1. SCSI Reference Guide
  2. SL4000 SCSI Operation and Configuration
  3. Behavior During LTO9 Tape Calibration

Behavior During 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. IBM has stated that LTO9 calibration may require 20 minutes to 2 hours to complete.

In order to accommodate host time out constraints during calibration, special processing is added:
  • The SCSI interface returns GOOD status to the host as soon as the library determines that the IBM LTO9 drive is calibrating the tape.
    • Normally, when fast mode is disabled, the library waits until the tape drive indicates the tape is loaded and the drive is ready to accept SCSI commands on the data path.
    • During calibration, the drive interface returns Not Ready, Becoming Ready to SCSI commands on the data path: Sense Key = 02, ASC = 04h, ASCQ = 01h.
  • If the host issues a dismount command while the drive is calibrating, the library returns a Check Condition, Illegal Request, Medium Not Present, Drive Not Unloaded: Sense Key = 05h, ASC = 3Ah, ASCQ = 00h.