This chapter describes known problems in Version 1.6.1 of the Diagnostic Executive, diagnostic tests, and CSM software (also called the Power-Up Monitor). Most problem reports include a way to work around the problem.
Unless otherwise stated, fixes for the problems listed here will be considered for inclusion in a future release of the product.
The external loopback subtest 8.4 of the ETHER-V test eg may incorrectly report intermittent errors if it is run while the traffic level on the EthernetTM is high. This is caused by a problem in the firmware on revisions A and B of the VMEbus ETHER-V Ethernet controller boards. This problem does not occur on ETHER-V boards with revision C or later firmware.
The error messages associated with this condition are:
LANCE Loopback Packet Size Error
LANCE External Loopback Tx/Rx Timeout
In contrast, real hardware problems in the cable from the Ethernet board to the transceiver, or in the transceiver itself, will result in the same errors every time the test is run.
Workaround. Loop on the test or run multiple passes. If it fails on each loop or pass, the error reports are valid. If the test fails intermittently (passes sometimes, fails sometimes), then the errors are due to Ethernet traffic and should be disregarded.
If you abort the ½ -inch SCSI tape drive's internal self-test during diagnostic tests tg 1.3 or 2.1, there is a possibility that the drive will hang. This only happens with older versions of tape drive firmware.
Workaround. Power-cycle the tape drive.
If you interrupt the td test by pressing the Esc or Ctrl-C keys, the DDS-2 drive might continue the erase operation on the installed tape. Even if the Diag Exec prompt (==>) returns after the interrupt, you might not be able to issue other Diag Exec commands because the drive is still doing the erase operation.
ATTENTION Beginning with CSM software V1.6.1, the td erase test no longer runs by default. To run the erase test, you must specifically select it.
ATTENTION The following workaround can cause data loss on the installed tape.
Workaround. Do a forced ejection on the DDS-2 drive by holding down the Eject button for about 5 seconds. This stops the erase operation, but may cause data loss, or may cause the tape to be unreadable (for example, the EOD marker is not written). A forced ejection should only be used as a last resort to recover a cartridge. Never use a forced ejection as a quick way to eject a cartridge.