DEC DLT Tape Drive - Lights Flashing 2

[gavm99]

I have a Compaq DEC DLT Tape Drive in one of my servers. All the lights are flashing on the front of it and it will not load the tape into it. I have had the tape drive changed 3 times (as I have a support contract) but it still keeps happening. I have also changed the SCSI card it plugs in to. It shows in device manager with no problems.
Does anyone know what it means when all the lights are flashing on the front of the unit?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pmf71]

Yup , I do. It means there is a malfunction in the loading mechanism. And most likely the leader has sprung from it's hook. The leader draws the tape onto the internal reel of the streamer. And if it has sprung loose, it has wound itself around the internal streamer. It's easy to repair.

If the unit is internal, remove it from the machine it is in. If it's external, remove it from it's housing.

You can immediately see if the leader has sprung loose. If it has, remove the plastic internal reel cover, and first clean the leader with a cloth, then retrace the leader through the tape track, and hook it back onto the loading mechanism hook.

And one big tip to prevent it from happening again: NEVER EVER SLAM THE DOOR SHUT WHEN LOADING A TAPE. That is the root cause of this happening. Always guide the door shut with your fingers, never let it just snap down by itself.

If this solution helped you, plase let me know. good luck.

 

[gavm99]

That is spot on! Thankfully as I have a support contract I get a whole new unit now I have found the source of the problem.

I will also take on board what you said regarding closing the door and pass this information on to my colleagues.

Many Thanks!

 

[HddGuru]

Maybe your tape was at fault , I see this very often ;o)

http://www.ultratec.co.uk

for tape backup spares and repairs

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