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Troubleshooting and Diagnostics:
Dell™ PowerVault™ 120T DLT1 Autoloader User's Guide
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics includes general
suggestions for solving problems, and also includes information on error
codes and the built-in diagnostics.
Installation Problems
Usually, problems encountered during the installation
of the PowerVault 120T DLT1 are caused when configuring the following:
If the current application software is not communicating
with the autoloader after installation, check the following:
SCSI IDs: The IDs
selected for the PowerVault 120T DLT1 robotics and tape drive are unique.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1's ID must be different than any other SCSI device
on that bus, including the host SCSI adapter card.
SCSI Cabling: Check
all SCSI cables to be certain they are securely connected at both ends.
Also, check the length and integrity of the SCSI cabling. The total length
of all cables connected to a SCSI-2 bus must not exceed 40 feet (12 meters)
for low voltage differential configurations. The length of the internal
SCSI cabling inside the PowerVault 120T DLT1 is one foot. This one-foot
length must be included in all calculations of cable length. If the condition
of a cable is uncertain, replace it with a known good cable.
Termination: Make certain all SCSI buses are
properly terminated.
NOTE: The PowerVault 120T
DLT1 Autoloader must be terminated to ensure proper operation.
Compatibility: Ensure the PowerVault 120T
DLT1 and its tape drive are compatible with the SCSI adapter card and application
software. For a list of compatible SCSI adapters, contact the application
software vendor.
SCSI Adapter Card Installation:
Verify the SCSI adapter card and drivers were correctly installed. Refer
to the documentation installation and troubleshooting instructions provided
with the card, if needed. Pay particular attention to any steps describing
the settings of various jumpers and/or switches on the SCSI adapter card.
Double check to be certain the SCSI adapter card is fully seated in the
I/O connector.
Application Software Installation: Refer to
the software documentation for instructions verifying installation.
Loader and Drive Operational Problems
Occasionally, problems occur impacting the operation of the
PowerVault 120T DLT1 and/or the DLT1 drive for two reasons. First, the drive is
not cleaned upon request and second, improper data cartridges are added to the
PowerVault 120T DLT1. If the system was successfully operating the application
software and the PowerVault 120T DLT1, but currently presents problems reading
and writing data, complete the following checks:
-
Look at the write protect switch. If the orange rectangle
is enabled, the cartridge is write protected. Move the switch to the right.
Try writing to the cartridge. If this solves the problem, writing to data
is successfully completed.
-
Eject the cartridge. Insert a new cartridge. If this
solves the problem, the cartridge was probably showing signs of frequent
use or age.
Diagnostic Menu
The Operator's Panel keypad offers diagnostic functions.
When the menu is in LdR REAdY
mode, the Diagnostic Menu is accessed by simultaneously pressing and holding
the NEXT button and
the MODE button for
approximately 5 seconds. dIAG MENU
is displayed on the LCD. The PowerVault 120T DLT1 will automatically exit
the
Diagnostic Menu
and return to LdR REAdY
if the keypad is idle for 30 seconds.
Table 1. Diagnostic Menu
| DSP FW |
Display the revision of the operating firmware used
by the PowerVault 120T DLT1 microprocessors and the drive. |
| SIGN ON |
Use when the application software does not support
the PowerVault 120T DLT1, but does support the SCALAR library. |
| CHG MODE |
Use to change the Mode of Operation between RANDOM
and SEQUENTIAL. |
| CYCLE TEST |
Verifies the functionality of the PowerVault 120T
DLT1 robotics by executing a sequence of pick and place operations. This
moves the cartridges between the slots and the drive. |
| CLEAN DRV |
Permits manual cleaning of the drive head. This
function is used when the application software does not support an auto
cleaning cycle and slot 7 is dedicated for data storage rather than a cleaning
cartridge. |
| AUTOCLEAN |
Provides an automatic cleaning cycle if the application
software does not support an auto cleaning cycle. Slot 7 is dedicated to
the cleaning cartridge when enabled, reducing the PowerVault 120T DLT1
data capacity to 6 tapes. |
| LOAD FW |
Allows upgrading of the PowerVault 120T DLT1 firmware
via the SCSI bus. |
| DSP COUNTS |
Returns the number count results of each of the
events PowerVault 120T DLT1 tracks. |
| UPG DRV FW |
Upgrades the drive firmware using a Firmware Upgrade
(FUP) tape. |
DISPLAY FIRMWARE (DSP FW)
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press the MODE button
until dSP FW appears
on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT
button. dSP LdR FW
appears on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT button
to display the revision of the loader firmware. dELL
dNNN, where NNN represents the revision number
of the firmware, appears on the LCD.
