Library Support of LTO9 Tape Calibration

When LTO9 media is first loaded into the LTO9 drive, the drive automatically initiates tape calibration, which includes initialization and characterization of the cartridge.

IMPORTANT: IBM has stated that LTO9 calibration may require 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete.

With the 1.1.1.109 code release, the SL4000 library supports longer load times. However, LTO9 tape calibration can well exceed these load times and limited information is available from the library as to the status of this operation. Thus, with the 1.1.1.110 code release, library support has been modified to improve handling of tape calibration, as follows:

Note:

Contact service with any questions, especially with regard to the 1.1.1.109 code release.

Load

When the library checks the status of the drive after a new cartridge is loaded, the library will report that the load is successful if the drive reports that a "calibration" is in process.

Status

To determine if tape calibration is in process, access Drive Properties and select the Details tab.

The following indicates that tape calibration is in process:

Display Characters: c

Dismount Request

The drive ignores all requests to unload a cartridge while it is calibrating a tape. Thus, if a dismount request is received, the library will fail the request.

Media Validation

Uninitialized cartridges are not currently compatible with Media Validation.

Drive Power Cycle and Library Reboot

When a drive is power cycled while calibrating a tape, tape calibration resumes once drive initialization is complete.

A library reboot does not power cycle the drive. Therefore, tape calibration continues during the library reboot.