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Types of 8 mm Tape Cartridges
Test Tape Cartridge
Data Tape Cartridge
Cleaning Tape Cartridge
Preventive Maintenance
There are some simple preventive maintenance operations which should be performed
periodically, to ensure the correct functioning of the system and its devices. Particular care
should be taken in using devices such us streamer and tape devices, to ensure their
efficiency and avoid data loss problems.
This section contains the description of these maintenance operations.
Cleaning the Tape Path on the 5GB 8 mm Tape Drive
Attention: Do not use video cleaning cartridges in the 8 mm tape drive. Video cleaning
cartridges can damage the 8 mm tape drive. Some video cleaning cartridges are extremely
abrasive. An 8 mm tape drive may be permanently damaged after only a few cleaning
operations using an abrasive-type cleaning cartridge.
The 8 mm tape path should be cleaned either approximately every 30 hours of tape motion
or once a month. The 5GB 8 mm tape drive counts the number of hours of tape motion and
indicates when the tape path requires cleaning when the lighted disturbance status light
(amber) is on.
More frequent cleaning may be required if the drive is operated in a dusty environment or in
humid conditions. If dust is allowed to accumulate, the drive has to perform more reads and
writes. This can cause a loss of data and may be prevented by regularly scheduled cleaning
of the drive.
The cleaning cartridge cleans the drive up to 12 times before to be discarded. If you attempt
to use an 8 mm cleaning cartridge more than 12 times, the tape drive automatically detects
the error and ejects the cleaning cartridge with the disturbance status light (
remaining on.
Before loading the 8 mm cleaning cartridge, make sure the power to the 8 mm tape drive is
on.
2-20
Operator Guide
Only use this specially labeled tape cartridge (found in the
media kit with the 8 mm tape drive) to check out the operation
of the drive or when running diagnostics. Do not use it to save
programs or data.
Use this non-labeled cartridge for saving your programs or
data. There is a data tape cartridge in the media kit to help
start your tape operations immediately. Later, if you order
additional cartridges, they are shipped five to a package. Each
tape cartridge provides up to 5/10GB of storage. Any
cartridges you use must be compatible for use in this tape
drive and certified for data applications.
Be sure to observe all of the instructions that come with the
cleaning cartridge. Use this cartridge to clean the tape paths
of the 8 mm tape drive. Discard this cartridge after it has been
used 12 times. Additional cleaning cartridges can be ordered.
Refer to the "Preventive Maintenance "section for more
details.
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