5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Operating the Cartridge Tape Drive and ACL
5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual—426878-002
4-30
READY States
Table 4-9 shows the two types of error messages that can be displayed on the
message panel. (See Responding to Error Messages and Check Codes on
page 4-31.)
READY States
The tape drive cannot read data from or write data to a tape cartridge unless it is in one
of four READY states. When the drive is in a READY state, the drive is online and
ready to start executing commands. To be in a READY state, the drive must have a
cartridge loaded and the threader arm must pick up the leader block.
There are four READY states:
Making a Drive READY
Unless an error condition is present, inserting a cartridge into a tape drive makes it
READY. If the drive has an ACL, you must insert a cartridge in the cartridge magazine
and put the magazine into the magazine compartment. When you press the START
button, the cartridge tape is loaded into the drive and the drive should change to the
READY state.
NOT READY States
There are two NOT READY states:
Table 4-9. Error Messages and Check Codes
Message
Message
Type Meaning
CHK XX Check Hardware error displays a hexadecimal error code (XX).
Service provider intervention is required.
XXXXXXXX Check Error message. A hexadecimal error code or a number
of characters (XXXXXXXX) is displayed.
State Description
BOT RDYU The tape position is BOT. An unprotected cartridge is loaded. The drive can
write on the tape.
BOT RDYF The tape position is BOT. A file-protected cartridge is loaded. The drive
cannot write on the tape.
READY U An unprotected cartridge is loaded. The drive can write on the tape.
READY F A file-protected cartridge is loaded. The drive cannot write on the tape.
State Description
NT RDYU An unprotected cartridge is loaded. The drive is offline.
NT RDYF A file-protected cartridge is loaded. The drive is offline.