Error When Writing to a 20GB 8mm Tape Drive

Environment

Problem

Solution

• The 20GB 8mm tape drive is supported only at version 4.1.5.0 or higher.
  
• You can read tapes made from 2.3, 5.0, or 7.0 GB tape drives.
  
• When writing, use a 170 meter tape.
  
• When writing, use a density setting of 39.
  
• You must have the following or later:
  

      devices.scsi.tape.rte 4.2.1.1.    Enter lslpp -l <FileSetName> to verify.
      devices.scsi.tape.rte 4.3.0.0.    Enter lslpp -l <FileSetName> to verify.
  
  

• The tape drive microcode must be updated to at least the following:

      37VA pr 37SA
  

  Additionally, if you read from anything other than a 170 meter tape, reset the drive with the reset button on the case and clean the drive. These steps must be followed for the 170 meter tape to be operational.

  This problem is corrected by microcode level 38ZA. The microcode level can be checked by entering the command lscfg -vl rmt?. Look for the Z1 attribute.