*BSD News Article 91521


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From: prihodko@fas.harvard.edu (Andrew Prihodko)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc
Subject: AHA-1542CF and Colorado T8000es
Date: 19 Mar 1997 15:50:24 GMT
Organization: Harvard University
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Hi!

I am trying to use HP Colorado T8000es with Adaptec AHA-1542CF host adapter 
under FreeBSD 2.1.  I were not able to make the drive do *anything*, even a 
status printout (mt -f /dev/rst0 status).  When the machine boots, the drive 
flashes its light and I can hear the tape winding back and forth.  But that 
about all activity that goes on.

/var/log/messages:

/kernel: (aha0:4:0): "HP T4000s 1.06" type 1 removable SCSI 2                  
 
/kernel: st0(aha0:4:0): Sequential-Access density code 0x45,  drive empty

But when I am trying to use the mt command, I get this:

/kernel: st0(aha0:4:0): timed out   
/kernel: st0(aha0:4:0): timed out  AGAIN

Someone suggested that termination might be a problem.  There are no internal 
devices in the computer, so the adapter is serving the tape drive only.  I have 
installed a passive external terminator that came with the drive on one of the 
SCSI connectors on the drive.  According to the AHA-1542C series manual, host 
adapter termination should be enabled through the SCSISelect program if there 
are only external devices present (adapter at the end of the cable).  I checked 
switches -- termination is enabled.  In case anyone knows the switch settings 
for 1542, mine are: all off, except switch 5.

When I use the mt command, the SCSI activity LED on the adapter does not flash. 
One thing though:  the SCSI cable I am using is about 3 feet long.  Could that 
be the cause?

Can anyone help me with this?  I have no idea what is wrong.  I tried to 
connect a Wangtek drive a few weeks ago and had the same problem.

Thanks a lot in advance,

Andrew Prihodko
------
prihodko@fas.harvard.edu