SUN72G Disk Problems
In a separate thread, I reported problems I've experienced with a Seagate FC_AL disk purchased for a SunFire 280R. Although the disk was advertised with a 73.4G capacity, luxadm reports a capacity of approx 71.6G, which seems suspicous to me when compared with the desired disk type SUN72G. In comparision, luxadm reports my good Fujitsu drive as having a capicty of 73.4G
I called Seagate to ask why a disk advertised as 73.4G would have a capacity of 71.6G, and they couldn't say. But they did tell me that I should buy my replacement disk from SUN if I wanted a SUN72G disk.
Well, the reason I didn't do that in the first place was the disk costs $4000 from Sun, and $200 from other sources.
So here's my question. Do FC_AL disks for my SunFire 280R need to come from SUN in order to be SUN72G disks?
[832 byte] By [
shdanfo] at [2007-11-26 6:48:38]
# 1
Hmmm. No opinions huh? FWIW, further research suggests the value of ordering SUN part number X6805A from a disk supplier rather than ordering an unformatted disk of the "right" type. Apparently, from what I can gather, the difference is as follows:
the SUN part number from SUN costs $4000 and works
the SUN part number from a disk supplier costs $500 and works
the raw disk that comes from a disk supplier costs $200 and doesn't work.
I would like to know why the third alternative doesn't work, and I can't believe this isn't an issue of some importance to anybody who is tasked with the care and feeding of a SunFire. But hey, maybe I'll find out the answer in my next life.
# 3
Yes, the firmware may be it. That sounds very possible. I'm surprised nobody has a firm opinion on this. Maybe this is the wrong forum. But I just can't leave this alone. So here's one last question that is hopefully more appropriate for this forum:
When using format on an unformatted disk, I'm presented with a list of "Available Drive Types" that includes SUN72G. What is the purpose of making a selection here? What does the selection influence? I was assuming it would inflence a subsequent "format" command, but actually don't see anything about this in the man page. I'm now suspecting that if you see this list when selecting a disk, you should give up trying to do anything with that disk. Does anyone know?
# 4
> When using format on an unformatted disk, I'm
> presented with a list of "Available Drive Types" that
> includes SUN72G.
Normally you'd just want 'auto configure'. In fact you don't normally need to use the 'format' sub menu at all.
> What is the purpose of making a
> selection here? What does the selection influence?
It creates a specific label with figures for cylinders, tracks, heads, etc.
> I
> was assuming it would inflence a subsequent "format"
> command, but actually don't see anything about this
> in the man page. I'm now suspecting that if you see
> this list when selecting a disk, you should give up
> trying to do anything with that disk. Does anyone
> know?
Pretty much. It usually means the auto detection failed (which is the first error you'll get on a failed drive). That should definitely be a warning sign if you weren't expecting it.
--
Darren
