Function Code F: Write Performance Test

Function Code F performs tests to ensure that the drive can read from and write to tape. This test runs 10 loops at approximately 5 minutes per loop.

Press the Unload Button to stop the diagnostics and exit maintenance mode. Pressing the Unload Button once will stop the test at the end of the current test loop. Pressing the Unload Button twice will stop the test immediately. Wait for the drive to rewind the tape and unload the cartridge.

Attention: For this test, insert only a scratch (blank) data cartridge or a cartridge that may be overwritten. During the test, the drive overwrites the data on the cartridge.
Note: If you inserted an invalid tape cartridge (Gen1 or WORM media, for example), error code 7 appears in the SCD. If you inserted a write-protected cartridge, or the media has read-only compatibility (Gen2 media, for example), error code P appears in the SCD. In either case, the tape drive unloads the cartridge and exits Maintenance Mode after the cartridge is removed.
  1. Place the drive in Maintenance Mode. For instructions, see Entering Maintenance Mode.
  2. Press the Unload Button once per second until F appears in the SCD. (If you cycle past the code that you want, press the Unload Button once per second until the code reappears.)
  3. Press and hold the Unload Button for three or more seconds, then release it to select the function. The SCD changes to a flashing C.
  4. Insert a scratch (blank) data cartridge. The SCD changes to a flashing F and the tape drive runs the tests.
    Note: If you inserted an invalid tape cartridge (Gen1 or WORM media, for example), error code 7 appears in the SCD. If you inserted a write-protected cartridge, or the media has read-only compatibility (Gen2 media, for example), error code P appears in the SCD. In either case, the tape drive unloads the cartridge and exits Maintenance Mode after the cartridge is removed.
    • If no error is detected, the diagnostics will loop and begin again. To stop the loop, press the Unload Button for one second and release. When the loop ends, 0 temporarily appears in the SCD.
    • If an error is detected, the Status LED flashes amber and the drive posts an error code to the SCD. To determine the error, locate the code in Error Codes and Messages. To clear the error either turn the power off and then on again, or reboot the drive by pressing and holding the Unload Button for 10 seconds.