HP StorageWorks 1280 DLT1 Autoloader Funny Noises

[Paul Kissick]

Hardware Error b701 flashs on the front panel.

Support Ticket From HPLTT attached.

Okay, tape is taken using the autoloader and loaded into the drive. The drive then spins, but a stange whurring noise is heard. then the drive stops. and error appears. Does this sound like the loading mechanism within the tape drive itself is broken? It sounds as though the drive is unable to attach to the start of the tape, and the whurring noise is the start of the tape flapping against something....

What options do I have about getting it repaired?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Peter Godron]

I assume you have tried a powercycle.
If the tape can be ejected, try a different tape.
If the tape is not ejected, it may be a problem with the motor that pulls the tape into to cartridge during head alignment.

Options, after the above:
If under contract: Replace
If out-of-contract: Open drive and further investigate

[Paul Kissick]

To clarify...

The unit has been power cycled at least 3 times, and the problem still persists.

I can insert and eject tapes, but there is no actual loading of the tape into the drive.

Thanks for the reply though.

[Peter Godron]

Paul,
thanks for the confirmation.
If you have ever opened a DLT drive, you will normally find a 'leader' coming from the load spindle. This leader is normally hooked onto the end of the eject mechanism, when not in use. When a tape is inserted the load spindle starts up and uses the leader to hook into the beginning of the tape.
From your description I would think the leader has been detached from the hook and can not attach itself to the tape.
Options sadly as before.
Regards

[Marino Meloni_1 · Accepted solution]

Looks like you have a dropped leader status,
Here are some links where you can found info about this status.
I suppose the unit is still in warranty so it is time to call for replacement.
But Important think, check all your cartridge for any damage on the tape head, or you will get the same problem with the new unit.
If you are not on warranty any,ore, let me know, threre is also a procedure to reattach the leader.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg50027


http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?locBasepartNum=co906en〈=English+%28US%29

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg50025

[Paul Kissick]

Not under warranty anymore, and procedure to reattach would be much appreciated.

Many thanks for the response from everyone.

[Marino Meloni_1]

here is it, be sure to not touch the leader with your hand, or you will contaninate it and then the R/W head

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=lpg50338

marino

[Peter Godron]

Paul,
did you manage to fix the drive?
If so could you please close the thread.
Many Thanks

[Paul Kissick]

Problem solved, was a dropped leader.