Bar Code Label Requirements For Ultrium; Cartridges And Volsers Compatible With The Ultrium 3 Tape Drive - IBM System Storage TS3310 Setup And Operator Manual

Table 8-2. Bar code label requirements for Ultrium tape drives and libraries
Ultrium Tape Drive/Library
3580
3581
3582
3583
TS3310
3584
When read by a library's bar code reader, the bar code identifies the cartridge's
VOLSER to the library. The bar code also tells the library whether the cartridge is a
data cartridge or cleaning cartridge. In addition, the bar code includes the
two-character media-type identifier Lx, where x equals 1, 2, or 3. L identifies the
cartridge as an LTO cartridge. 1 indicates that the cartridge is the first generation
of its type; 2 indicates that the cartridge is the second generation of its type; 3
indicates that the cartridge is the third generation of its type. Figure 8-3 on page
8-6 shows a sample bar code label for the LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridge.
Tape cartridges can be ordered with the labels included or with custom labels. To
order tape cartridges and bar code labels, see "Ordering Media Supplies" on page
8-18. The bar code for usage in IBM tape libraries must meet predefined
specifications. They include (but are not limited to):
v Eight uppercase alphanumeric characters, where the last two characters must be
L3, L2, or L1
v Label and printing to be non-glossy
v Nominal narrow line or space width of 0.423 mm (0.017 in.)
v Wide to narrow ratio of 2.75:1
v Minimum bar length of 11.1 mm (0.44 in.)
Table 8-3. Cartridges and VOLSERs compatible with the Ultrium 3 Tape Drive
Cartridges
Ultrium 3 Data Cartridge
Ultrium 3 WORM Cartridge*
Ultrium 2 Data Cartridge
Ultrium 1 Data Cartridge (READ ONLY)
IBM TotalStorage LTO Ultrium Cleaning
Cartridge (universal)
*An Ultrium 3 Tape Drive must have a minimum firmware level of 54xx for it to be
compatible with the WORM cartridge.
The LTO cartridge label uses the bar code symbology of USS-39. A description and
definition is available from the Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM)
specification Uniform Symbol Specification (USS-39) and the ANSI MH10.8M-1993
ANSI Bar code specification.
To determine the complete specifications of the bar code and the bar code label,
visit the web at http://www.ibm.com/storage/lto (search for "IBM LTO Ultrium
Cartridge Label Specification"), or contact your IBM Sales Representative.
Bar Code Label Requirements
Not required
Required with optional Bar Code Reader
Required
Required
Required
Required
VOLSER
xxxxxxL3
xxxxxxLT
xxxxxxL2
xxxxxxL1
CLNUxxL1
Chapter 8. Using Ultrium Media
8-5