Tape unit self-test procedure

This procedure is designed to allow you to quickly perform a complete set of diagnostic tests on a 6384 or 6387 tape unit.

The following procedure is designed to allow you to quickly perform a complete set of diagnostic tests on a 6384 or 6387 tape unit, without impacting your system operation. This test can also be used to verify good performance of individual tape cartridges.

Enter diagnostic mode:

  1. Verify that a cartridge is not loaded in the tape unit. To unload a cartridge, press the eject button on the front of the tape unit. If the cartridge does not eject, refer to (Tape unit - manual removal).
  2. Press and hold the eject button for about 6 seconds until the amber LED starts flashing slowly, then release the button. The amber (left) LED will flash, indicating that the tape unit is waiting for a cartridge to be inserted.

Running the self-test

  1. Self-testing begins when a scratch data cartridge is inserted into the tape unit. The Ready (left) LED will flash, indicating that self-testing is in progress.
    Note: A cartridge must be loaded within 15 seconds, otherwise, the tape unit will automatically revert back to normal operation. If necessary, return to step 1 to reenter diagnostic mode.
  2. For fastest results, we recommend using an SLR100 Test Tape (P/N 35L0967) which was originally provided with your System i® server.
    Attention: Use a blank cartridge that does not contain customer data. During this self-test, the cartridge will be rewritten with a test pattern and any customer data will be destroyed.
    Note: Use a cartridge that is not write-protected. If a write-protected cartridge is inserted while the tape unit is in diagnostic mode, the cartridge will be ejected, see Incorrect cartridge below.

    Self-testing will only be performed using a write-compatible cartridge type, and with a cartridge that is not damaged, see Incorrect cartridge below.

    If a cleaning cartridge is inserted while the tape unit is in diagnostic mode, drive cleaning will occur and the tape unit will then return to normal operating mode. Return to step 1 to reenter diagnostic mode.

  3. At any time, self-testing can be stopped by pressing the eject button.
    After the current operation is completed, the cartridge will be ejected and tape unit will return to normal operating mode.
  4. The Ready (left) LED will continue to flash during the following:
    • The cartridge load sequence has a approximate duration of 30 seconds. The center LED indicates tape movement.
    • The hardware test has an approximate duration of 2 and 1/2 minutes. During that time, a static test is performed on tape unit electrical components. No tape motion occurs during this step.
    • The cartridge load/unload test has an approximate duration of 1 and 1/2 minutes. During that time, the Ready LED will continue to flash while a dynamic test is performed on tape unit mechanical components. Two cartridge load cycles are included.
    • Duration of the write/read test will vary, depending on what type of cartridge is loaded into the tape unit. When an SLR100 Test Tape is used, typical duration will be 5 minutes. Use of other cartridge types can increase the write/read test duration to 30-40 minutes. During this test, the Ready LED will continue to flash. The center LED indicates tape movement.

Interpreting the results

Test Passed: When self-testing has completed successfully, and no problems are detected, the cartridge is unloaded from the tape unit and all LEDs are off. Proper function of both the tape unit and tape cartridge have now been verified.

Note: A solid amber light indicates that self-testing has completed successfully, but the tape unit requires cleaning. Clean the tape unit by inserting an Dry Process Cleaning Cartridge (P/N 35L0844).

Test Failed: The cartridge will remain loaded inside the tape unit, and the amber LED will flash when a problem is detected with either the tape unit or cartridge.

Note: To isolate failure to either tape unit or cartridge, return to step 1 and repeat this self-test using a different scratch cartridge.

Incorrect cartridge: When the center (green) and right (amber) LEDs flash and a cartridge is unloaded, the tape unit has determined that an incorrect tape cartridge has been inserted, and self-testing cannot be performed. Verify that your tape cartridge is not one of the following:

  • Write-protected
  • Damaged
  • Unsupported media type
  • Media which is not write-compatible with tape unit.

Press the eject button, to end self-test and return the tape unit to normal operating mode. Then return to step 1 and run the self-test using another cartridge, or one which is not write-protected. This ends the procedure.