SCSI hardware setup checklist - IBM 10/20GB NS20

Resolving The Problem

General hardware check - NS20

• Hard drive
• Tape drive with 68-Pin to 50-Pin converter
• Active terminator

• J4 Parity - Should be set (default)
• J7 Active Term - Should be OFF since active termination is on the cable
• J8 Term Power - Should be OFF if the cable is longer then 2m (could be set to ON if 1.5m)

• Metal cover over the circuit board on the NS20
• Datecode of the tape
• Serial number

Please provide the version of the circuit board. (Example: TR5 SCSI NS Ver 6 ASSY 10004259-006 Rev A)

Things to remember

• Make sure the Tape ID is not used by another device. In addition, check to make sure the 68 to 50 pin converter is connected properly.
• Make sure the AHA-2940 SCSI controller firmware is at firmware 2.20 or later.

Adaptec settings

• Press F6 for getting the defaults
• Host Adapter SCSI ID 7
• SCSI Parity CheckingEnabled
• Host Adapter SCSI TerminationAutomatic (Low ON / High ON)

Boot device option

• Boot SCSI ID0 (change if HDD has another ID)
• Boot LUN Number0

SCSI device configuration

• Sync Transfer rate ( MB/Sec)ASYN (10)
• Initiate Wide NegotiationNo
• Enable DisconnectYes
• Send Start Unit CommandNo
• Enable Write Back CacheNo (N/C)
• BIOS Multiple Lun SupportNo
• Include in BIOS ScanYes

Advanced Configuration Options

• Plug and Play Scan SupportDisabled
• Reset SCSI Bus at IC InitializationEnabled
• Display <Ctrl><A>Enabled
• Extended BIOS Translation > 1 GBEnabled
• Verbose / Silent ModeVerbose
• Host Adapter BIOSEnabled
• Support Removable Disks underDisabled
• BIOS Support for Bootable CD-RomEnabled
• BIOS Support for Int.13 ExtensionEnabled

Adaptec Settings

• Press F6 for getting the defaults
• Host Adapter SCSI ID 7
• SCSI Parity Checking Enabled
• Host Adapter SCSI TerminationAutomatic ( Low ON / High ON )

Boot Device Option

• Boot SCSI ID 0 (change if HDD has another ID)
• Boot LUN Number0

SCSI device Configuration

• Initiate Sync NegotiationNo
• Max Sync Transfer Rate ( MB/Sec)10
• Enable DisconnectYes
• Initiate Wide NegotiationNo
• Send Start Unit CommandNo
• BIOS Multiple Lun SupportNo
• Include in BIOS ScanYes

Advanced Configuration Options

• Plug and Play Scan SupportDisabled
• Reset SCSI Bus at IC InitializationEnabled
• Extended BIOS Translation > 1 GBEnabled
• Host Adapter BIOS ConfigurationEnabled
• Support Removable Disks underDisabled
• Display <Ctrl><A>Enabled
• BIOS Support for Bootable CD-RomEnabled
• BIOS Support for Int.13 ExtensionEnabled

Hardware identification via Operating System

Windows Server Products

SCSI Card device name shows as follows:

Adaptec AHA-294x/AHA-394x or PCI SCSI Controller

SCSI Card device driver shows as follows:

AIC78XX.SYS

Verify that the latest SCSI driver is installed by going to this website:

http://www.adaptec.com/support

Retensioning your NS20 tape drive

The NS20 SCSI tape drive REQUIRES retensioning.

Verify that you have the option to retension the NS20 tape drive configured in your backup software. If this is not configured, go to your backup software knowledgebase website for assistance with setting up retensioning.

Additional troubleshooting steps

• Make sure the NS20 tape drive is at the latest firmware.
• Clean the drive with the Imation Cleaning Cartridge part number (P/N) 0-51122-12132-6, or with the IBM dry cleaning cartridge P/N 16G8583.

Warning: Do not leave tape media in the NS20 tape drive for periods longer than 4 hours. Doing so could cause potential damages to the tape drive.

Cartridges can be ordered from "Imation" directly at 888-466-3456 or via a local dealer.

• NS20 cartridge Order Number: 84980238889
• NS20 cleaning cartridge Order Number: 84980240547

Cartridges can be ordered from "Imation" directly at 888-466-3456 or via a local dealer.

• NS20 cartridge Order Number: 84980238889
• NS20 cleaning cartridge Order Number: 84980240547

IBM P/N in the US/UK:

• NS20 cartridge Order Number: 59H4364
• NS20 cleaning cartridge Order Number: 16G8583

Steps for cleaning the NS20 tape drive

1. Wait until the drive has stopped working and remove any cartridges from the drive.
2. Insert the cleaning cartridge into the drive.
3. The drive light will start flashing indicating that the cleaning process is working.
4. Once the drive light has stopped flashing, the cleaning process has finished.
5. Remove the cleaning cartridge from the drive.

Additional NS20 fault diagnosis

If an error occurs with the tape drive, follow the steps below to test the integrity of the drive.

1. Remove the data cartridge and insert the cleaning tape to clean the drive one time.
2. After cleaning, re-insert the data cartridge and issue a retension command via the tape software twice.
3. Perform a test backup job.
4. If the backup job continues to fail, review the Windows Server event and application logs for symptoms as to why the jobs are failing. Send this information to your upper level support for a feasable action plan.
5. Now review the tape backup log for symptoms as to why the jobs are failing. Send this information to your upper level support for a feasable action plan.
6. If the backup continue to fail, power down the server, check the SCSI cable and 68-50 pin convertor for damages and reseat.
7. Power on the server and verify the Adaptec settings above.
8. Retest your tape drive. If problems persist, contact the IBM Support Center.