Managing the Autoloader

This section discusses managing the autoloader, including resetting the autoloader, setting SCSI IDs, setting the autoloader mode, and updating firmware. You can also use the System Test and information retrieval system to manage the StorEdge L8 autoloader.

Resetting the Autoloader

This option resets the autoloader robotics and the tape drive within the autoloader, forces a new cartridge inventory, and clears any current error condition.

Note NOTE: This option is primarily used if the autoloader is in an error state.
To reset the autoloader
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Configuration appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.
  3. Press + or - until Reset appears on the LCD screen.
  4. Press ENTER to reset the autoloader.

After initialization, the autoloader returns to normal operation and displays the Home screen.

Changing the SCSI IDs

This option changes the SCSI IDs that the autoloader uses. The autoloader occupies two SCSI IDs, one ID is assigned to the autoloader's SCSI controller and the second ID is assigned to the tape drive.

The default SCSI ID for the autoloader's SCSI controller is 0. The default SCSI ID for the tape drive is 5. You only need to change a SCSI ID if there is another device, or devices, already assigned to these IDs.

Note NOTE: If you changed the SCSI ID, you may also need to cycle power on the host system and reconfigure your backup software before you can use the autoloader. Consult your hardware and software manuals for more information.

Changing the autoloader SCSI ID

Use the following procedure to modify the autoloader SCSI ID.

To change the autoloader SCSI ID
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Configuration appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.
  3. Press + or - until Change SCSI ID appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  4. Press ENTER to select.
  5. Press + or - until Loader appears on the bottom line of the LCD screen. Press ENTER to select.
  6. Press + or - until the desired SCSI ID is displayed.
  7. Press ENTER. The Cycle Power for New SCSI ID message appears on the LCD screen.
  8. Turn off the autoloader. After a few seconds, turn it back on again.

    The selected SCSI ID is now in effect.

Changing the Tape Drive SCSI ID

Use the following procedure to modify the tape drive SCSI ID.

To change the tape drive SCSI ID
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Configuration appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.
  3. Press + or - until Change SCSI ID appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  4. Press ENTER to select.
  5. Press + or - until Drive appears on the bottom line of the LCD screen.
  6. Press ENTER to select.
  7. Press + or - until the desired SCSI ID is displayed.
  8. Press ENTER. The Cycle Power for New SCSI ID message appears on the LCS screen.
  9. Turn off the autoloader. After a few seconds, turn it back on again.

    The selected SCSI ID is now in effect.

Autoloader Operating Modes

The autoloader has operational modes that affect how the autoloader loads tapes into the drive.The operating mode is set based on whether you have automation software controlling cartridges in the autoloader or if you are manually loading and unloading cartridges using the autoloader Operator Panel controls.

The autoloader always operates in Autodetect mode. In Autodetect, the autoloader automatically assumes you are not using automation software to control cartridge or drive activity. This mode is called Stacker or Sequential mode. If the autoloader detects that the automation software is controlling tape drive activity, it will automatically switch to Random mode.

Random Mode

This is the normal mode of operation when a backup software application is being used. In Random mode, the autoloader will not automatically load tapes into the drive. Instead it waits for commands from the software. Your backup software must support autoloaders, which often requires the additional installation of an autoloader/library software module.

Sequential Mode

Sequential mode is useful when a software application is not available. In Sequential mode, the autoloader will automatically unload and load tapes from the drive. The operator determines the first tape to load by loading the desired tape into the tape drive using the autoloader Operator Panel controls (see Loading Cartridges for instructions). When the first tape is full or unloaded for any reason, the autoloader automatically removes the tape from the drive, puts it in its original slot, then loads the next available higher numbered slot. To further determine how you want tapes loaded into the autoloader's tape drive while in Sequential mode, you can set Circular and Autoload options from the autoloader front panel.

Note NOTE: “SEQ” appears next to the front panel inventory when the autoloader is in Sequential mode. Nothing appears when the autoloader is in Random mode.

Circular Mode On/Off

This option turns Circular mode on or off, and is only used when in Sequential mode. When Circular mode is on, after the autoloader has cycled through all available cartridges, it then reloads the original first cartridge in the sequence. If Circular mode is turned off and the last cartridge has been unloaded, the autoloader stops loading cartridges until you manually load another cartridge.

Caution CAUTION: Use caution when choosing Circular mode. This mode makes it possible to overwrite data previously written on cartridges.
To turn the Circular mode On or Off
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Configuration appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.
  3. Press + or - until Circular Mode appears on the LCD screen.

    The second line on the LCD screen indicates the current status, either On or Off.

  4. Press ENTER.

    The LCD screen indicates whether you are about to turn Circular mode on or off.

