SL150 CAP Behavior

The SL150 uses the term “mailslot" for the CAP. The mailslot in the base module has one four-slot magazine.

All mailslot operations are performed using either the library touch screen or the BUI.

• The SL150 must have one active mailslot for entering and ejecting cartridges.

• When ACSLS audits the mailslot, it examines all cells.

CAP (Mailslot) Not Opening During an Eject

It is possible for problems to occur during an eject (or enter) operation if the SL150 CAP (mailslot) has been left locked by an instance of ACSLS that was previously managing the library. Scenarios in which this could occur include migration to a new ACSLS server, or an HA fail-over event.

When the mailslot has been locked by a host, the library touch screen display shows the following:

State: Locked by SCSI Prevent Media

The problem is less likely to be seen with a CAP in automatic mode, since ACSLS typically does not keep an auto-CAP locked. The problem is more likely to occur with a manual-mode CAP, or with any CAP (either mode) in a library that has been varied offline.

Mitigation:

To avoid encountering this problem, the following procedures are recommended.

• When migrating control of an SL150 library to a new ACSLS server (non-HA configurations):

  • Automatic mode CAP (recommended):

    Do not vary the library offline before shutting down ACSLS on the original server. ACSLS leaves the CAP unlocked at shutdown when the library is online.

  • Manual mode CAP:

    Before shutting down ACSLS on the original server, set the CAP to operate in automatic mode. Do not vary the library offline.

• When managing the library in an ACSLS HA installation, operating the CAP in automatic mode is strongly advised.

  • Automatic mode CAP (recommended):

    No action should be needed for an online library (the CAP is normally unlocked). If the library was offline at the time of a fail-over event, follow the steps below to unlock the CAP by restarting the bridged drive.

  • Manual mode CAP:

    Follow the steps below to unlock the CAP by restarting the bridged drive.

Resolution:

A lock left by a previous host can be cleared by restarting the bridged drive using the SL150 BUI. Refer to the SL150 product documentation for information about restarting a bridged drive.

WARNING:

This operation is disruptive to any current data path operation on the drive. You can schedule restarting the bridged drive for a time when it will not interrupt data path activity.

In the event that this problem has occurred, and the lock must be cleared:

1. Ensure that no data path (read/write) activity is occurring on the bridged drive.
2. Restart the bridged drive using the SL150 BUI.