SCSI tape on internal RAID controller

[Ayman Altounji]

Dear users

I'm using a DL380 server with a SCSI tape (Compaq AIT 35 LVD). It also contains a SmartArray 431 RAID controller, where the disk array is connected, so the tape is connected on the integrated controller. Problem: When both RAID controllers are active (cpqarray.o detects both controllers whitout problem), no normal SCSI devices are visible ("cat /proc/scsi/scsi" shows "No devices attached"). Only when I remove this small RAID controller card then "insmod ncr53c8xx.o" is working fine and I see the tape. Questions:
- Is it possible to get working normal SCSI devices on the same controller where the RAID array is attached?
- Is there alternatively a way to *disable* the RAID functionality in the BIOS setup?
Any hints and experiences from other users are appreciated. :-)

[Ayman Altounji]

The default configuration for Channel 1 of ROC is cabled to the server's external SCSI connector (68-Pin) found on the rear of the chassis. Channel 1 is designed to support tape drives. Channel 1 can also be configured to support internal tape drives when these devices are installed in the server's Removable Media Bays. If tape drives are configured internally from Channel 1, the server's external SCSI connector should not be interfaced to SCSI devices.

Channel 1 provides standard SCSI operation from SCSI Adapters whether the ROC Module is installed or not.

Important: Tape drive support is possible on either channels from ROC, but not both channels simultaneously. Compaq SCSI Rule: From a single SCSI channel, devices can be configured internally or externally but not from both simultaneously.

Channel 1 does not support Tape Libraries or Tape Auto-Loaders.

Channel 1 does not support RAID.

Channel 2

Channel 2 is configured in the default configuration to be interfaced to the server's 4 x 1" internal disk drive cage supporting Wide Ultra2 and Ultra3 SCSI Hot Plug disk drives. Up to a maximum of 6 x 1" drives can configured from ROC. If configured, the optional 2 x 1" Wide Ultra2 SCSI Removable Media Bay Disk Drive Cage must be daisy chained to the 4 x 1" drive cage providing the maximum 6 x 1" drive support.

Removing the Raid On Chip Board is not a problem as long as it is not being used for hard drives. It does not necessarily need to be installed when port is being used just for tape device.

[Ayman Altounji]

Did you ever manage to solve this one? I have posted a query in the 'tapes' forum for the identical problem (except we only have one controller but no reply yet...

Cheers

Geoff Amabilino