Operating Recommendations; Mm Tape Cartridge Types - IBM RS/6000 User Manual

Operating Recommendations

v Handle the drive carefully and by its external metal chassis. Keep your hands away
from the printed circuit boards, components, and printed circuit (flex) cables.
v If possible, work on a cushioned surface, and do not drop the tape drive onto the
work surface.
v If you move the tape drive to an environment that is colder or warmer than its
previous environment, keep the drive in its package and allow the package to reach
the current room temperature. This prevents potential data loss or damage to the
tape drive. Allow one hour of acclimation for each 10 degrees C (18 degrees F)
difference between the shipping and/or storage temperature and the room
temperature.
v Use only high-quality data grade 8 mm tape cartridges recommended by the
manufacturer (see "Obtaining Additional Tape Cartridges" on page 29).
v Remove the tape cartridge from the tape drive when it is not in use, and store the
cartridge in the cartridge case.
v Do not open the door on the data tape cartridge. This door covers and protects the
magnetic tape material from dirt, dust, and damage.
v Avoid touching the tape, as doing so can cause loss of data.
v Back up any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages, then discard
the old tape cartridge. Error information is saved in the system error log.
v Clean the tape path regularly according to the cleaning procedure described in
"Cleaning the Tape Drive" on page 27. Use only recommended cleaning cartridges.
Other cleaning cartridges can permanently damage the tape drive.

8 mm Tape Cartridge Types

There are different types of 8 mm tape cartridges that you can use for the following
purposes:
Type
Test Tape Cartridge
Data Tape Cartridge
Cleaning Tape Cartridge
20
User's Guide
Purpose
Checks the operation of the drive or to run
diagnostics. Do not use it to save programs or
data. This cartridge, which is specially labeled,
is included with the 8mm Tape Drive.
Saves your programs or data. This cartridge is
included with the 8mm Tape Drive.
Cleans the 8 mm tape drive. See "Cleaning the
Tape Drive" on page 27. This cartridge is
included with the 8mm Tape Drive.