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Tape handling
This section describes how to properly handle your tape cartridges to reduce wear
on the 80/160 GB VS160 Tape Drive.
Tape handling and storage
Most tapes are supplied in sealed cartridges. Tapes are provided this way so that
the tape will remain in a clean environment. Opening the cartridge enables dirt
and airborne particles to enter and contaminate the cartridge.
The cartridge must only be opened by the tape drive and not by an operator. The
tape is also held under proper tension inside the cartridge. If the cartridge is
dropped, this tension is relaxed. Inserting a dropped cartridge into a tape drive can
often cause a misload that results in a jam. The jam ruins the tape and can cause
physical damage if the cartridge is not removed properly.
When you store tapes, place them in their protective containers and store them on
their ends. Store the tapes in a clean, dry area at normal room temperature and
away from magnetic fields.
Environmental issues
The operating environment might adversely affect tape drive operation. The tape
drive is designed to operate in a clean environment.
When tape is installed in a tape drive, the clearance between the heads and the
tape is measured in microns. Even particles of smoke are larger than the space
available between the tape and the heads. Other environmental factors that
adversely affect tape drive operation are dirt, dust, fibers, and airborne particles.
Ensure that you operate in a clean environment.
Tape drive cleaning
Even if the operating environment is clean, dirt might build up on the heads of
any tape drive. Every time tape motion occurs, some of the media surface comes
off on the heads. Over time, this material builds up, causing the tape head
clearance to increase. The increased tape head clearance produces reading and
writing errors. Most tape drives today have a built-in cleaning indicator to notify
you when the tape needs cleaning.
When a cleaning cartridge is expired, you must replace it. Never reuse an expired
cleaning cartridge. If you continue to use an expired cleaning cartridge, it
reintroduces dirt to the tape drive and you might not clean the drive. To make sure
that you know when your cleaning cartridge expires, make a notation on the
cleaning cartridge each time you clean the tape drive.
Troubleshooting
The first step in problem solving is establishing if the problem lies with the
cartridge, the drive, the host computer and its connections, the backup software or
with the way the system is being operated. If none of the following advice helps
you solve the problem go to Appendix B, "Service and Support," on page B-1.
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80/160 GB VS160 Internal Tape Drive: User's Guide
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
