic tape available.
  • Have the IBM cleaning tape available.
  • Have the failed data cartridges available.
  • Have a new IBM data cartridge available.

Help Desk Guidelines

The following is an outline of how a customer help desk should operate with regard to tape drive operations:

The key to resolving the problems is to determine what is different between success and failure at one site or between sites. To do this the following will help:

• Establish and publish backup practices. This helps all understand the importance of the data being backed up, what is expected to be done, and who is responsible for doing each item.

• Establish and publish help desk procedures. This is helpful to both the help desk and the customer sites. This helps both understand what is expected of each other plus identify what is to be done by each.

• Media must be standardized, sites should get media, both data cartridges and cleaning cartridges from the same source. Provide the sites a simple way to get the data cartridges and cleaning cartridges they need. This reduces the risk of unsupported media from being used.

• Label each data cartridge with the day of the week(on the data cartridge).
  Each site should always have a new sealed spare data cartridge.

• Label each data cartridge and cleaning cartridge with the date the customer first put it in service.

• Manuals shipped from IBM with the system or tape drive need to be kept with the system for Customer and CE use.

• Each tape drive is shipped from IBM with a Diagnostic/Test cartridge. This cartridge needs to be kept with the drive for Customer and CE use.

• Monitor cleaning to insure the tape drives are cleaned when the tape drive requests cleaning.
  The AIX Diagnostic, Task Selection, SCSD Tape Drive Service Aids can be used both locally and remotely to monitor the tape drives need for cleaning. This can be used for the 4GB 1/4", 13GB 1/4", 12GB 4mm, 20GB 4mm, 20GB 8mm, 60GB 8mm, 35GB DLT, 40GB DLT, and VXA tape drives.
• Determine cleaning cartridge status and discard used up cartridges. Each site should always have a new sealed spare cleaning cartridge.

• Monitor backups to determine the following:
  • Insure backup completed successfully
  • Determine the type of backup failure and track the following for that site:
    • Was the backup attempted?
      • Did the backup put an error in the AIX error log.
      • TAPE_ERR1 is likely a media failure.
        Did terminate the backup.
      • TAPE_ERR2 is normally a drive failure, but can be caused by a media failure.
        Did terminate the backup.
      • TAPE_ERR3 is likely media starting to fail.
        Did NOT terminate the backup.
      • TAPE_ERR4 Unknown cause requires further analysis. Often the cause of this error is found to be poor termination of the devices or excessive media errors.
        Did terminate the backup.
      • TAPE_ERR5 Unknown cause requires further analysis.
        Did terminate the backup.
      • TAPE_ERR6 Tape drives log this error when the drive exceeds the preset limit of tape motion hours since the drive was last cleaned or when the drive exceeds an internally set recovered error limit. Some drives also log this error when there is an unrecovered media error.
        Did NOT terminate the backup.
      • Log the day of the week, and track this to determine if one tape is failing or are all failing. This will identify media or drive problems.

• Cleaning a tape drive will not normally damage most tape drives when the approved cleaning cartridge is used. On every backup failure where backup was attempted and failed, the tape drive should be cleaned with the approved cleaning cartridge.

  Note: On some drives over cleaning may damage the drive, review the drive information on cleaning, on those drives follow the drive recommendation.  
  

• Prior to placing a service call attempt a simple backup to another tape cartridge to help determine the cause of the failure. Often replacing a single data cartridge will resolve the problem.

• When a service call is required, allow time and access for the CE to do problem determination and problem correction. This includes allowing the CE time and access to run diagnostics prior to and after parts replacement. It is desirable to allow the CE authorization to run concurrent diagnostics, a special id may be required for this as it requires root authorization. This will allow the CE to do problem determination without having to take the system down for dedicated CE diagnostics.

• Sites that are dusty should keep the system at least 24" off the floor to reduce the exposure to dirt and contamination.

• Sites that show persistent media and drive failures that are following established cleaning and media procedures should be considered for filter enclosures.

