How to perform a Test Head check (Function H) on a SymplyPRO


In order to carry out a Test Head check (Function H), the SymplyLTO tape drive needs to be in Maintenance Mode, please only enter Maintenance Mode or carry out the Test Head check if you are instructed to do so by a member of the Symply Support Team.


This test ensures that the tape drive's head and tape-cartridge mechanics are working correctly. 


CAUTION:  The Test Head check is destructive to any data on the data cartridge, please only use a scratch (blank) data cartridge only for carrying out this test.


The Test Head has a run time of approximately 10-12 minutes per loop and the test is run for 10 loops.  Once the test has started, the diagnostics begins the loop sequence.


Time the first loop by pressing the Unload (eject) button once to stop the diagnostic after the competition of the first loop (denoted on the SCD), then record the time it takes for the test to complete.  Compare the recorded time with the approximate run time (see above).  If the test completes successfully, but the time is significantly longer than the approximate test run time, then please submit a support ticket.


NOTE:  Pressing the Unload button once will abort the test at the end of the current test loop.  Pressing the Unload button twice will abort the test immediately.  In either case wait for the tape to rewind and unload the cartridge (this make take 5 minutes).


NOTE:  If you insert an invalid tape cartridge (or WORM media) and error code "7" will appear on the SCD.  If you insert a write-protected cartridge, the error code "P" appears in the SCD.  In either case, the tape drive unloads the cartridge and exits Maintenance Mode after the cartridge is removed.


Steps to execute Test Head Check (Function H):


  • Put the SymplyPRO drive into [Maintenance Mode]
  • Press the Unloaded (eject) button once per second until the number "H" appears in the Single Character Display (SCD), if you cycle past the code, continue pressing the Unload button once per second until the desired code reappears.
  • Press and hold the Unload button for three (3) seconds, to selection number "H" (Function H).  A flashing "C" will appear on the SCD
  • Insert a scratch (blank) data cartridge.  The SCD will change to a flashing "H" and the test will begin.  During the test the drive will unload and unload the data cartridge as part of the test.  Do not remove the data cartridge during the test.
    • If there is no error detected, the diagnostic will loop and begin again.  To stop the loop, press the Unload button for one (1) second and release.  When the loop ends, "0" temporarily appears on the SCD, and the SymplyLTO will automatically exit Maintenance Mode.
    • If an error is detected during the test, the Fault light flashes amber and the drive will show an error on the SCD.  You can check with error on the [LTO troubleshooting] page.  To clear the error either turn the power on and off, or press and hold the Unload button for 10 seconds (making sure there is no data cartridge in the tape drive).



If you have any questions please submit a [support ticket]