Use Cleaning Tape LED

If an excessive number of read-after-write errors are detected during normal operation of the DS9000 Series unit, the Use Cleaning Tape LED will be turned on by the drive.

Usually, the Use Cleaning Tape LED is turned on by the drive because of a dirty head, so the head should be cleaned (see Cleaning the Tape Head in Chapter 3, earlier in this manual) and the operation tried again.

If the Use Cleaning Tape LED is again turned on and this appears that to be a cartridge rather than a drive problem, perform a complete backup from the source drive with a different cartridge, if necessary. Then discard the old cartridge. If unsure of the problem source, call ADIC Technical Assistance Center. For additional information see the section, When Assistance is Required, later in this chapter.

The Use Cleaning Tape LED is normally turned off by executing a cleaning cycle or by cycling power to the DS9000 Series.

Why the Use Cleaning Tape LED Gets Turned ON

The Use Cleaning Tape LED will be turned on whenever the drives determine that low level error performance has degraded to a point where drive head cleaning is necessary. It does this by counting the number of C3 (soft) errors as well as the RAW (Read After Write) errors over a number of Mbytes. When a predetermined error rate threshold is reached, the drive displays the warning. Some drives display the warning after a specified number of hours of tape motion have been logged. When a tape is loaded, it may take several minutes for the indication to come on because the drive will wait for a specific number of bytes to be written. A hard (non-recoverable) error will cause the warning to be displayed immediately.

The most common reasons the Use Cleaning Tape LED illuminates are listed below, in order of highest rate of occurrence:

Dirty ("Stained") heads.

NA cleaning cycle must be executed to clear this indication. Worn tape.

DLTTape IV cartridges are rated at 1,000,000 passes. Applications that overwrite small blocks of data cause "shoe shining" of the tape against the head and will reach the 1,000,000 passes sooner than

Nmight be expected. Harmful environment.

Data errors result from a number of factors, each of which subtract from the margin between good data recovery and an error. Electrical or magnetic interference magnetic can decrease this margin. High levels of dust contamination, high humidity, and heat can also be significant factors.

Example

Placing a CRT monitor on top of, or directly next to, a DS9000 Series should

Nalways be avoided.

Worn heads.

The tape heads will eventually wear out causing the time between cleanings to get shorter and shorter.

34

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

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ADIC DS9000 Series manual Why the Use Cleaning Tape LED Gets Turned on
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DS9000 Series specifications

The ADIC DS9000 Series is a robust storage solution designed to meet the demanding requirements of enterprise environments. Known for its high-performance capabilities, this series of products offers features that cater specifically to data-intensive applications, making it a preferred choice for organizations looking to optimize their data management strategies.

One of the main features of the ADIC DS9000 Series is its scalability. The architecture allows businesses to start with a configuration that meets their current needs, with the flexibility to expand as data storage requirements grow. This adaptability makes it suitable for various industries, including finance, healthcare, and media, where data volumes continuously increase.

Another significant characteristic is its advanced data protection mechanisms. The DS9000 incorporates features such as RAID support, which enhances data redundancy and reduces the risk of data loss. This is crucial for enterprises that rely on the availability of their data around the clock. Furthermore, the system supports automated backup and recovery processes, ensuring that critical data remains safe and can be quickly restored in case of an emergency.

The DS9000 Series leverages cutting-edge technologies, including high-speed connectivity options such as Fibre Channel and iSCSI. These technologies enable fast data transfer rates and lower latency, which are essential for real-time applications and high-throughput environments. Enhanced performance is achieved through optimized caching techniques and intelligent management of read/write operations, contributing to an overall efficient data handling experience.

Additionally, the ADIC DS9000 focuses on energy efficiency. The design incorporates features that reduce power consumption, which is an important consideration for organizations seeking to minimize operational costs. Coupled with a modular design, the series not only provides high performance but also ensures easy maintenance and upgrades, further extending the lifespan of the storage solutions.

In terms of management, the DS9000 Series offers intuitive software tools that allow administrators to monitor performance, manage storage resources effectively, and automate routine tasks. This ease of management is a critical aspect that allows IT teams to allocate their time towards strategic initiatives rather than being bogged down by routine maintenance.

Overall, the ADIC DS9000 Series stands out as a comprehensive storage solution that marries performance, scalability, and reliability to cater to the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Its advanced features and technologies position it as a leader in the storage market, making it an ideal choice for organizations aiming to harness the power of their data.
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