Tape Drive Interchange Information

rmt settings

rmt Density settings

Density Settings are the internal control information for the tape drive that tell the drive what format(density) to write a data cartridge at. This is important for both interchanging data with another tape drive or to insure the tape is written to its maximum capacity.
A combination of methods is used to control the tape drive. One combination is to use the AIX program "smit" to set the tape drive density and then use the rmt0.x option to choose which density the tape drive will use.
To use the AIX program "smit" enter the following on the AIX command line:
smit tape
Choose change/show device characteristics.
Select the specific density setting you want(Some tape drives do not need you to select the density setting as they will do automatic media recognition. Drives such as the DDS 4mm, 20GB 8mm, and 60GB 8mm do automatic media recognition.).

rmt retension/rewind settings

The following table shows the use of the rmt with both its tape options and density settings:

Note:
D1 = density 1 used
D2 = density 2 used
* Used on 1/4" drives only, other drives do not do any retension.
** Rewind on open, does not control on insertion.

Formats and Densities

Details the supported tape formats and densities for the 1/4", 4mm, VXA, 8mm, and DLT tape drives.

1/4" QIC-150(7207-001)

1/4" QIC-525(7207-011)

1/4" QIC-1000(7207-012)

1/4" QIC-4GB SLR5(7207-122)

Note: This drive does not support reading or writing QIC-24

1/4" QIC-5010 MLR1(7207-315)

Note: This drive does not support reading or writing QIC-24

Note:

• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The drive cannot write on this media.
• N/S - Not Supported
• - Non Compression - Compression Default for 4GB is compression 166. Compression is set only by density setting on 4GB. Not Set with Smit Compression setting.
• * These tapes are not recommended for use on this model 7207 due to incompatibility of the media characteristics and the design of this R/W head of this 7207.
• ** These tapes are supported with microcode level 0345 or higher only

7207-315 Significant Item

The following are a few of the AIX commands and blocking information:
 
 backup   <- will either use 32k or 51.2k as default depending if backup
             by name or not.   N/S customer change required.
 tar      <- default is 10k (error in tar manual stating 512kb)
 tar  needs the customer to use at minimum    -N64
 mksysb   <- uses backup on AIX 4.1   N/S customer change required.
 dd   needs the customer to use at minimum  bs=32k
 cpio needs the customer to use at minimum    -C64

Users should insure the blocksize they select is supported by the users application.

1/4" 30GB SLR60(7207-330)

Note:

• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The drive cannot write on this media.
• N/S - Not Supported

4mm Tape Interchange Information

The following is a chart that shows the interchange using the IBM 4mm data grade tape among the IBM 4mm tape drives.
The chart lists the external model type as the example but the data applies to the internal versions, external autoloader, and library versions of the drive also.

Notes:

• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The drive cannot write on this media.
• N/S - Not Supported
• Eject - This media is Not Supported and will be ejected.  
   
  
• There is no need to use density settings for writing or reading tapes as the drives do automatic media and tape format recognition.
• The IBM 2GB 4mm DDS1 tape dives will write/read media with a DDS |||| identification Only.
• The IBM 4GB 4mm DDS2 tape dives will write/read media with a DDS ||||, or DDS2 identification Only.
• The IBM 12GB 4mm DDS3 tape dives will write/read media with a DDS ||||, or DDS2, or DDS3 identification Only.
• The IBM 20GB 4mm DDS4 tape drives will write/read media with a DDS2, or DDS3, or DDS4 identification Only, all other media will be ejected.
• The IBM 36GB 4mm DAT72 tape drives will write/read media with a DDS3, or DDS4, or DAT72 identification Only, all other media will be ejected.
• Media that does not have a DDS ||||, or DDS2, or DDS3 identification are read ONLY on the IBM 2GB, 4GB, and 12GB 4mm tape dives.

VXA Tape Interchange Format

Note:
* VXA1 format is Not Suported(N/S) on V23 media, is ejected from the VXA-1 drive.
D= is the smit density setting for this format.

VXA Tape Capacity

Note:
* VXA1 format is Not Suported(N/S) on V23 media.

