8 CAP Management

CAP Modes and States

Auto Enter Mode

Only HLI libraries support CAP auto enter mode.

Auto enter mode enables you to open a CAP and begin an enter operation without issuing an explicit enter request or having an explicit CAP reservation from a host application. However, to eject cartridges through the CAP, you still have to issue an explicit eject command. When in auto mode, a CAP is unlocked and its LED is on. The system locks the CAP only during cartridge enter, eject, or audit operations. To initiate an enter operation using an automatic CAP, press CAP Open on the key pad.

Host applications manage the auto enter mode. To place a CAP in auto enter mode, enter the appropriate tape management command to unlock the CAP (see the tape management software documentation).

Manual Mode

Manual mode is the most secure method of CAP operations. When in manual mode, the system locks a CAP by default, and its LED is off. To initiate an enter or eject operation using a manual CAP, enter an explicit enter or eject request before pressing the CAP Open button on the keypad.

Assignment Mode

Only non-partitioned FC-SCSI host connections support assignment mode. The CAP assignment mode controls whether library CAPs can be used for normal host operations or for manual operations (see "Change the CAP Assignment Mode for an FC-SCSI Library").

CAP Priorities for FC-SCSI Hosts

In a non-partitioned library, the SCSI interface treats all CAPs as one large CAP. When you initiate an eject operation from an FC-SCSI host, the robot loads cartridges the left-most rotational CAP, then moves right, and then moves to AEMs. For partitioned libraries, the CAP priority is dependent on how CAPs are allocated to partitions.

For example, assume an FC-SCSI library with a base module, two CEMs (one on each side of the base), and two AEMs (one on each end of the library). For an eject operation of 350 cartridges, the robots fills CAP cells as shown Table 8-2.

AEM Operations

The front panel of the access door includes the following components:

• Deadbolt Override Lock — enables fast access to the inside of the AEM (has the same effects on library operations as opening the main library access door).

• Service Access Lock — releases the access door deadbolt (only for Oracle support)

• Operator Request CAP button — releases the access door deadbolt for normal access to the inside of the AEM, to load or unload cartridges.

• Latch — opens and closes the access door after the deadbolt is released.

Display CAP and AEM Safety Door Information

Use this procedure to display information for rotational and AEM CAPs in the library. This information is also available through Reports > CAP Summary (see "Library Reports").

Lock/Unlock a CAP or AEM

Normally, the host unlocks a CAP or AEM access door. If the CAP is reserved by a host, the host must release the CAP reservation before you can use this procedure. An unlocked CAP is reserved by the library and unavailable to all hosts until it is locked. Use this procedure when you need to perform the lock/unlock operation manually at the SLConsole.

1. Select Tools >Diagnostics.

2. Expand the CAP folder, and select the CAP to modify. AEM CAPs are column –31 for the left and column 31 the right.

3. Click the Access tab.

4. In the Locked list select:

   • True to unlock

   • False to lock

5. Click Apply. When locking a CAP, a confirmation message appears. Click OK to unlock the CAP.

Change the CAP Assignment Mode for an FC-SCSI Library

Use this procedure to change the CAP assignment mode for all CAPs in an un-partitioned FC-SCSI library. The CAP assignment mode controls whether library CAPs can be used for normal host operations or for diagnostic moves.

1. Verify that all library CAPs are unreserved, empty, closed, and locked.

2. If you are changing the CAPs to diagnostics mode, quiesce the library to all hosts (see the tape management software documentation).

3. Select Tools > CAP Assignment.

4. At the Mode list, select a mode:

   • Diagnostics — causes all CAPs to be available for diagnostic operations. Select this if you want to perform manual cartridge moves, such as moving cleaning or diagnostic cartridges from the CAPs to system cells.

   • Host Operations — causes all CAPs to be available for normal host operations. Select this if you want to return the library to normal tape mount/dismount operations.

5. Click Apply and then OK.

Perform CAP Self-Test

1. Select Tools > Diagnostics.

2. Expand the CAP folder, and click the CAP to test. AEM CAPs are identified as column –31 for the left and column 31 the right.

3. Click the SelfTest tab.

4. In the Mode list, select Non-Disruptive.

5. Click Run. A message appears when the test finishes.

Change CAP Online/Offline Status

Use this procedure only if you are not using ACSLS or ELS tape management software, or if their servers are unable to communicate with the library. For instructions on changing the state of the library and its components through ACSLS or ELS, see the appropriate tape management software documentation.

1. Select Tools > System Detail.

2. Expand the CAP folder. Click the CAP to modify. AEM CAPs are identified as column –31 for the left and column 31 the right.

3. Click the Status tab.

4. In the Transition Request list, select either:

   • Take Offline - all outstanding jobs for the CAP will complete first.

   • Bring online

5. Click Apply.