"Error! Adapter malfunctioning" And timeouts of SCSI bus

[AnDublin]

Autoloader 1/8 Ultrium connected to DL380 G4 by HP Single-channel U320 G2 board.
Frequent message on bootup "Error! Adapter malfunctioning".
Restart of bootup is needed.

Frequent failure on bootup to detect autoloader. Restart of bootup is needed.

When bootup is error-free, tape will work for a little time under tape tools or backup exec, then appear offline on scsi bus.
Autoloader has to be power cycled, and server rebooted.
I've tried this card and autoloader with different cable, and different server DL320 G3, different OS.
Anyone with the same experience?

[Oleg Koroz]

can you verify Firmware and Update ?

http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/23161.html
or
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/locOsCat/69_55.html

also System ROM
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/index.html

[AnDublin]

Yes, all relevant drivers and firmware were updated as part of the troubleshooting.
Not relevant: SmartArray controller firmware as shipped were v2.34 and 2.36, so these have also been updated now, 2.58

[Uwe Zessin]

Did you verify if the SCSI bus is correctly terminated?

[AnDublin]

Yes, I installed the terminator and cable that came in the box with the autoloader.

[David Ruska]

Can you provide the specific 1/8 Ultrium model (e.g. 230, 232, 448, 460, or 960)?

Also, what is the specific model/part number for the U320 adapter? Is this a built-in/embedded adapter, or a PCI card?

[AnDublin]

Ultrium 960 (Ultrium 3)Autoloader 1/8 connected to add-in board HP Order Code
374654-B21. A label on the board has "LSI20320C-HP 03-00066-01B" All firmware, drivers, current as of last week.
The DL380 has embedded SmartArray 6i and add-in SmartArray 6402/128.
IS ther an alternative board to use?
Thanks,
Alan.

[David Ruska]

Thanks for the adapter details:

From the HP EBS compatability matrix (www.hp.com/go/ebs), the supported HBAs include:

374654-B21 Ultra320, LVD, Single Channel, VHDCI (4)
(4) Autoloader support only

So the HBA you list is in fact supported.

The problem is either something in the SCSI chain (i.e. cable, terminator, autoloader), or the HBA itself which the error message does suggest.

I'd verify the cable is of the correct type (i.e. mutlimode SCSI) and the terminator is U320 compatable.

Can you try other cables/terminators? Can you attach a different U320 device to test?

The smart array controllers you mention will not work with this device, as they are not tested and do not support LUN mode (to communicate to the robotics).

[David Ruska]

Thanks for the adapter details:

From the HP EBS compatability matrix (www.hp.com/go/ebs), the supported HBAs include:

374654-B21 Ultra320, LVD, Single Channel, VHDCI (4)
(4) Autoloader support only

So the HBA you list is in fact supported.

The problem is either something in the SCSI chain (i.e. cable, terminator, autoloader), or the HBA itself which the error message does suggest.

I'd verify the cable is of the correct type (i.e. mutlimode SCSI) and the terminator is U320 compatable.

Can you try other cables/terminators? Can you attach a different U320 device to test?

> IS ther an alternative board to use?

The smart array controllers you mention will not work with this device, as they are not tested and do not support LUN mode (to communicate to the robotics).

You can look at the EBS matrix for other supported HBAs, but there's no reason the current one shouldn't work (if it's not defective).

[David Ruska]

I forgot you had included some troubleshooting steps already:

> I've tried this card and autoloader with different cable, and different server DL320 G3, different OS.

Not ruled out are the HBA itself, the terminator, and the autoloader.

If you could try another U320 device on this HBA, or try a different HBA with the device, that would help in isolating it.

[AnDublin]

Thanks for that confirmation. These are my first U320 devices, I've no other external device to test.

The SCSI cable and Terminator are the ones shipped in the same box as the autoloader, so I have to assume they're correct and working, though they're not marked as multimode or u320. (Bold HP)
I've put in a warranty call to HP. (case 1209595652)

Curiously, they're going to replace the autoloader but not the scsi adapter. I'm not convinced their diagnosis is correct . . .
Thanks for your assistance.

[tsuter]

I have a DL380 G4 as well. I have the aforementioned card - LSI20320c-hp, HP Part #: 375011-001. I am trying to use it with an external tape drive, HP's Ultrium 1 external scsi tape drive.

I too have this issue with the "ERROR: Adapter Malfunctioning." Upon first installing the card in the proper slot, the card is detected in the POST with no errors, and also in the OS after the card comes up to the desktop. However, after a reboot, the POST throws the "ERROR: Adapter Malfunctioning." and is not detected in the OS. I have requested tech support from HP and they suggested different IRQ's, updating firmware, etc. They sent a new riser cage which also hasn't worked. I don't believe it has anything to do with the external hardware at all (since I installed only the card and didn't hook up the external tape drive). I also had two of these cards to test with (both brand new). Both threw the same POST error after reboot.

So, yes, I have the same experience as you and would very much like to find a solution.

[patricio stegmann]

Exactly same problem, adapter LSI lsi20320c.
Changed pci slot, same problem.
this happens, then you reboot and goes away, then reboot and comes back etc... always.
Did someone had luck ?

[Jaclyn Rothe]

this is a perculiar issue...

Just to confirm, you are not using the smart array6i for the LTO 960 1/8 right?

It does need to use an HBA PCI if possible.

If you are using the PCI card recommended on the compatibility listing... check the PCI slot it is in... some of the proliant servers have numerous PCI slots and it coudl be the wrong mhz slot.

[tsuter]

Just to let you know, it is necessary to update the firmware on the LSI SCSI Card to get rid of the error. This worked in my case. Look up the firmware revision for the LSI card to download from HP's site.