8mm Tape Interchange Information

8mm Tape drives

2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB and 20GB Drive/Media Capacity

Each 8mm tape drive only supports specific media, the following data will give you information that can be used to make an informed decision on what media to use:

• 8mm media of 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length are Metal Particle(MP) media.
• 8mm media of 22m, 45m, 75m, 125m, 150m, 170m or 225m length are Advanced Metal Evaporated(AME) media. Use the AME media on 20GB and 60GB drives ONLY. MP media can only be read on the 20GB drives.
• 8mm drives with 2.3GB or 5.0GB capacity Read/Write 15m, 54m, or 112m length "MP" media only.
• 8mm drives with 7.0GB capacity Read/Write 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length "MP" media only.
• 8mm drives with 20.0GB capacity can only Read 15m, 54m, 112m, or 160m length "MP" media.
• 8mm drives with 20.0GB capacity can Read/Write ONLY on 22m, or 170m length "AME" media.
  If the 22m or 170m AME tape has been written in 60GB format, the tape cannot be read by the 20GB drive, it can be rewritten by the 20GB drive as if the tape were blank.
• AME data tapes of lengths: 45m, 75m, 125m, 150m, and 225m are not supported on the IBM 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, and 20GB 8mm tape drives
• 8mm media of 22m, 160m, and 170m should bear the Recognition System Logo.

The following chart shows data interchange using IBM data grade tapes among 8mm 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, 20GB, and 60GB tape drives. The chart list the external model types as an example but the data applies to the internal versions of the drives also.

2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, 20GB and 60GB supported media

The following chart shows chart shows the supported IBM data grade tapes usage 8mm 2.3GB, 5GB, 7GB, 20GB, and 60GB tape drives.

Note:

• Compress - Compression Capable
• NonC - Non Compression Capable
• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The drive cannot write on this media.
• N/S - Not Supported.
• N/A - No IBM media Available.
• D= - Density setting
• Eject- The drive will eject this media.  
  
• # This media is Metal Particle(MP) the 20GB drive MUST BE CLEANED after reading this media prior using Advanced Metal Evaporated(AME) media. When you are ready to use AME media insert the AME media and let the drive eject the AME media. The drive then is to be cleaned. Cleaning the drive prior to inserting the AME will still require the drive to be cleaned again as the drive will eject the AME media and display the MUST CLEAN message.
• * Use the Density setting to write this format/capacity with this drive.
• ** Data interchange between the 2.3GB, 5GB, and 7GB tape drives is ONLY capable on the 15m, 54m or 112m Data Cartridges, not on the 160m.
  
• *** The 60GB drive can Read tapes written by the 20GB drive but cannot write tapes that can be Read by the 20GB drive. Tapes written by the 60GB drive can only be read on a 60GB drive.

20GB and 60GB tape drive interchange

The following chart shows data interchange using the IBM 8mm data grade tape between the 8mm 20GB and 60GB tape drives. The chart lists the external model type as the example but the data applies to the internal versions of the 20GB drive also.

• Metal Particle(MP) media is not supported in the 60GB tape drive and is ejected. MP media is normally 15m, 54m, 112m, 160m lengths.
• MP media can only be read on the 20GB drives.
• Advanced Metal Evaporated(AME) media is available in 22m, 45m, 75m, 125m, 150m, 170m, or 225m lengths.
• AME "SmartClean" data cartridges contain a build in cleaning capability. Cartridges of 75m, 150m, and 225m are "SmartClean" Cartridges.
• AME media of 22m, or 170m length are the only AME media supported in the 20GB drive.
• Format is a term used to describe the way a tape is written.
• The 20GB 8mm tape drive ONLY writes/reads a "Mammoth" format.
• The 60GB 8mm tape drive ONLY writes "Mammoth2(M2)" format.
• The 60GB 8mm tape drive READS "Mammoth" or "Mammoth2(M2)" format.
• It is not possible to write data on a 60GB drive and read the data on the 20GB drive.
• If the 22m or 170m AME tape has been written by a 60GB 8mm drive the tape cannot be read by the 20GB drive. The 20GB drive will treat this tape as if the tape were a blank tape.
• There is no need to use density settings for writing or reading tapes on either the 20GB or the 60GB drives as the drives do automatic media and tape format recognition.

Note:

• R/W - This drive can both Read and Write this media.
• R - This drive can ONLY Read from this media. The 60GB drive cannot write a format that can be read by the 20GB 8mm drive.
• N/S - Not Supported  
  
• * Media must be 22m or 170m AME ONLY.
• ** The 60GB drive can read Mammoth or M2 format but can only write M2 format.