  5. Press ENTER to accept the change to Circular mode or CANCEL to exit and not save the changes.

Autoload Mode On/Off

This option turns Autoload mode on or off, and is only used when in Sequential mode. When Autoload mode is on, the autoloader automatically loads the cartridge from the lowest numbered full slot into the tape drive when powered on. It then follows standard sequential operation as described above.

To access the Autoload mode On or Off
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Configuration appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.
  3. Press + or - until Autoload Mode appears on the LCD screen.

    The second line on the LCD screen indicates the current status, On or Off.

  4. Press ENTER.

    The LCD screen indicates whether you are about to turn Autoload mode on or off.

  5. Press ENTER to accept the change to Autoload mode or CANCEL to exit and not save the changes.

Updating Firmware

You can update both drive and autoloader firmware.

Caution CAUTION: Do not power cycle or reset the autoloader during the upgrade process. Doing so can cause the autoloader to become inoperable.

Updating Drive Firmware

This option performs a firmware code update to the drive using a firmware upgrade tape.

Note NOTE: This code update operation assumes that the upgrade tape is imported as part of this procedure. Do not import the firmware update cartridge before starting this procedure.
To upgrade firmware with a firmware upgrade tape
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Configuration appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.
  3. Press + or - until Code Update appears on the LCD screen. Press ENTER to select.
  4. If the carousel is full, the LCD screen displays No slot free for transfer. Press CANCEL repeatedly until the main menu or Home Screen is displayed. Export a cartridge to make room for the firmware update cartridge (see Exporting Cartridges for instructions). Then return to step 1 to update the firmware.
  5. If the carousel is not full, the autoloader will select the first available slot and prompt you to insert the code update cartridge.
  6. Insert the firmware upgrade tape into the mail slot.
  7. During the firmware update, which can take several minutes, the Code update in progress message appears on the LCD screen. When firmware update is complete, the autoloader resets, then unloads and exports the code update cartridge. Remove the code update cartridge and press ENTER when the LCD screen prompts you to do so.
  8. If you exported a data cartridge to make room for the code update cartridge, be sure to import the cartridge to its original slot.

    9. See Importing Cartridges for instructions.

    Note NOTE: After a firmware update, the firmware revision displayed on the LCD will not be updated until the autoloader is power cycled.

Updating Autoloader Firmware

To update autoloader firmware, use the XXX Tool, available at XXX?

From what I understand, the preferred method to upgrade the autoloader firmware is with a download tool. If this is true, please provide the firmware download tool name and, if desired, where users can obtain the tool. Otherwise, please let us know how you would like users to complete this task. --thx

Using System Test

The System Test option cycles the autoloader through the process of loading, calibrating, and unloading all cartridges in the carousel.

Running a System Test

Running a System Test verifies the basic operational soundness of the autoloader and tape drive. The System Test continues indefinitely until you press CANCEL. All regular backup or restore operations are suspended while a System Test is in progress.

To run a System Test
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Diagnostics appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to select.

    System Test appears on the LCD screen.

  3. Press ENTER to begin the test.

    The Test Count message displays the number of load-calibrate-unload cycles that have been completed during the test.

  4. Press CANCEL to end the test.

Retrieving Information

The Information menu provides access to information about the autoloader cycle count, recent events that occurred on autoloader, and the firmware level.

Displaying Cycle Count

This option displays the total system cycle count, incrementing each time a tape is loaded into the drive or exported from the autoloader.

To display the cycle count
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Information appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to access the available options.
  3. Press + or - until Cycle Count appears on the LCD screen.

    The LCD screen displays the total cycle count.

  4. Press CANCEL when done.

Viewing Event Logs

This option provides access to the most recent autoloader errors and events (see Troubleshooting and Diagnostics section for a description of error codes).

To view the event log
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Information appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to access the available options.
  3. Press + or - until View Event Log appears on the LCD screen.

    The LCD screen also displays the errors and events currently stored in the event log.

  4. Press ENTER to access the most recently logged event.
    5. Note NOTE: The most recent entry is number 0, and older entries are negative numbers.
  5. Press + or - to display each event in the log.
  6. Press CANCEL when done.

Viewing Firmware Version

This option displays the revision of the firmware currently installed in the autoloader.

To view the firmware version
  1. From the Home Screen or main menu, press + or - until Information appears on the top line of the LCD screen.
  2. Press ENTER to access the available options.
  3. Press + or - until Firmware Rev appears on the LCD screen.

    The LCD screen displays the revision of the firmware currently installed in the autoloader.

    4. Note NOTE: There are three firmware images in the autoloader. The revision information for these images is displayed on the bottom line of the LCD display in this order: Ultrium Tape Drive Controller, Autoloader SCSI Controller, and Autoloader Robotics Controller.
  4. Press CANCEL when done.