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Chapter 3. Using the tape drive
This chapter describes how to operate your tape drive.
Using the appropriate media
The IBM DDS Gen 5 drive uses data-grade DDS cartridges, which comply with
ANSI specifications listed in the "3.81 mm Helical-Scan Digital Computer Tape
Cartridge for Information Interchange," ANSI X3B5/89-156 standard.
For optimum performance and maximum storage capacity, use only IBM
recommended data and cleaning cartridges. Other cartridges have not been tested
by IBM. The latest IBM recommended list can be found by going to
www-3.ibm.com/pc/support and searching for "MIGR-39931".
Handling cartridges
DDS cartridges are fragile. To protect your data cartridges and the information on
them, observe the guidelines below.
Loading a cartridge
Your DDS Gen 5 drive has a front-loading cartridge bay for easy operation. To load
a cartridge:
1. Hold the cartridge so the label is facing up and the exposed media is facing the
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2003
Guidelines to follow
Use DDS cartridges at temperatures from 5°
C (40° F) to 40° C (113° F). Cartridges can be
stored at temperatures down to -40° C (-40°
F).
Handle cartridges gently.
Keep cartridges in plastic cases when they
are not in use.
Apply just one label to the designated area
on the cartridge. Affixing more labels can
jam the drive.
If your data is important, consider reading
data off of tapes and rewriting to new and
perhaps more modern tapes every few
years.
If cartridges are exposed to temperatures or
humidities outside the specified operating
environment, expose them to the operating
environment for a time equal to the period
that the cartridges were exposed to the
out-of-specification environment (up to a
maximum of 24 hours).
drive.
Pitfalls to avoid
Do not expose cartridges to direct sunlight,
moisture, excessively dry or humid places,
extreme changes in temperature or humidity,
or X-rays. a maximum of 24 hours).
Do not treat cartridges roughly or drop
them.
Do not try to clean the tape guides or tape
path inside the cartridge.
Never touch the exposed tape media with
your fingers.
Never leave cartridges close to magnetic
fields, such as near a monitor or telephone
handset.
Do not read from or write to cartridges
when a temperature change of 10° C per
hour is occurring.
15
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