Performing the internal self-test (FC 5755)

Use the information in this section to perform an internal self-test on your tape drive.

Use the following procedure to quickly perform a complete set of diagnostic tests on your LTO-2 tape drive, without affecting server operation. This 5-1/2 minute test can also be used to verify good performance of individual LTO tape cartridges. For an illustration of the tape drive and the LED status lights that are referred to in this procedure, see Figure 1.

Prerequisites

In order to perform the test you need the following items:

Half High LTO-2 Tape Drive: Firmware code v0330 or higher
One LTO cleaning cartridge
One IBM® test tape (P/N 24R0395) or one blank LTO-2 (Ultrium 2) data cartridge

Performing the test

Follow these steps to perform the test:

Attention: Use a test tape or blank (scratch) tape to perform the test. During the test, the tape will be overwritten with a test pattern and all data on the tape will be destroyed.

Enter diagnostic mode by doing the following steps:
1. Verify that a tape cartridge is not loaded in the drive. To unload a cartridge, press the eject button on the front of the drive.
2. Press and hold the eject button for 7 seconds, until the green Ready LED starts flashing rapidly, and then release the button. The Ready LED will continue flashing, indicating that the drive is waiting for a cartridge to be inserted.
Start the self-test by inserting a test tape into the drive. If a test tape is not available, you can substitute any blank LTO Ultrium-2 cartridge.
A cartridge must be loaded within 15 seconds or the drive will automatically revert back to normal operation. If necessary, return to step 1 to reenter diagnostic mode.

Notes:

The test takes about 5-1/2 minutes.
At any time, self-testing can be stopped by pressing the eject button. After a current test operation is completed, the cartridge will be ejected and drive will return to normal operation.
Use a cartridge that is not write-protected. If a write-protected cartridge is inserted while the drive is in diagnostic mode, the cartridge will be ejected.
Self-testing can only be performed using an undamaged, write-compatible, Ultrium-2 cartridge. If a write-protected or damaged cartridge is used, refer to Incorrect cartridge in Table 1.
If a cleaning cartridge is inserted while the drive is in diagnostic mode, cleaning will occur and the drive will then return to normal operating mode. To reenter diagnostic mode, return to step 1.
While self-testing is in progress, the Ready LED continues to flash. The following three test steps are performed:
- The initialization sequence has an approximate duration of 20 seconds. The Activity LED indicates tape movement.
- The hardware test has an approximate duration of 2 minutes. During that time, a static test is performed on the electrical components of the drive, and proper operation of the cartridge load/unload mechanism is verified.
- The write/read test has an approximate duration of three minutes. The Activity LED indicates tape movement.

Interpreting the results

Table 1. Interpreting the results of the self-test
Result	Description
Test passed	When self-testing has completed successfully and no problems were detected, the cartridge is unloaded from the drive and all LEDs are off. Proper function of both the drive and tape cartridge have been verified. The drive is no longer in diagnostic mode, and has been returned to normal operation. If the yellow Clean LED remains on, it indicates that self-testing has completed successfully but that cleaning is required. Clean the drive by inserting an IBM cleaning cartridge.
Drive failure	When a drive problem is detected, the cartridge will remain loaded inside the drive and the yellow Fault LED will flash. Contact your service provider for assistance.
Media failure	When a media problem is detected, the cartridge will remain loaded inside the drive, and the yellow Clean LED will flash. Repeat self-test using another blank tape cartridge.
Incorrect cartridge	When an incorrect tape cartridge is used for the test, the cartridge is unloaded and both the Activity and Clean LEDs will flash. This can happen if the cartridge is: Write-protected Damaged Not write-compatible with the drive Press the eject button to end the self-test and return the drive to normal operating mode. Then return to step 1 and run the self-test again using a suitable cartridge.

Returning to normal operation

When self-testing has completed successfully, the tape cartridge is unloaded. The drive is no longer in diagnostic mode and returns to normal operation.

When self-testing fails, the tape cartridge remains loaded inside the drive, and the drive remains in diagnostic mode. Press the eject button to unload tape cartridge and return drive to normal operation.