Troubleshooting

EIDE Tape Drive

If the Store Controller is indicating an error during the boot process prior to the ªIBM 4690 OS 386 V1 ...º message, the problem is not in the 4690 software. The problem is either a hardware failure, a hardware con®guration problem, downlevel BIOS, or downlevel ®rmware in the tape drive. Check for the following conditions:

vMake sure the jumpers are correct. On each ribbon cable, there must be no more than one device jumpered as the ªmasterº or ªmaster with a slave attachedº. If there are two devices on the ribbon cable, one, and only one, must be jumpered as the slave.

vMake sure the ribbon cable is attached correctly to both the devices and the connector on the system board.

vMake sure the tape drive ®rmware is current. See ªUpgrading the Firmware for the Tape Driveº on page 11 to determine if you need to upgrade the ®rmware.

vMake sure the BIOS of the Store Controller is current. You can try upgrading the BIOS to a more recent level.

If the Streaming Tape Drive Utility abends with a W639 B4/S056/E001 message, it indicates that either the TAPESTRS 5 or TAPESTRM 5 command was not executed, the Store Controller does not support the tape drive, or that the Store Controller could not detect the tape drive.

Make sure that the following conditions exist:

vThe tape drive is on the secondary ribbon cable.

vTAPESTRM 5 was run from Command Mode and TAPESTRS 5 was run from the Supplemental Diskettes. After running the command, you must reboot your system.

vThe Store Controller is an ISA bus system (that is, a PC 300 through PC 750 series).

vThe Con®guration/Setup Utility accessed by pressing F1 when prompted during the boot process can detect the tape drive. The tape drive should show as a CD-ROM and Installed. If the Con®guration/Setup Utility cannot detect the tape drive, check the connections and jumpers.

vThe tape drive model is supported.

EIDE and SCSI Tape Drives

If the Streaming Tape Drive Utility abends with a W679 B4/S056/E157 message, it can indicate numerous problems including:

vThe tape to which you are trying to write is only supported in read-only mode.

vThe device is not in a valid position. Make sure the drive is not upside down.

vThe device has a hardware problem.

If the Streaming Tape Drive Utility abends with a W679 B4/S056/E034 message, it can indicate numerous problems including:

vThe tape to which you are trying to write is not supported by the tape drive. The RHOMAT format tapes are not supported.

vThe tape is not properly formatted. The tape drive only supports preformatted TR-4 tapes.

24TR-4 Tape Drive User's Guide

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IBM 4690 manual Troubleshooting Eide Tape Drive, Eide and Scsi Tape Drives

4690 specifications

The IBM 4690 is a renowned point-of-sale (POS) system that has been pivotal in the retail and hospitality industries since its introduction in the late 1980s. Notably associated with IBM’s family of retail hardware and software solutions, the 4690 has transformed the modern retail environment, providing a robust platform for transaction processing and inventory management.

One of the main features of the IBM 4690 system is its powerful software architecture. Designed to efficiently handle high transaction volumes, it integrates seamlessly with various peripheral devices such as barcode scanners, receipt printers, and payment terminals. The system's user-friendly interface allows staff to process sales quickly and efficiently, enhancing the overall customer experience.

In terms of technology, the IBM 4690 operates on a proprietary operating system that supports a variety of programming languages, allowing retailers to customize applications to meet their specific needs. This flexibility not only streamlines operations but also enables retailers to implement specialized services such as loyalty programs and promotions. The hardware is designed for durability and reliability, essential in high-traffic retail environments.

Another significant characteristic of the IBM 4690 is its robust reporting capabilities. The system provides comprehensive sales reports, inventory analyses, and customer insights, all of which are essential for strategic decision-making. This analytical power helps businesses identify trends, forecast demand, and optimize stock levels, ultimately leading to improved profitability.

Furthermore, the IBM 4690 is known for its strong security features. By utilizing advanced encryption technologies and compliance with industry standards, the system helps protect sensitive customer data and payment information, ensuring a safe transaction environment.

The longevity and adaptability of the IBM 4690 system underscore its value in the retail sector. Even with newer technologies emerging, many businesses continue to rely on the robust functionality and proven performance of the 4690. With ongoing support and upgrades, the system remains a reliable choice for retailers looking to enhance their operational efficiency while delivering excellent customer service.

In summary, the IBM 4690 stands out due to its feature-rich software, durable hardware, robust reporting and analytics, and stringent security measures. These characteristics make it an indispensable tool for retailers aiming to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.