5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Using TMDS or the TSM Package

5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual—426878-002

5-2

TAPE Subsystem Commands

The following TAPE subsystem commands are supported by the 5190 and 5194 tape

drives, the MFC, and the 3216 controller. They are designed to check system

hardware operation or to isolate a failing hardware component.

Commands that have no diagnostic value for the modular tape subsystem are not

listed here. For operational details on all TMDS TAPE subsystem commands, refer to

information about the TMDS TAPE subsystem in the TMDS Reference Manual.

TMDS Command Description

EXERCISE Writes and reads random-length records on tape, tests the various

tape-movement commands, and verifies the tape hardware after

repairs and during installation. For the 5190 drive, this command can

be run with data compression on or off.

FIRMINFO Checks the firmware status of controllers in the TAPE subsystem.

FLASH

(not valid for the MFC) Flashes the locator LED on the BEB on and off.

(The 3216 controller can also light this LED, without flashing it, when

the controller detects an error.) The FLASH OFF command turns off

the LED.

PATHPROBE

(not valid for the MFC) Tests alternate paths between tape controllers

and the processors to which they are attached without requiring a path

switch.

STATUS

(not valid for the MFC) Displays current information about the

configuration and status of the controllers and tape drives in the

system. The information is displayed in raw format or decoded English

text.

TEST Runs diagnostics on tape controllers and tape drives.

UPDATE

(not valid for the MFC) Updates the revision level of a controller board,

and downloads and verifies microcode in writable control store (WCS)

and boot PROM (firmware).