5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Using TMDS or the TSM Package
5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual426878-002
5-2
TAPE Subsystem Commands
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).