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Chapter 3. Using the tape drive
This chapter describes how to use the tape drive.
Loading a cartridge
The tape drive has a front-loading tape cartridge bay. To load a tape cartridge,
complete the following steps:
1. Hold the tape cartridge so that the label is facing you.
2. Gently insert the tape cartridge into the drive. The drive-bay door opens
Unloading a tape cartridge
This section describes unloading a tape cartridge under normal operation
conditions. If the cartridge does not unload, use the procedure in "Emergency
cartridge unloading."
To unload a tape cartridge, complete the following steps:
1. Make sure that the ready LED is not flashing.
2. Press the unload button on the front panel of the drive to unload the tape
Emergency cartridge unloading
If you cannot unload a cartridge using the procedure described in "Unloading a tape
cartridge," press and hold the unload button for 20 seconds. The drive completes
the following tasks:
v Waits 35 seconds while it attempts to unload the cartridge normally
v Unloads the tape regardless of the state of the cartridge
v Resets itself
Data cartridges
This section provides information about data cartridges. See "Cleaning cartridges"
on page 12 for information about cleaning cartridges.
Using the correct cartridge
The IBM DDS Generation 6 USB tape drive uses data-grade DDS cartridges. DDS
Generation 6 tape cartridges are less abrasive than previous generations and
provide maximum tape-head life.
The drive has the following capabilities and limitations:
v Reads and writes DDS Generation 6 cartridges
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2007
automatically when a tape cartridge is inserted. The ready LED flashes green
during the load sequence.
After you insert the tape cartridge, there is a brief delay while the drive identifies
the tape cartridge type and state and moves the tape to the data area.
Attention:
To ensure integrity of the backup and restore operations, do not
press the unload button when the ready LED is flashing.
cartridge. The drive automatically completes any operations that were in
progress, rewinds the cartridge, and unloads the cartridge. This might take up to
25 seconds. Do not turn off the tape drive or host server during this time.
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