-
Press NEXT.
dSP
dRV FW appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to display the revision of the drive firmware. dLT1
NNNN, where NNNN represents the revision number
of the firmware, appears on the LCD.
-
Press NEXT.
dSP
MTN FW appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to display the firmware revision for the Motion firmware. MTN
FW NN, where NN is the revision number of the
firmware, appears on the LCD.
-
Press NEXT.
dSP
FP FW appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to display the firmware revision for the front panel firmware. FP
FW NN, where NN is the revision number of the
firmware, appears on the LCD.
-
Press NEXT.
dSP
bT FW appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to display the firmware revision for the boot firmware. bT
FW NN, where NN is the revision number of the
firmware, appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 returns to LdR REAdY.
SIGN ON (SIGN ON)
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press the MODE button
until SIGN ON appears
on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to display the current sign on string.
-
Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS
button to toggle the sign on string between FASTSTOR/SCALAR.
-
Press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 will return to LdR REAdY.
CHANGE MODE (CHG MODE)
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 is capable of operating in
either Random Access or Sequential Access modes.
The Random Access mode allows software to select
data cartridges in any order. This allows logical division of cartridges
to satisfy particular data storage needs. For example, one or more cartridges
can be assigned to specific data functions, such as the following examples:
specific directories, network servers, departments, or individual users.
The Sequential Access mode perceives all cartridges
as single volumes and accesses storage space sequentially. The PowerVault
120T DLT1 operating firmware predefines the selection of the cartridges.
After initialization, the firmware always loads the first cartridge, counting
from 1 through 7, into the drive. After the application software has filled
this cartridge and issued an eject command the PowerVault 120T DLT1 will
automatically unload the drive, return the cartridge to its storage slot,
and then load the next cartridge in sequential order. Empty storage slots
are ignored. The PowerVault 120T DLT1 will continue this process until
the last tape in the sequence has been used.
NOTE: While in Sequential Access mode, the PowerVault 120T DLT1 robotics
is not logically connected to the SCSI bus and does not respond to SCSI
commands.
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press the MODE button
until CHG MOdE appears
on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT
button to display the current mode.
-
Press the NEXT or PREVIOUS
button to toggle the mode between SEQUENTIAL
and RANdOM.
-
Press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 returns to LdR REAdY.
When in Sequential Access mode, the PowerVault 120T
DLT1 replaces the LdR REAdY
message with a SEQ REAdY message.
After pressing MODE, while the PowerVault 120T DLT1
is in Sequential Access mode, a STOP SEQ menu
is displayed on the LCD.
-
Pressing SELECT causes a SEQ ENdING message to replace
the LdR REAdY message. The Sequential mode will finish after unloading
the cartridge.
-
Pressing MODE after the cartridge
is unloaded causes the PowerVault 120T DLT1 to enter the normal menu structure.
Once the SEQ ENdING
message is displayed, the following steps can occur:
-
Pressing MODE
before the current cartridge is unloaded causes a RESUME
SEQ menu to be displayed.
-
Pressing SELECT,
while in this menu, will cause the previous STOP
SEQ request to be canceled and Sequential mode
will continue with the current cartridge as if STOP
SEQ had never been requested.
