verify tape driver

[Paul W Gronbach Jr]

How can I verify the driver for my tape drive is the correct one; i.e. it is using the correct compression. I have a DDS3 tape drive but the dev file is /dev/rmt/c2t0d0DDS, described as a DDS1 DAT tape cartridge. I seem to be using too many tapes(24g compressed) for the amount of data I am backing up.

[Bruce Regittko_1]

Hi,

If you have a device file in /dev/rmt that ends in BEST, use it. If not, try running insf -eC tape. If that doesn't work, see about creating your own device file with mksf(1m). You will have to read the man page for mksf and search for the tape driver's section. Use the options specified for the driver to create a "better" device driver, i.e, one that supports DDS3.

If the installed driver does not support DDS3, I would contact HP support or the tape drive vender to find out what driver you should be using.

--Bruce

[Dan Hetzel]

Hi Paul,

Did you recently replace the tape drive ?

You may remode all device files related to that drive with 'rmsf -C tape' and re-create them with 'insf -eC tape'.

As far as your tape drive has been properly recognized by the kernel, the right device files should be created.

Best regards,

Dan

[Andy Monks]

You can use the lssf command to see what each device file does.

So lssf /dev/rmt/*

Then pick the right drive and the one marked 'best'.

Also, a DDS3 does 12GB native. The 24GB assumes 2:1 compression. On my system I get zero compression with my DDS2, so I only get 4GB on a tape.

[Sandor Horvath_2]

Hi !

If You have HP-UX 11 You can check your tape with
# mt status
command

regards, Saa

[Paul W Gronbach Jr]

Thanks everyone. From your responses and research in the directions you sent me I now understand tape devices, at least better than before, to the point where I now know what device to use to take advantage of my drive. Once again thanks.