DLT Tape Interchange Information

DLT Significant Item

 backup   <- will either use 32k or 51.2k as default depending if backup
             by name or not.   N/S customer change required.
 tar      <- default is 10k (error in tar manual stating 512kb)
 tar  needs the customer to use at minimum    -N64
 mksysb   <- uses backup on AIX 4.1   N/S customer change required.
 dd   needs the customer to use at minimum  bs=32k
 cpio needs the customer to use at minimum    -C64

Users should insure the blocksize they select is supported by the users application.

As an example: Using a blocksize of 1024 and backing up 32GB of data will take approximately 22 hours. Same 32GB of data backed up at a block size of 32k will take approximately 2 hours. Small blocksizes have a significant impact on performance but only a minimal impact on capacity. However 2.6 format(density) and 6 format(density) are significantly impacted in capacity by using small blocksizes, they don't pack the data in the drives internal 8k block.

IBM 7205-311 35GB

The following is a chart that shows the interchange using the IBM 7205-311 tape drive.

Notes:

• The 7205 Tape drive only supports the data densities listed in the table. Supported data cartridges written in other densities will not be recognized by the drive and these cartridges will not be readable by this drive. The 7205 will treat these cartridges as blank cartridges.
• If a DLT IV data cartridge written in 40GB mode is attempted to be read on the 35GB drive the tape will appear to be a blank data cartridge. Interchange of data between the 35GB drive and the 40GB drive can only be done on supported data cartridges with a density setting common between the drives.
• The drive does an automatic determination of the density setting when reading a data cartridge, but for write operations you must set a writing density that matches the data cartridge you are using.
  If an unsupported write density is requested, the density will default to the highest supported density for the currently loaded data cartridge.
• * Compression will depend upon the type of data. A compression ratio of 2:1 is assumed for this compression capacity.
• DLTtapeIII, DLTtapeIIIxt, and DLTtapeIV are trademarks of Quantum Corporation.

IBM 7205-440 40GB

The following is a chart that shows the interchange using the IBM 7205-440 tape drive.

Notes:

• The 7205 Tape drive only supports the data densities listed in the table. Supported data cartridges written in other densities will not be recognized by the drive and these cartridges will not be readable by this drive. The 7205 will treat these cartridges as blank cartridges.
• The drive does an automatic determination of the density setting when reading a data cartridge, but for write operations you must set a writing density that matches the data cartridge you are using.
  If an unsupported write density is requested, the density will default to the highest supported density for the currently loaded data cartridge.
• * Compression will depend upon the type of data. A compression ratio of 2:1 is assumed for this compression capacity.
• DLTtapeIII, DLTtapeIIIxt, and DLTtapeIV are trademarks of Quantum Corporation.

IBM 7205-550 160GB

The following is a chart that shows the interchange using the IBM 7205-550 tape drive.

Notes:

• The 7205 Model 550 has full backward read-only compatibility with the currently available IBM 7205 Model 440 (DLT8000) tape drives.
• The 7205 Model 550 is read-only compatible with older 7205 Model 311 (DLT7000), 7205 Model 305 & 306 (DLT4000), and DLT3000 tape drive formats (DLT Tape IV).
• The 7205 Model 550 is also read and write compatible with the SDLT220 tape format (SDLT Tape 1) at the native transfer rate of the SDLT220 tape drive (11 MB/sec).
• Non-SDLT drives will eject a cartridge written in SDLT320 format.

Tape Drive Cleaning Frequency

Details the recommended tape cleaning frequencies* and proper cleaning cartridge to use for the 1/4", 4mm, VXA, 8mm, and DLT tape drives.

Other information you should be aware of:

• Clean the tape drive at the recommended times and with the recommended IBM cleaning cartridge. Over cleaning may cause premature head wear out, do not over clean the tape drive.

• Whenever a tape drive reports an I/O error the drive should be cleaned prior to retrying the tape operation.

• The 4mm, 8mm, and VXA cleaning cartridges move the cleaning media from the supply spool to the take up spool in the cartridge during the cleaning operation. When cleaning is complete the area of the cleaning media used in cleaning is wound onto the take up spool, unlike data cartridges that rewind all the media back onto the supply spool.