When the last cartridge in the volume has been filled,
a SEQ dONE message
will replace the SEQ REAdY
message.
When the SEQ dONE
message is displayed, one of these options can occur:
-
Pressing MODE
will cause a START SEQ
menu to be displayed.
-
Pressing SELECT
while in this menu will cause Sequential mode to restart. Pressing MODE
while in this menu will cause the PowerVault 120T to enter the normal menu
structure.
CYCLE TEST (CYCLE TEST)
Before executing CYCLE TEST,
verify that the drive is empty. If necessary, use Mode
1B, EJECT DRIVE,
to remove any cartridge from the drive.
Before executing CYCLE
TEST, verify that all seven cartridge slots have
tapes installed. If required, install additional cartridges.
If AUTOCLEAN
is enabled and a cleaning tape is in slot 7, CYCLE
TEST will not use slot 7 during the test.
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press the MODE button
until CYCLE TEST appears
on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT.
CYCLES
1 will appear on the LCD. Press SELECT
to have the PowerVault 120T DLT1 execute one cycle of CYCLE
TEST. To execute more than one cycle, press NEXT
until the desired number of cycles is displayed, then press SELECT.
If the PowerVault 120T DLT1 should execute CYCLE
TEST continually, press PREVIOUS
until CYCLES 0 is
displayed, then press SELECT.
If the PowerVault 120T DLT1 is executing CYCLE
TEST
continually, press and hold MODE
for approximately 10 seconds to quit.
During CYCLE TEST
execution, the PowerVault 120T DLT1 moves the cartridges from one slot
to another, and places each cartridge into the drive. When CYCLE
TEST is completed, the PowerVault 120T DLT1 will
return to LdR REAdY
automatically.
CLEAN DRIVE (CLEAN DRV)
The following procedure is to be used only if the application
does not support an auto clean cycle, and the AUTOCLEAN
feature is not selected.
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press and hold the MODE
button until CLEAN dRIVE
appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to begin the drive cleaning process. CT 2 (SEL)
blinks on the LCD.
NOTE: If necessary, place a cleaning tape in slot 2, then press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 will
move the cleaning tape to the drive and cleaning will begin. CLEANING
will appear on the LCD during this process, and the Activity
Bars will indicate the drive activity.
If SELECT
is pressed before placing the cleaning cartridge in slot 2, the PowerVault
120T DLT1 will continue to display the blinking CT
2 (SEL) message.
If a data cartridge is in slot 2 and SELECT
is pressed, the PowerVault 120T DLT1 will treat
it like a cleaning cartridge and move it to the drive.
If a cartridge is in the drive when SELECT
is pressed, a DRIVE
FULL error will be posted. Clear the error by
pressing the MODE button.
Use the EJECT DRV mode
to remove the cartridge from the drive, then start the cleaning process
again.
When the cleaning is finished, the drive will automatically
eject the cartridge, and the PowerVault 120T DLT1 will place it back in
slot 2. A blinking RMV 2 (SEL) will
then be displayed on the LCD:
-
Remove the cleaning cartridge from slot 2, press SELECT
to return the PowerVault 120T DLT1 to LdR REAdY.
AUTOCLEAN (AUTOCLEAN)
The AUTOCLEAN function
is used when automated cleaning is unavailable with the application software.
Applications that support automated cleaning manage tape location and use,
including the cleaning cartridge. AUTOCLEAN
is not used when the application software supports automated cleaning cycles.
Enabling AUTOCLEAN
The default condition is AUTOCLEAN
OFF.
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press and hold the MODE
button until AUTOCLEAN
appears on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT
button to access the AUTOCLEAN
function. AC ON appears
on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT
button to enable the AUTOCLEAN
function. CT 2 (SEL)
blinks on the LCD.
-
Place the cleaning cartridge in slot 2. Press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T will move the cartridge from slot 2 to slot 7.
