Magnetic Tape Handling - IBM 1800 Operating Procedures Manual

Prolay
Idler
Figure 33. 2401 Tape Transport Modell
High-Speed
MAGNETIC TAPE HANDLING
IBM magnetic tape is a precision engineered product and
tested under carefully controlled conditions to assure
highest quality and reliability. However, dust, dirt, or
damage to the tape can reduce signal strength, and
recorded information may be completely obliterated.
The following suggestions are offered to minimize this
potential problem :
1. While a reel of tape is on the tape unit, reassemble
its container and place where it is not exposed to
dust and dirt. When a reel of tape is removed from
the tape unit , immediately place it in its container.
Use tape retainers to prevent the free end from
unwinding in the container.
2. Never place tapes or containers on top of tape units.
3. To label a reel of tape for ident ification, other than
by means of the card holder provided , use a material
that can be removed without leaving a residue.
Never use an eraser to alter the identification on a
label.
4 . Do not expose tapes that contain useful information
to magnetic fields.
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IBM 1800 Operating Procedures
5. Tobacco and all smoking should be kept away from
areas where tape reel are in use or tape drives in
operation.
6. Handle tape reels near the hub whenever possible.
7. Always verify that the tape reel is mounted flush
on the mounting hub. Never use reels that are
warped or damaged.
8. Periodic inspection of reel containers should be
established. Replace any cracked containers and
remove any accumulation of dust by washing con-
tainers with a household detergent.
9. To clean IBM Mylar tape, wipe it gently with a clean,
lint-free cloth moistened with tape transport cleaner
(IBM part 517960). Carbon tetrachloride and
vythene must not be used for cleaning magnetic tape
under any circumstances. Clean IBM Dynexcel or
HD tape by wiping with a clean , dry, lint-free cloth.
CAUTION
Tape transport cleaner should never be allowed to come
in direct contact with IBM Dynexcel or HD tape because
of interaction between them.