  To determine if a 4mm, 8mm, or VXA cleaning cartridges is used up users should not only check the number of remaining cleanings as marked on the cartridge but also observe the remaining media on the supply spool.
  To do this:

  The user should hold the cleaning cartridge as if they were going to insert the cleaning cartridge into the drive. If all, or most, of the media is on the right hand, take up spool, and very little media is still on the supply spool, the cleaning cartridge is used up and will not clean the tape drive.

• If a 4mm, 8mm, or VXA cleaning cartridge has been used its maximum number of cleanings and the cartridge is inserted into the tape drive the cleaning LED will not go off if it was previously on and if the cleaning LED was off prior to the cleaning cartridges insertion the cleaning LED will be turned on to signify the cleaning was not done and the cleaning cartridge has exceeded its maximum number of uses.

• There are times when it will be necessary to use the recommended cleaning process several times in a row to clean the drive:
  • Tape drives that have not been cleaned according to the recommended schedule.
  • Tape drives where unsupported media or cleaning cartridges were used.
  • Tape drives reporting repeated I/O errors.
  • Tape drives operating in dirty/dust environments.

  If repeated cleanings and new media do not eliminate the I/O errors it may be necessary to replace the tape drive.

1/4" Tape Drive Cleaning Frequency

Note:
* If tape errors or tape job failures occur the drive may have to be cleaned more frequently.
** Replaced 21F8570, was Isopropyl Alcohol
*** Replaced 59H4366 which replaced 46G2674

4mm Tape Drive Cleaning Frequency

Note:
* If tape errors or tape job failures occur the drive may have to be cleaned more frequently.
** Replaced 59H3090(20 Cleanings) in early 1999
Starting with microcode level 5AL0 the 4GB 4mm drives will not only put ON the cleaning LED based on soft errors but will also put the cleaning LED ON after 30 tape motion hours without the drive being cleaned.

VXA Cleaning Frequency

8mm Tape Drives Cleaning Frequency

Note:
* If tape errors or tape job failures occur the drive may have to be cleaned more frequently.
** Replaced 21F8593
*** ONLY USE on the 20GB and 60GB 8mm drives.

DLT Tape Drive Cleaning Frequency

AIX Diagnostic SCSD Tape Drive Service Aid

Provides the ability to display and monitor tape drive information for tape drives that are supported on AIX by the Self Configuring SCSI device driver.

SCSD Tape Drive Service Aid functions:

• Display time since drive was last cleaned
• Capture internal drive trace information into a binary file(Dump).
• Capture internal Log Sense information into a binary file(Log).

Supported Devices:

On AIX 4.1.5, or later, the following Self Configuring SCSI Drives(SCSD) are supported:

• 7205-311 IBM 35GB Digital Linear tape drive
• 7205-440 IBM 40GB Digital Linear tape drive
• 7205-550 IBM 160GB Digital Linear tape drive
• 7206-110 IBM 4mm 12GB tape drive
• 7206-220 IBM 4mm 20GB tape drive
• 7206-336 IBM 4mm 36GB tape drive
• 7206-VX2 IBM VXA 80GB tape drive
• 7207-122 IBM 1/4" 4GB tape drive
• 7207-315 IBM 1/4" 13GB tape drive
• 7207-330 IBM 1/4" 30GB tape drive
• 7208-341 IBM 8mm 20GB tape drive
• 7208-345 IBM 8mm 60GB tape drive
• 7331-305 IBM 8mm tape library

Using the program:

While signed on as root utape can be run as a standalone program or under AIX Diagnostics.

Note: When the program puts out a file for later use it puts the file into the /tmp directory.
The binary Trace file is named:
/tmp/TRACE.rmt0
The ASCII Log Sense file is named:
/tmp/LOGSENSE.rmt0

AIX Diagnostics Menu mode

• Run AIX diagnostics by entering the AIX command:
  diag
• Select Task Selection(Diagnostics, Advanced Diagnostics, Service Aids
• Select SCSD Tape Drive Service Aid.
• Select the drive
• Commit the selection
• Select the option you desire.
• Exit diagnostics.