Table of Contents
Advertisement
Recommendations for Data Cartridge Usage
The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data
and prolong the life of your tape cartridges and the 20/40GB 4MM Internal Tape Drive:
v Use only 4mm DDS-2, DDS-3, or DDS-4 cartridges. (DDS-4 media is recommended
whenever possible as it best optimizes overall drive advantages).
v Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
v Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error
messages (the error information is in the System Error Log).
v On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door protects
the tape from dirt, dust, and damage.
v Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could
cause loss of data.
v To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a cartridge.
Multiple or poorly placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
v Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write
errors, and may damage the tape drive.
v Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, as the impact may damage the tape's
internal mechanism.
v Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a dusty
environment and always maintain a constant environment. A consistent storage and
operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress.
v The 20/40GB 4MM Internal Tape Drive does automatic cartridge recognition for both
write and read. The density settings, as shown with the AIX SMIT command, should
not be manually changed by the user. The tape drive controls the format of the data
written to the tape cartridge through automatic media recognition.
Attention:
of other than recommended cleaning cartridges can damage your drive and may void
the warranty.
v Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the tape unit away
from these items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also produce
excess dust and dirt.
v All important information should be recorded on the tape label. Information, such as
the model and number of the system or tape drive, the date, the density, any error
statistics, and a log number should be included. The operating environment and
compression mode should also be noted.
Prolonging Head Life
The new technology in the 20/40GB 4MM Internal Tape Drive is read and write
compatible with DDS-2, DDS-3, and DDS-4 media. Due to media characteristics,
extended use of DDS-2 and DDS-3 tape cartridges may increase head wear on the
drive. An indication of this head wear is an increase in soft (recoverable) errors. Using a
quality DDS-4 tape reduces drive head wear and maximizes the overall advantages of
the 20/40GB 4MM Internal Tape Drive.
20
20/40GB 4MM Internal Tape Drive: Installation and Using Guide
Use only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive. Use
Advertisement
Table of Contents
