Here are the steps to upgrade your tape drive firmware using the IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool (ITDT)
Windows
Download and install ITDT for Windows. Instructions can be found HERE
Once installed launch the program and select "Diagnostic/Maintenance". With the tape drive powered on and initialized press the scan button
All connected tape drive information will populate. Click on the checkbox next to the drive you want to update.
Select "Ucode"
A new window will open to have you select the location of the firmware file. ITDT will load the firmware and reboot the drive. Once the drive has powered on ITDT will show the end results.
The Firmware has been applied.