From: Deacy, Michael (Michael.Deacy@TycoHealthcare.com)
Date: Thu Dec 12 2002 - 17:08:37 EST
Admins:
Thanks to:
Paul Crittenden
Shawn Cromer
Steve Herber
Original Question:
> I have an SDLT 110/220 tape drive that came up with an amber light, which
> succeeded in aborting the vdump backup it was running. I thought it might
> indicate that a cleaning was required but on checking the manual the
> immediate recommendation was simply to power the unit off, which did clear
> the light. So far, so good with subsequent reads and writes.
>
> When I checked with HP on whether this thing needs cleaning, I got a less
> than clear answer. Quantum (the manufacturer) says it doesn't need
> cleaning, yet does sell cleaning tapes for SDLT drives. Does anyone have
> any experience with this or have you ever gotten a clear answer from HP?
It seems that the consensus is that these drives do on occasion require
cleaning but only when requested, which is part of the issue. The Compaq
manual for the device refers to an amber light (the rightmost of three
status lights on the front panel - it has a triangle with an exclamation
point inside it) that, according to the manual, means the "Drive needs
attention". The fix is to power cycle the unit and it will hopefully go
away. HP/Compaq could shed no more light on it and was ready to replace the
drive.
According to documentation on the Quantum website, this light is in fact the
"drive needs cleaning" light. For what it's worth, my NT counterparts use a
similar drive (Compaq issue) and they refer to it the same way. If only
HP/Compaq would commit to it...
Thanks for the help.
Mike Deacy
U.S. Surgical / TycoHealthcare
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