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Conference wrksys::mikasa

Title:AlphaServer 1000 (aka Mikasa)
Moderator:WRKSYS::HESCHG
Created:Mon Nov 14 1994
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:917
Total number of notes:3293

900.0. "Tape Unit on AlphaServer 1000a" by NNTPD::"[email protected]" (Kevin Cahill) Wed May 14 1997 06:08

We are experiencing difficulties with Tape units on the external SCSI
interface on an AlphaServer 1000a 5/333 running NT version 4. Regardless of
the tape unit type (TLZ07, HP Surestore 12000) the problem as follows
persists: The tape unit is seen both at console level and in Windows NT when
the system is booted. NT Backup and Seagate backup exec can use the tape unit
successfully for a period of time. However after a random period, the tape
unit becomes unavailable to the backup utility products and are typically
reported as busy or unavailable.We are unsure as to how internal termination
is enabled/disabled. I imagine that Jumper J51 does this but am unsure which
position disables and which enables.

Configuration is as follows:

One Internal SCSI Interface with Internal CD (ID4) and external Tape unit as
above (ID5)

Mylex PCI RAID adapter with 3 x RZ28 in wide RAID5 configuration.
[Posted by WWW Notes gateway]
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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900.1Tape Unit on AlphaServer 1000aCSC32::HUTMACHERWed May 14 1997 11:0734
    Hi Kevin
    
    Jumper J51 should be enabled (across two left pins) at all times 
    there is a srm console param   pka0_soft_term  which controls
    termination. i think it should be OFF but i not sure if already
    OFF turn it ON. could be scsi length problem also 3 meters max?
    note 570 in this notes file is another thread on these scsi issues
    there talking about active terminator only, im not sure what that 
    means. notes 570, 728, 802
    
    jim hutmacher mvhs colorado csc 800-354-9000 ext 25561
    
    to get to srm console mode to check or change paramater
    
    push in the Halt Button on ocp leaved it depressed
    hit the reset button
    console should stop at srm >>>
    >>>show pka0_soft_term
    i think in your config this should be set to OFF
    >>>set pka0_soft_term off  <<this changes it to off
    >>>set pka0_soft_term ?  <<this will show all valid settings
    
    release halt button
    reset system 
    should boot to arc/wnt
    
    the other thing going on is scsi length?
    can only be 3 meters max or less total length
    there's only about 1 meter or less out the back of system 
    depending on internal storage box setup?
    
    
    term--tzxx--distribution--cd--motherboard--ba35e rzxx/tzxx cabinet--term
     |-----------------------  3 meters max -----------------------------|
900.2check termination after external deviceWRKSYS::HESCHThu May 15 1997 12:3418
    
    As stated  Jumper J51 should be  enabled (across two left pins) at all
    times. The pka0_soft_term does nothing to the on-board termination for
    the embedded SCSI controller.
    
     The Main logic board auto senses what cables are plugged in and
     terminates accordingly. If only the narrow cable is plugged in then 
     the termination is active on the MLB and the other end of the narrow
     cable.
    
    The question is do you have ACTIVE termination at after the external
    tape unit. The termination must be active. (not passive)
    
     Also, is the entire storage shelf configured for use. If so you even
     have less than a meter, actually barely even 1/2 meter. 
    
   Leon