If slot 7 is full when SELECT
is pressed, the PowerVault 120T DLT1 returns a DEST
FULL error message and AUTOCLEAN
is disabled. First, use the EJECT SLOT
mode to empty slot 7. Then, enable AUTOCLEAN.
To abort AUTOCLEAN
while it is enabled, press the MODE
button before placing the cleaning cartridge in slot 2. The PowerVault
120T DLT1 will return to LdR REAdY,
disabling AUTOCLEAN.
If the user fails to place the cleaning cartridge
in slot 2 and press SELECT
within 30 seconds, the function will timeout. The PowerVault 120T DLT1
will return to LdR REAdY,
and
AUTOCLEAN will not be enabled.
The AUTOCLEAN
function is disabled until the PowerVault 120T DLT1 places the cleaning
cartridge in slot 7. If power is cycled prior to the PowerVault 120T DLT1
placing the cartridge, AUTOCLEAN
will remain disabled.
If a data cartridge is in slot 2 and SELECT
is
pressed, the PowerVault 120T DLT1 will treat it like a cleaning cartridge
and move it to slot 7.
If a cartridge is in the drive when the cleaning
cartridge is placed in slot 2 and SELECT is
pressed, a DRIVE FULL
error will be posted and AUTOCLEAN remains
disabled. This is also true if the Media Picker is full when SELECT
is pressed. In either case, clear the error by pressing the MODE
button. Use the EJECT DRV
mode to remove the cartridge from the drive, or the EJECT
PCKR mode to remove the cartridge from the Media
Picker, before attempting to enable AUTOCLEAN.
Using AUTOCLEAN
AUTOCLEAN will automatically
perform a cleaning whenever the drive issues a Cleaning
Requested status. Once completed, the PowerVault
120T DLT1 will return the cleaning cartridge to slot 7.
When AUTOCLEAN is
enabled, the application does not have access to slot 7, and the PowerVault
120T DLT1 appears as a 6-slot loader. This forces the application to re-map
the PowerVault 120T DLT1. Although slot 7 is unavailable for the storage
application, the Operator Panel LCD displays the presence of a cartridge
when slot 7 holds the cleaning cartridge. AUTOCLEAN
is disabled if the cleaning cartridge is housed in any other slot.
When AUTOCLEAN
is enabled, front panel access to slot 7 is possible. This allows for recovery
from an error if the cleaning cartridge gets stuck in the Media Picker.
CYCLE AC is displayed on
the LCD when the drive issues a cleaning tape expired condition during
cleaning. To clear the error condition, press the MODE
button. Use the front panel to replace the cleaning cartridge with a new
one. AUTOCLEAN remains
on. AUTOCLEAN can be
disabled upon receiving the CYCLE AC
message. Once the cleaning cartridge is replaced, start AUTOCLEAN.
Disabling AUTOCLEAN
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press and hold the MODE
button until AUTOCLEAN
appears on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to access the AUTOCLEAN
function. AC OFF appears
on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT
button to disable the AUTOCLEAN
function. The PowerVault 120T DLT1 will move the cleaning cartridge from
slot 7 to slot 2. RMV 2 (SEL)
blinks on the LCD.
-
Remove the cleaning cartridge from slot 2. Press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 returns to LdR REAdY.
If a cartridge is present in slot 2, the PowerVault
120T DLT1 will post a DEST FULL
error and AUTOCLEAN
remains on.
AUTOCLEAN is enabled until
the PowerVault 120T DLT1 places the cleaning cartridge in slot 2. If power
is cycled after the Media Picker picks the cartridge, but prior to the
PowerVault 120T DLT1 placing the cartridge in slot 2, AUTOCLEAN
will
remain enabled. In this instance, when power is returned, use the EJECT
PCKR Mode to place the cleaning cartridge in
slot 7. Disable AUTOCLEAN.
