How to Remove a Stuck / Jammed Tape from a DLT Tape Drive:ATR:1016220.1:2

Asset ID:	1-71-1016220.1
Update Date:	2017-03-22
Keywords:

Solution Type Technical Instruction Sure

Solution 1016220.1 : How to Remove a Stuck / Jammed Tape from a DLT Tape Drive:ATR:1016220.1:2

Applies to:

Sun StorageTek L180 Tape Library - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun StorageTek L700e Tape Library - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun StorageTek L1400 Tape Library - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun StorageTek L5500 Tape Library - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun Storage DLT1 Tape Drive - Version Not Applicable and later
All Platforms

Goal

How to Remove a Stuck / Jammed Tape from a DLT Tape Drive.

Solution

DISPATCH INSTRUCTIONS
- WHAT SKILLS DOES THE ENGINEER NEED: Knowledge with DLT Tape Drives

Time Estimate: 60 minutes

Task Complexity: 2

FIELD ENGINEER INSTRUCTIONS:
- PROBLEM OVERVIEW: Cartridge is stuck/jammed in a DLT tape drive and need to remove it.

--- Symptoms ---

Stuck tape
Tape will not release from the drive
Cartridges are stuck in the DLT drive in the library and require opening the library door to remove them
Tape cartridge will not dismount
Sticky shuttle
Tape cartridge stuck
DLT Stuck Cartridges in 9710/14/40 libraries
Library cannot load cartridges
Library cannot unload cartridges
Robotic mount failure

Resolution
Prior to physically removing jammed /stuck cartridge, make sure the following actions have been taken to avoid any unnecessary steps:
· In environments that utilize ACSLS or HSC, a forced dismount command has been issued to the drive in question.
· The drive in question has been reset/power cycled AFTER being placed offline by the host. Make sure the tape did a rewind and unload completely. The time to complete this unload may vary depending on how much tape was on the machine reel.

Take the following steps to unload drive:
1. Press the Unload button (or issue an appropriate system software command).
The amber Tape in Use LED blinks as the tape rewinds.

CAUTION:
Do NOT rush removal of the tape cartridge: premature removal can cause tape leader failure. Wait until the Operate Handle LED lights in a steady green. Delay removing the tape cartridge for one or two seconds to ensure that the tape leader of the cartridge is in a safe position for cartridge removal.

2. When the green Operate Handle Light LED lights steadily and the audible beep signal is heard, push the Shuttle Handle in, to release the cartridge to the open position to eject the cartridge.

3. Remove the cartridge.

4. If the cartridge does not come out at this point, pull on the interposer that holds the cartridge in place i.e. the latch located on the right side of the drive when looking down into the drive front. It is about an inch back from the front plate. It can be pulled slightly to remove the tape cartridge.

Note:
The tape may have to be rewound onto the reel of the tape cartridge with a spindle handle tool.

Once the media cartridge has been removed from the tape drive (by either the above actions or the following physical procedure), please run load/unload tests to verify the drive is still operational.
Inspect the removed cartridge for possible physical damage to the case, file reel sprocket, leader pin/block, and/or the media itself according to the type of media being worked with.

Parts Note: None

Reference Information
The tape may have to be rewound onto the reel of the tape cartridge with a spindle handle tool.
For a complete explanation on how to troubleshoot stuck tapes with a DLT tape drive in a L180/L700/9730 library refer to:
DLT4000 Product Manual
http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/E19325-01/805-0810-10/805-0810-10.pdf
DLT 7000 Product Manual
http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/E19211-01/805-0648-10/805-0648-10.pdf
or the DLT 8000 Product Manual
http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/E19714-01/CRCM2129/CRCM2129.pdf
This is found at: Sun System Handbook
https://support.us.oracle.com/handbook_internal/STK/STK_index.html#Tape

The DLT 4000, 7000 and 8000 drives were not designed for automated environments. As a result STK designed the shuttle assembly to perform the raise/lower handle function for the DLT drives installed in the L180/L700/9730 libraries.

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