TAPMLB01 vs TAP01
rmc...@hotmail.com
I have been put in charge of backing up some stuff off our 400 but it
is using a device TAPMLB01 which I have never seen before. I just want
to backup a library and not become an expert but no-one knows how to
do that it appears (they backup via FTP).
I have 1 tape, un'inz'ed, and I would normally use TAP01. I have read
through the group and have a few questions.
-do I need BRMS?
-where is BRMS eg go cmdbrms?
-is there an actually helpful manual to use rather than 'Setup,
Operator and Service Guide', say a redbook?
-can I just put a tape in and save to TAP01 if the devices are
allocated?
-what status should the devices be in under WRKMLBSTS
Is this complicated or am I just thick?
Tx
Stefan.
Carl
try varying off TAPMLB01, then vary on TAP01 load the tape and to a
CHKTAP.
What type of tape drive is attached?
CRPence
The device functions as either a MLB [Media Library; IIRC], or a
Tape. I believe as Carl suggests, you could just work with the
device as a tape after varying off the MLB, and varying on the tape
device. As I recall from my first uninitiated experience, it was
not entirely straightforward to figure out what to do or how things
worked. And until that little bit of understanding of how the
hardware can operate via two different logical views of the physical
device, it is near impossible to grasp.
Depending on the physical hardware, the MLB may have significant
capabilities beyond just a single tape drive. As such it generally
behooves one to process their save requests using the MLB features.
However with only one tape, since the capabilities are geared to
use of multiple tapes, letting the hardware function simply as a
tape drive seems appropriate. Additionally with the MLB
capabilities, to best take advantage of them, using software that is
aimed at utilizing those features is also an advantage; in that
case, a product like BRMS is great. IIRC the GO BRMS and GO CMDBRMS
are available. Trying to utilize a MLB without anything more than
the OS /save/ & /restore/ commands barely takes any more advantage
of the hardware capability than simply using the hardware as the
more simpler Tape Device; e.g. IIRC as an MLB the physical setting
of the MLB capabilities becomes a requirement for use of the device.
I am not aware of having seen much doc [outside of for BRMS;
probably some from ROBOT & other companies as well]. I only recall
reading help text from the WRKMLBSTS and its available commands, and
about the hardware I was attempting to utilize. I am not sure about
any Redbooks documents, but searching www.redbooks.ibm.com did not
turn much up for me other than one tip which included a WRKMLBSTS
command invocation and a screen capture; did not look beyond that.
Regards, Chuck
rmc...@hotmail.com
Ok, I did read the groups and search for a redbook so thanks for the
confirmation.
Some progress since I posted that I will put here for future
cybernauts.
The major problem was with the 400 (sorry i5, err iSeries or
whatever). I eventually did a vary with a reset *YES and the drive
failed to vary back on. An IBM SE was here for another 400 and I
'borrowed' him to look at the device and he said the IO card needing
rebooting through SST which he did (w/o taking anyone off the 400,
impressive) which fixed the problem. So basically the device was at
vary on but not 'there'. He also showed me how to do a single backup
and said, as you did Charles, that you have to wait for the 'penny to
drop'.
So the steps for future reference.
Vary off TAPMLB01
Vary on TAP01
(If any problems with varying then place a hardware call)
Load tape into I/O drawer through front panel options on MLB
Move tape to tape drive through front panel options on MLB
(I missed what options he used but I figure the book will tell me!)
INZTAP with *CTGTYPE using device TAP01
And that was it. If it doesn't work try software/hardware support etc
The next step is to see if I can get the MLB to work.
Tx Carl and Charles.