LOAD FIRMWARE (LOAD FW)
Whenever new firmware for the PowerVault 120T DLT1 is
released, complete instructions on how to use the LOAD
FIRMWARE function to perform the upgrade is included
with the firmware.
DISPLAY COUNTS (DSP COUNTS)
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press and hold the MODE
button until dSP COUNTS
appears on the LCD.
-
Press the SELECT
button to access the first event. FRT PK (SEL)
appears
on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT.
The PowerVault 120T DLT1 returns the total number of instances when the
cartridge was picked from any of the front slots.
-
Press NEXT
to access the next event.
The PowerVault 120T tracks the following events:
-
Front Pick Cartridge
-
Rear Pick Cartridge
-
Drive Pick Cartridge
-
Front Place Cartridge
-
Rear Place Cartridge
-
Drive Place Cartridge
-
Front Pick Retries
-
Rear Pick Retries
-
Drive Pick Retries
-
Front Place Retries
-
Rear Place Retries
-
Drive Place Retries
-
Drive Door Retries
Pressing SELECT
when the return value for dRV dR RE
is displayed returns the PowerVault 120T DLT1 to
LdR REAdY. Also, pressing the MODE
button at any time returns the PowerVault 120T DLT1 to LdR
REAdY.
UPGRADE DRIVE FIRMWARE (UPG DRV FW)
The following procedure is used only when upgrading
the drive firmware using a Firmware Upgrade (FUP) tape.
-
After entering the DIAG MENU,
press the MODE button
until UPG DRV FW appears
on the LCD.
-
Press SELECT
to begin the drive firmware upgrade process. CT
2 (SEL) blinks on the LCD.
-
If not already installed, place a FUP tape in slot 2.
Press SELECT. If
SELECT
is not pressed before placing the FUP tape in
slot 2, UPG DRV FW will
appear momentarily on the LCD and then the blinking
CT
2 (SEL) message will reappear.
The drive will be placed into a "prepare for firmware
upgrade via tape" mode. The PowerVault 120T DLT1 moves the FUP tape to
the drive and the upgrade process begins. UPDATING
appears on the LCD and the three front panel LEDs will alternate between
the following messages:
-
POWER on
-
ACTIVITY off
-
ALARM on
-
POWER off
-
ACTIVITY on
-
ALARM off
The Activity Bars also indicate the drive activity.
The POWER button is
disabled during the upgrade process.
When the update process is completed, the PowerVault
120T automatically unloads the tape and returns it to slot 2. RMV
2 (SEL) blinks on the LCD:
-
Remove the FUP tape from slot 2. Press SELECT
to return the PowerVault 120T DLT1 to LdR REAdY.
If the DRIVE PGRM message
and the error indicator, E, appears
on the LCD after several minutes, perform the following:
-
Verify the tape is a valid FUP tape and not a data or
cleaning cartridge.
If the tape appears to be in good condition, repeat
the update process. If the PowerVault 120T DLT1 displays the same error
message, call Dell Customer Assistance for assistance.
PowerVault 120T DLT1 Error Codes
When an error occurs during the operation of the PowerVault
120T DLT1, the current operation is halted and an error message is displayed
on the Operator's Panel. In all cases, after removing the cause of the
problem, cycle power on the PowerVault 120T DLT1 and try the last operation
again.
