Procedure 1: Determining firmware level and capturing drive dump

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Customers are responsible for updating drive firmware.

For optimum performance, the customer must obtain the current level of firmware for the unit by downloading the firmware from http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral.

The ITDT utility (IBM Tape Diagnostic tool (ITDT)) is used to update the firmware level and to capture a drive memory dump that might be requested by technical support to aid in problem analysis.

For instructions about updating firmware from a server that uses an IBM® tape device driver, refer to the IBM Tape Device Drivers and Diagnostic Tool User's Guide at https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/STAKKZ/dd_iug_kc/DD_kchome.html.

To update firmware from a server that uses a non-IBM tape device driver, refer to the documentation for that device driver.

Complete the following steps to determine the current firmware level that is installed on the drive.

  1. Use the ITDT utility (available on the web at http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral) to view the current drive firmware level.
  2. Compare this level with the current available firmware level by going to the same website. For information about the ITDT utility, see Updating firmware.
    Note: The ITDT utility is used to either update drive firmware to the current level or to capture drive memory dumps from a drive that might be experiencing problems.

Another way to capture a drive memory dump is with the Ethernet port. To capture a memory dump on the drive with the Ethernet interface, follow the steps.

Note: The drive uses a limited version of FTP protocol to communicate on the Ethernet interface. It is recommended to use a simple, command-line FTP session, such as the DOS command prompt, when communicating with the drive.
  1. Connect an Ethernet patch cable to the drive's Ethernet interface and to a computer. To meet electromagnetic immunity requirements, a shielded Ethernet cable is required.
  2. Create an FTP session between the drive and the computer. The drive 's IP address: 169.254.0.3
  3. At the user prompt, type guest and press Enter.
  4. At the password prompt, press Enter. No response is needed.
  5. Type bin to set the communication mode to binary.
  6. Type mget *.dmp to transfer a drive memory dump to the computer. If a memory dump exists, the drive shows you the memory dump name and ask if you want to transfer it to the computer. Type y to transfer the existing memory dump or n to skip this dump file. Then, the drive asks if you want a forced memory dump. Type y to force a memory dump and to transfer the forced memory dump to the computer, or type n to skip forcing a memory dump.
  7. Type quit to end the FTP session.
  8. Remove Ethernet patch cable from the drive's Ethernet interface and the computer.