topic Re: RA4100 configuration issues in MSA Storage

RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:31:43 GMT

I've managed to get a ML310 ACU to talk to the RA4100. The ML310 is directly connected to one of the FC cards on the RA4100. After trying to create a new array, via ACU, I get the below message:

The current array controller cannot be configured by this program. The controller did not respond correctly to configuration commands.

Possible causes for this problem include:
A hardware failure occurred.
Using an unsupported Driver.

ACU will no longer connect to the SAN. Any ideas ?

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

James Muell — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:01:17 GMT

The RA4100 is a pretty old device. You could try using an older version of the ACU? You could also try the Firmware Maintenance CD on the ML to see if it recognizes the disks in that chassis.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

Martin Smoral — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:23:53 GMT

Try connecting the ML to the other FC controller in the RA4100. The RA4100 runs in a Active/Passive mode so maybe the other controller was active at the time you ran the ACU

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:50:28 GMT

Just tried the other FC connector on the Ra4100 - I get a message saying it may be in active/active mode, or both in standby etc.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

Martin Smoral — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:46:10 GMT

Are you sure you have the right HBA and the correct driver loaded. Also do you have a good link between the devices ? What do the LED's show on the back of the HBA ? The RA4100 is a FC-AL device so you might need a FC-AL HBA.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:02:23 GMT

I've added another hba to the ml310, so now have 2x qlogic qla2340 cards connected directly to the SAN. Still get this:

The current array controller cannot be configured by this program. The controller did not respond correctly to configuration commands.

Possible causes for this problem include:
A hardware failure occurred.
Using an unsupported Driver

I'm using version 7.50.23.0 of ACU, which specifically lists the RA4100 as a supported device.

Sansurfer shows both hba's connected to the SAN.

Will try running it through the switch and see if its any better.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:38:26 GMT

Running via switch didn't help. Going to try and track down a console cable to see whats going on. No warning lights on the SAN either.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

Thomas Martin — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:58:13 GMT

Hello Eloise,

the RA4100 is an old storage system. There were special HBAs for this system. Actual HBAs dont work with this system. You need a 64-bit/66-MHz Fibre Host Adapater 120186-B21.
This HBA has an Tachyon Chip on board.
There was an older HBA with 32-Bit PCI-Bus, 223180-B21.

Thomas

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:36:23 GMT

Is there a way to reset the ra4100 ?

I've got a compaq hba (one of the models suggested previously) and its still not talking to the ra4100.

Have tried connecting directly to each ra4100 card, and also via an fc hub.

I've tried taking out one of the hba boards in the ra4100, and connecting to the remaining board, but get a message about hardware failure or unsupported driver.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

Martin Smoral — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:57:21 GMT

Now that you have the right HBA, Do you have the right Driver loaded for the HBA ?

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:41:40 GMT

I'm using the HP Storageworks 64bit/66mhz fibre host bus adapter driver (win2003 server)

5.30.0.32 (D) (13 Apr 2006)

It seems to communicate fine as insight manager agent for the ra4100 shows all the info (firmware, hdds, temps etc) yet ACU is still not happy.

Re: RA4100 configuration issues

zeddy_1 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:27:26 GMT

Worked it out. Turns out that it needs ACU v7.50.23 to work properly. Anything above that fails.

Booting from smartstart CD was no good either as it didn't see the HBA.