User Guide

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Dell™ PowerVault™ 120T DLT1 Autoloader User's Guide

	Installation Problems		PowerVault 120T DLT1 Error Codes
	Loader and Drive Operational Problems		Environmental Considerations
	Diagnostic Menu		When Customer Assistance is Required

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics includes general suggestions for solving problems, and also includes information on error codes and the built-in diagnostics.

Installation Problems

• SCSI bus
• Software
• OS

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

• 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

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 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.

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.

• 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 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 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.

CLEAN DRIVE (CLEAN DRV)

• 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.

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)

Enabling AUTOCLEAN

• 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.

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

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.

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)

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.

• 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

UPGRADE DRIVE FIRMWARE (UPG DRV FW)

• 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.

• POWER on
• ACTIVITY off
• ALARM on
• POWER off
• ACTIVITY on
• ALARM off

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.

• Verify the tape is a valid FUP tape and not a data or cleaning cartridge.

PowerVault 120T DLT1 Error Codes

Error Code Listing:

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

• 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

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.

• 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

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