Updating the Tape Library Firmware Using the Serial Port

Updating the Tape Library Firmware Using the Serial Port

The following equipment and software are required to update a new version of the tape library firmware using the serial port:

PC or laptop computer
Communication program loaded onto the PC or laptop computer (examples of communication software include HyperACCESS Lite, PROCOMM, or other software with the ability to upload text or ASCII data files)
Note: The communication program that you choose depends on the operating system that is loaded onto the PC or laptop computer.
If OS/2 is resident, HyperACCESS Lite is a good choice; if DOS or Windows is resident, PROCOMM is a good choice.
Make sure to set the protocol properties to the correct settings (see 'Terminal Emulation Programs').
If you choose an alternate communication program, make sure that the protocol properties are compatible with the properties in 'Serial Interface'.
After choosing the settings, you may want to save them so that they will be available when you re-boot.
Serial port null modem cable, with the cable end configured as a nine-pin male and the other end configured as a nine-pin female.
3447 Digital Linear Tape Library or 7337 Digital Linear Tape Library with a level of firmware that has the ability to put itself into remote diagnostic mode
Diskette with an .ASC (text) file that contains the latest tape library firmware (for example, Q2_150.ASC or 150.ASC)
Note: If several tape libraries are to be updated, it is advisable to copy the .ASC file onto the hard drive of the PC or laptop, and perform the upload from the hard drive. Also, as diskettes may get lost or overwritten, it is best to create a firmware directory to maintain previous levels of firmware.

To update the library firmware using the serial port:

Connect the female end of the null modem cable to the PC or laptop, then connect the male end to the serial port at the rear of the tape library.
Turn on the power to the PC or laptop.
Turn on the power to the tape library.
-Attention- The tape library must be in remote diagnostic mode to communicate with the PC or laptop (see 'Enabling the Remote Diagnostic Mode').
Make sure that the tape library is in remote diagnostic mode.
Do one of the following:
- If you have the latest firmware installed on your hard drive, press Enter on the PC or laptop to display the Remote Diagriostic menu, then type # and press Enter.
- If the latest firmware is on a diskette, insert the diskette into the disk drive of the PC or laptop, then type # and press Enter.
At the prompt ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO CHANGE FIRMWARE?, type Y (for yes).
The tape library erases the alternate flash memory bank.
If the upload is unsuccessful, the current flash memory bank will remain active; the procedure does not allow the switching of flash memory banks to occur.
After the tape library successfully erases the alternate flash memory bank, it displays a message that indicates it is ready to upload the firmware.
Select the option in the communication program that enables a text or ASCII file to be uploaded.
Enter the name of the drive, directory, and file to be uploaded. For example:
a:\150.asc (for a diskette drive)
c:\firmdirc\150.asc (for a hard drive)
The tape library uploads the update file. Depending on the speed of the PC or laptop, the upload normally takes approximately 20 minutes.
When the upload is complete, an upload status message displays, and the tape library automatically re-boots.
The new firmware immediately takes effect.
You can repeat this procedure to ensure that both flash memory banks contain the same new level of firmware.
However, it may be more valuable to retain the previous level of firmware in the new alternate flash memory bank if you want to return to this level of firmware.
The banks do not switch automatically. They must be switched by using the Remote Diagnostic menu.

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