Re: [Networker] DLT 7000 drives keep having tape leader problems

Mind you, the L180 drives are so easy to swap, you may consider holding
a spare to minimise the disruption if you get a 'return to base'
problem.

Bob :-)

-----Original Message-----
From: TOSTI [mailto:ubaldo.tosti AT TELECOMITALIA DOT IT] 
Sent: 17 June 2003 10:39
To: NETWORKER AT LISTMAIL.TEMPLE DOT EDU
Subject: Re: [Networker] DLT 7000 drives keep having tape leader
problems


I agree!!!! these problems come on DLT 7000 drives  after a year and a
half of  regular working!
had them on an ATL ,Storage Tek  9710 and now on Storage Tek   L180
library!
and it does not depend on cleaning...mounting unmounting...  firmware...
fix... special files...scsi chain .......... .........bib,bob,blob,hip
hop etc..etc. !!!!!!!!return the drive to the factory!!!!!!!!!!!

saluti

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Scott" <George.Scott AT ITS.MONASH.EDU DOT AU>
To: <NETWORKER AT LISTMAIL.TEMPLE DOT EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 6:01 AM
Subject: Re: [Networker] DLT 7000 drives keep having tape leader
problems


> Ed,
>
> Just catching up on my mail and noticed that you didn't get many 
> replies to this...
>
> >    I've got a Storage Tek 9714 library with six DLT 7000 drives in 
> > it.  I'm seeing a lot of cases where the tape leader's not in the 
> > right position to load a new DLT volume.  Instead, the leader's been

> > wound onto the takeup reel.  Have any of you had similar experiences

> > with the DLT 7000s, and if so, how did you resolve them?
>
> Yep, dropped leaders are fairly common here (9710 w/ DLT7000's).
>
> This is basically a design fault with DLT drives.  The leader is a 
> one-shot mechanism; if it doesn't engage with the loop on the tape the

> first time the drive needs to be repaired.  Makes you wonder where 
> they get the stated MTBF rating of 200,000 hours (which is >22 years) 
> from. Maybe that is the reliability with the drive sitting on the 
> shelf.
>
> How you resolve them depends on what you mean by "resolve".
>
> To resolve your immediate problem:
>
> The Quantum mandated fix is probably to return the drive to the 
> factory.
>
> The Storage Tek solution would be a service call.
>
> The DIY fix would be to open up the drive and thread the leader back 
> through the tape path and engage it back onto the hook that holds it 
> into place.  (The clear plastic cover that goes over the head and 
> take-up spool just pops off with the aid of a small flat blade applied

> to the clips.)
>
> To resolve your longer term problem:
>
> Sometimes dropped leaders are caused by a faulty leader (the "T" at 
> the end is damaged).  This seems to be a normal replacement item.
>
> Sometimes a dropped leader is caused by a faulty tape (the loop on the

> tape that the leader engages with is damaged).  Open the little flap 
> on the cartridge and eye-ball it.  The previous tape in that drive 
> could be the culprit, so be sure to check it too.  Rough handling of 
> the cartridge (eg, dropping it onto the floor) can dislodge this loop 
> from its mooring.  You can open up the cartridge and fix it if you are

> desparate, but are probably better off binning it.
>
> The real fix is to ditch DLT in favour of something that has a more 
> tolerant design (I've got no recommendations here).
>
> George.
> --
> George Scott           George.Scott AT its.monash DOT edu
> Systems Programmer, IT Services, Monash University
>
> --
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