Problem and Error Code Recreation MAP

Problem and Error Code Recreation MAP

This MAP attempts to recreate the library failure.
The results may or may not be exactly the same as the error information that was recorded earlier.
However, by observing the library operation (if possible, pull the library out on slides and remove the top cover), you should be better able to help isolate the problem area.
If you cannot recreate the problem, you may have an intermittent problem.
The last step in this MAP provides some suggestions. Even if viewing the library from the top is not possible, it is still recommended and Useful to attempt re-creation.

  -Attention- Use only the CE cartridge (and when necessary, scratch cartridges from the customer) when you run exerciser and diagnostic selections from the operator panel.
This is especially true if your selection involves loading or moving cartridges to drives.

Step 1

Ensure that the following actions or precautions have been considered:

•  Ensure that customer operations for both the tape library and tape drives have been completed.
•  Do not use this MAP if you have a known tape drive problem (such as blinking lights or a stuck cartridge).

  Note: The opening and closing of the tape drive handle is a library function and not a tape drive function.

•  If you chose the diagnostics from the library front panel, the SCSI cable to the host does not need to be connected.
   Turn off the power to the system if you unplug the cable.
   After unplugging the SCSI cable, turn the power back on.
•  If the original cell locations for the customer cartridges need to be preserved, record the cell location for each cartridge before removing it.
   You do not need the magazine for the tests (unless you are testing a put/pick problem to the magazine).
   You need only the CE cartridge for the confidence test.
   For the tape drive load and unload test (DRVLDULD) you need the CE cartridge and two scratch cartridges.

Step 2

See 'Library Exerciser, Diagnostic, and Fix Verify Selections' for test descriptions and precautions.
The tape drive load and unload test (DRVLDULD) is the most complete selection available, as it tests all library operations.
The following functions and operations are exercised:

•  Reading tape cartridge labels using the bar code reader.
•  Moving cartridges from cells to tape drives and between cells.
•  Loading tape cartridges into tape drives to the load point. (Data are not written to the tape.)
•  Sending SCSI unload commands from the tape library over the SCSI bus to the tape drives.
   The tape library acts as the initiator

Step 3

Regardiess of the test chosen, as the test proceeds, observe any problems or difficulties (such as the following), and then continue with the next step.

•  The bar code reader does not read the bar code labels correctly (note shuttle adjustments at the bar code station).
   If the cartridges do not have labels or the reader has difficulty reading labels, the tape library  firmware makes up to seven adjustments or retrys in attempting to read the label.
•  The robotic shuttle is not positioned correctly in front of the cells or the drives.
•  The drive belts slip or become loose around the pulleys.
•  The cartridges do not move appropriately from or into cells.

•  The cartridges moving appropriately from or into the shuttle.
•  The cartridges moving appropriately from or into the tape drive.
•  The tape drive handle operating correctly (the act of opening and closing
   should be smooth, with no or minimal over travel or bounce).

Step 4

If you have observed or determined from your analysis that a library mechanism (electrical or mechanical) is likely to be the reason for the failure, and you cannot make an adjustment or cleaning (for example, the shuttle cartridge friction wheels) 40 correct the problem, replace the base library or tape drive module that contains the failing component.
This conclusion could be reached with or without an error code. Two examples are:

•  The tape library fails, indicating that it cannot pick a cartridge, even though the cartridge is in the robotic shuttle.
   Most likely, the failure is a sensor in the robotic shuttle.
•  The tape drive handle mechanism has difficulty or cannot open and close.
   A good isolation technique is to move the tape drive to the other position and determine if the problem follows the tape drive or stays with the position.
   If the problem follows the tape drive, replace the tape drive; if it stays with the position, replace the tape library controller.
   If you replace the tape drives, make sure that you change each SCSI ID to the correct ID for the new position.

Step 5

Have you observed or determined a problem other than a problem with the base library?

Yes	If you have decided which FRU needs to be replaced, see Chapter 4,
	'Removal and Replacement Procedures'.
	Run the appropriate tape library or tape drive exerciser and
	diagnostic selection for the replacement FRU
	(see 'Library Exerciser, Diagnostic, and Fix Verify Selections').
	When complete, go to 'End of Call'.
	If you noted a problem, but are not sure which FRU to replace,
	reenter the MAPs with that problem.
No	Go to Step 6.

Step 6

Do you have an error code (original or from a recreation) or Sense Key/ASC/ASCO code?

Yes	See the tape library error code in Figure 17 and replace the FRUs one at a time.
	If you received more than one error code, try to pick
	the one closer to your observations.
	Run the appropriate tape library or tape drive exerciser and diagnostic
	selection for the replacement FRU
	(see 'Library Exerciser, Diagnostic, and Fix Verify Selections').
	Note: The FRU list does not generally list the base tape library.
	For most error codes, the base tape library is the last FRU in each list.
	The order of the FRU list per error code is not necessarily listed by
	probability of failure.
	If you only have a Sense Key/ASC/ASCQ library code, see Figure 62
	to determine what type of error was reported by the library.
	Remember, only a Sense key value of 4 indicates a hardware error.
	When the fix has been verified, go to 'End of Call'.
No	Go to Step 7.

Step 7

You have an intermittent problem.
Continue to run the library until an error occurs.
Also consider the SCSI cables (controller-to-drive, drive-to-drive, and host-to-controller) and the terminator, if you think the problem might be in the interface area.
Check for proper seating and look for bent pins on all SCSI cables and on the terminator.

Please see the LEGAL  -  Trademark notice.
Feel free - send a   for any BUG on this page found - Thank you.