Request HP LTO-7 15000 SAS Drive Firmware

[flinco]

Hi anyone can share the latest HPE Ultrium 15000 LTO-7 SAS Drive Firmware?
I mean the S2T1 version of the Firmware for use with HPE Library and Tape Tools?

Let me explain briefly why I need it:

1. I purchased an HPE Ultrium 15000 LTO-7 SAS drive to replace another drive that had failed.
2. I installed it in my self-built server and discovered that it does not work.
3. Both HPE website and HPE Library and Tape Tools strongly recommend updating the firmware.
4. I had two options: request a replacement under warranty immediately or try updating the firmware first.
5. I would like to try updating the firmware (you never know, it might work), but I cannot download it because HPE system does not accept the device's serial number.
   They want the S/N of the autoloader, but the drive is not installed into an autoloader.

I have already asked HPE, but I ran into their paywall, because they claim that I am only entitled to the firmware if I pay for a support contract (as if the drive itself cost next to nothing).

Thanks!

 

[kryten]

What do you mean it doesn't work?

 

[flinco]

I mean:
- the drive does not read: it seems that the drive attempts to rewind the tape, but this attempt is repeated endlessly and reading never begins;
- after a while, the 'Drive' LED starts flashing: this happens both when attempting an operation on a tape and even when simply running tests with the HPE Library & Tape Tools;
- the drive generates a lot of heat;
- naturally, after all this, you can well understand that there is no question of 'writing'.

 

[kryten]

The heat the drive is generating may be a factor as all tape drives should have some cooling.
Firmware updates rarely fix LTO issues especially with read and writing.

Maybe the tape has snapped?

The drive logs may tell you more.

 

[flinco]

Maybe the tape has snapped?

Are you saying that a piece of tape might have been left inside the drive? If you're referring to the endless rewinding, it does that with all the tapes we have, but I haven't seen any with tape hanging out.

The drive logs may tell you more.

All the drive logs have at a certain point the following sentence:
"Firmware rev Q387 is out-of-date for Ultrium 7-SCSI as of Fri Mar 21 19:00:00 2025; update to rev S2T1.
There are significant improvements with the latest firmware. Please upgrade as soon as possible."

Yes, there are ALSO indications of "Repeated self test failures". And of course we are trying to get support from the company that sold us the device. But in the meantime, I would like to see if anything changes with the updated firmware.

PS: the SAS controller has the latest firmware and drivers available.

 

[nihonjin]

flinco did you got the firmware?

 

[flinco]

flinco did you got the firmware?

No, but I returned the drive and bought one from Quantum. At least they release their firmware publicly.

 

[nihonjin]

I wonder if some one could share it with me... I need it and not going to return my drive

 

[nihonjin]

This is harder than ever...

 

[Guillem]

@nihonjin did you manage to find a firmware? My drive is also complaining that the firmware is way too old :/

 

[flinco]

Unfortunately no, and having to do with HP is like talking to a brick wall.