DDS3 Backup Issue

[Vijayabaskar_1]

Ver:HP-UX 10.20
Box:D330.
Hi, My HP DDS3 Backup has been failing for the last 2 days. On checking the tape drive (integrated with the system), I found that the noe of the two lights (TAPE and CLEAN)blink when I load a DDS3 Cartridge into it.

Alternatively, I find that the drive AUTOMATICALLY ejects the cartridge after a few minutes.
I also find that the DVD drive is also not working.
Is this a hardware failure or just a mere coincidence?

ANY HELP IS MOST APPRECIATED....
Thanks in advance,
K.S.Vijayabaskar

P.S. This thread has been moved from Storage>General to Tape Libraries and Drives. -HP Forum Moderator

[Alexander M. Ermes]

Hi there.
If the two LED's keep blinking, it could be the drive. If the DVD is not working and the DDS is not ok, it could be a SCSI problem.
Try a reboot. If then the DVD works and the LED's on the DDS3 keep blinking, your tape drive is gone. Try to check with the stm in graphics mode if possible.
Rgds
Alexander M. Ermes

[Seth Hollist]

The LED's would defiantly be blinking if there was a problem with the tape drive (unless by some freak chance they happen to have burned out). I'd say you defiantly have a SCSI problem, especially if the DVD and the Tape drive (both internal I assume) are on the same SCSI BUS, which they most likely are if they are both internal. I may just be that the connections have come loose, especially if the machine gets moved around or is on a somewhat unstable table.

[Michael Tully]

Hi,

If the lights don't flash when you insert
a tape and the DVD doesn't work either it
seems most likely you have a SCSI problem
if they are on the same SCSI chain.
The only other thing it could be is that
the power supply in the tape drive is dead.

Can you provide an ioscan of your system?
This will confirm whether both devices are
on the same SCSI chain.

Michael

[Vijayabaskar_1]

Dear Alexandar, Seth and Michael,
Thanks for your valuable reply.
1. As asked, I have attached the details of my ioscan.
2. I tried rebooting a couple of times, On rebooting, both the LEDs are flashing momentarily. I can hear the sound of both the Tape drive and DVD working (meaning to say that there is power supply for them)
3. Like before, the tape is ejected from the drive within 3 minutes.
4. Both the DVD and tape drive are internal.
5. The box is firmly placed and no movement of it had taken place. The drives wer working fine until last Friday.

Can I take it for granted that it is the SCSI problem and start addressing it?

Thanks.

[Michael Tully]

Hi,

I have one more thing you could try before
you call in the cavalry and have them look
at the problem which I now suspect to SCSI
related.

Can you run 'xstm' ? (You need x-windows
to do this) or you can run cstm or mstm.

If so there is a test you can do on the SCSI
device, DVD and tape drive. You will need a
tape inserted, but from your post you may not
have time to run the test before your tape is
ejected.

Once xstm has started and the window is
displayed. Highlight the device you wish to
do the test on.

Tools --> Verify --> run --> result of test.

Hopefully something may come up, if not suggest
a hardware engineer.

Good Luck!
Michael

[KapilRaj]

Hi,

Insert a cleaning DAT into your drive, if possible replace the cable

kaps

[Vijayabaskar_1]

Hi Kapil,
The tapes I am using are brand new and they have been used just 3 to 4 times.

I have spoken to HP and they are to visit me shortly.
I shall let the forum know once the problem is rectified.

Thanks for all the participants.
Vijayabaskar.