This is a not-implemented-yet summary. After some research, we've found
that there are some known-problems with the TLZ09 drive. These problems
can result on a tape drive hang while running the DU vdump command, or a
tape drive that stops responding when using its compression driver (this
can also happen on NT), and some more problems that I can't recall.
You should check the HW and FW revisions. The last revisions that exist
so far are: HW Rev. A03, FW Rev. 0172.
In our case, the revisions are: HW A01 and FW 0165. We've requested an
upgrade kit (suppose it's a software kit) that should correct these
problems. We are not sure about something: is enough to apply the
firmware upgrade, even when the HW revision is an old one ?
Our thanks to:
Dave Cherkus
Robert L. McMillin
UNIX Admin
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Unix Administrator [SMTP:unixadmin_at_gmd.com.pe]
> Sent: Monday, November 03, 1997 7:34 PM
> To: 'alpha-osf-managers_at_ornl.gov'
> Subject: TLZ09-VA hangs. Can S3Trio64 cause this also?
>
> Hi,
>
> This random problem occurs on an AS4100. A TLZ09-VA works by some
> days,
> but suddenly it stops responding, and one of the leds begin to blink
> fast. A couple of times we've solved the situation by unplugging and
> then re-plugging the unit to the BA enclosure. Other times, this
> didn't
> work and we had to reboot the computer. And other, to be completely
> sure, we've changed the drive. We've also changed the 16-bit interface
> that goes on the first slot of the BA356, the terminators, and the
> cables, as well.
>
> Our configuration includes:
>
> 2 AS4100 5/466 CPUs
> 384 MB memory (three banks of 128 MB e/o)
> S3 Trio64 video adapter (on bus PCI0)
> KZPDA (on bus PCI1)
> TLZ09-VA (installed on a BA-356)
>
> The SRM Rev. is 4.8-6. We've heard about many problems that can occur
> when using the S3Trio64 VGA card. The list of well-known problems
> include:
>
> - Systems may loose time (some minutes per day)
> - Console may hang when the power saver is activated
> - Device destruction on systems with PCI-PCI bridge cards (!!) (p.e.
> KZPDA)
>
> It is annoying to see problems described as "systems MAY loose time"
> or
> "whatever CAN fail" on DEC patches lists (
> http://eisner.decus.org/DECUServe/DECnotes/UNIX_OS/358.4/PREV_REPLY.HT
> ML
> ) This leads me to think that DEC knows there is a problem, but has
> not
> clearly identified the exact component or mix of components that
> causes
> it (HW Rev., SW Rev., FW Rev).
>
> The last problem is supposed to happen when the system has the S3 card
> on the same bus that other PCI-PCI bridge card. In our installation
> this
> doesn't occurs, but with so terrible references, we are starting to
> blame the VGA card.
>
> Has anyone experienced this situation ?. Any comments on this are
> welcome
>
> UNIX Administrator
>
> === All the opinions here are my own ===
Received on Wed Nov 05 1997 - 23:44:17 NZDT