Error Code Listing:
| Error Name |
Description |
| SERIAL RCV |
Interprocessor communication error |
| SRC EMPTY * |
The source location is empty |
| DEST FULL * |
The destination location is full |
| CPU RX ERR |
The Motion CPU is not ready to receive |
| CPU TX ERR |
The Motion CPU is not ready to transmit |
| SLOT EMPTY |
No slot beam is detected |
| PWR SWITCH |
The front power switch is pressed |
| HALT |
The Motion CPU is halted by a low ACT line |
| CAM LIMIT |
A cam limit is reached without tripping a sensor |
| JAW SENSOR |
A jaw sensor is tripped |
| INV MOV OP * |
An invalid move operation occurred |
| REAR TAPE |
A rear tape sensor is not tripped |
| FRONT TAPE |
A front tape sensor is not tripped |
| REAR SLOT |
A rear slot sensor is not tripped |
| FRONT SLOT |
A front slot sensor is not tripped |
| PCKR FULL * |
The Media Picker is full |
| PCKR EMPTY * |
The Media Picker is empty |
| SLOT FULL * |
There is medium in slot |
| NVM SELECT |
NVRAM selection failure |
| NVM WRITE |
NVRAM write failure |
| DRIVE EJCT |
Drive failed to eject medium |
| DRIVE LOAD |
Unable to load medium into drive |
| DRIVE UNLD * |
Drive not logically unloaded |
| DRIVE HNDL |
Drive 'Operate Handle' timeout |
| DRIVE BUSY |
Drive busy, cannot unload tape |
| DRIVE PGRM |
Attempt to set drive parameters failed |
| DRIVE DOOR |
Drive door stepper motor limit |
| DRIVE FULL * |
The drive is full |
| CT FAILED |
Cleaning tape failed to clean drive |
| DRIVE POST |
Drive failed its POST |
| ROBOT POST |
Robotics failed its POST |
NOTE:* These errors
will not appear on the LCD if the error occurred during SCSI interaction.
During the PowerVault 120T
DLT1 POST,
if the CT FAILED, DRIVE BUSY, DRIVE DOOR, DRIVE
EJCT, DRIVE HNDL, DRIVE LOAD, DRIVE PGRM, or
DRIVE
UNLD error occurs,
dRIVE
POST appears on the Operator's Panel LCD. All
other errors occurring during the PowerVault 120T DLT1 POST
displays
ROBOT POST on
the Operator's Panel LCD.
Environmental Considerations
To obtain best performance from the PowerVault 120T
DLT1, while minimizing condensation, please observe the following guidelines:
-
Install the PowerVault 120T DLT1 on a level surface.
Do not place the PowerVault 120T DLT1 on a carpeted surface.
-
If cartridges are exposed to temperatures outside the
operating limits, 50-104°F (10-40°C), keep the cartridges at operating
temperature for a minimum of two hours before use.
-
Avoid temperature problems by ensuring that the PowerVault
120T DLT1 rear panel is not obstructed, providing the drive adequate ventilation.
-
Position the PowerVault 120T DLT1 where the temperature
is relatively stable. This includes, but is not limited to keeping PowerVault
120T DLT1 away from open windows, fan heaters, and doors.
-
Avoid leaving cartridges in severe temperature conditions,
such as bright sunlight.
-
Avoid transferring data to cartridges when the temperature
is changing by more than 15°F (10°C) per hour.
When Customer Assistance is
Required
Dell takes pride in meeting customer needs for assistance
by providing several options for obtaining help. Assistance is available
through the web site, www.dell.com,
providing a wealth of information regarding Dell products.
Prior to calling Dell Customer Assistance, complete
these steps:
-
Review all documentation carefully.
-
Attempt to determine the exact location of the problem.
Note the steps that led to the problem. Can the same problem be duplicated
or is it a one-time occurrence?
-
Note any error messages displayed on the PC screen or
file server. Write down the exact error message.
-
If at all possible, call while at the computer, with
Dell's system installed and powered on.
-
If running on a network, have all relevant information
available, including type, version number, network hardware, and so forth.
Be prepared to provide:
-
End-user name and the company name
-
Model number
-
Service Tag Number, a seven digit number found on the
back of the unit
-
Backup software version numbers
-
Device driver
-
Archive/restore
-
Hardware configuration, including firmware version,
date, and number
-
Type of PC, OS version, clock speed, RAM, network type,
network version, and any special boards installed
-
A brief description of the problem
-
Where the Dell system was purchased
Keep this information available when calling customer
assistance so the Technical Support Group resolves the problem quickly
and efficiently.
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