Can we move a tape drive from one server to another?

[Gino Castoldi_2]

Servers: HP-UX 11.0 rp5450/L2000 MC/SG 11.09

We have a scsi tape drive attached to one server (rp5450/L2000).
The tape drive model is a hp surestore dat 40 -HPC5683A that is attached to this scsi connection -> SLOT1 Lan/SCSI Core I/O.
The tape drive is terminated.

Can we disconnect this tape drive and connect to another rp5450/L2000 server (that's in the cluster) and use it without any problems?

10 points to any good answer.
Thank you
TIA, Gino

[RAC_1 · Accepted solution]

Though you can do that, you may get SCSI errors on systems. It is not good idea to do this when systems are on.

[MarkSyder]

I'm always moving tape drives without any problem.

Assuming the SCSI ports are compatible (which I'm sure you've checked) the only thing to beware of is that you NEVER attach SCSI devices while the server is turned on and you turn the tape drive on before the server.

Just in case, HP don't support tape drives and disc drives on the same bus.

Mark Syder (like the drink but spelt different)

[melvyn burnard]

Is it the only device on that bus? If so the yes you can do it, but it is not recommended.
You may encounter some problems druing the process that could possibly result in a reboot being required.

Remember that the node you attach the device to will not see it unless you force a probe down the hardware path using ioscan, and you may have to run insf to get device files created.

[G. Vrijhoeven]

Hi,

Yes you can, i do not know if it is supported though. I suppose the DAT tape is the only scsi device on the bus. .Tturn off the tape drive. disconnect it and put the termination on the bus. Attach the tape drive to the second server and turn it on. The second server needs to have the stape diriver installed of not you need to reboot in order to access the drive. You can load the driver using SAM perephials, tapes...

HTH,

Gideon

[Leif Halvarsson_2]

Hi,
I assume you want to move the drive while the servers is up and running (if you shut down the servers it should not be any problem). It is not recommended to connect/disconnect SCSI devices unless the system is down. I have done it a number of times (particulary if there is only one device connected to the bus) and not had any problem with is. But, as I mentioned before, it is not recommended.

[Leon Allen]

One precaution I take to maximise our chance of success when we do this is to ensure there is no static discharges as you plug it in. Ie. ground yourself / the cable before you come close to the scsi port on the server.