Installing Media; Static Precautions; Media Selection; Write Enable Tabs - Qualstar RLS-8350 Installation And Operation Manual

• Do not carry cartridges loosely in a container. Allowing them to bang together
creates undesirable physical shock.
• Do not touch or allow direct contact with the tape or tape leader. Dust or natural
skin oils can contaminate the tape and impact performance.
•
Do not expose the tape cartridge to moisture or direct sunlight.
• If a cartridge has been dropped, do not load it into a tape drive as the drive could be
damaged.
5.7

Installing Media

5.7.1

Static Precautions

Before handling tape cartridges, it is a good idea to eliminate any static charge that
may exist. To protect the data stored on the tape cartridges, just follow this simple
procedure before loading, moving, or removing any tape cartridges: touch the rack the
RLS is mounted in, or if it's not rack mounted, touch one of the bright screws on the
cabinet sides just prior to handling the media.
5.7.2

Media Selection

The choice of media for use in the RLS is important. Only media approved by the tape
drive manufacturer and Qualstar should be used in the RLS. Non-approved media can
cause numerous hidden problems that aren't readily apparent. Media sold by
Qualstar is certainly approved for use in the RLS. Please refer to
Note #038 for the current list of approved media sources.
5.7.3

Write Enable Tabs

All of the tape formats supported by the RLS utilize Write Enable Tabs that
determine if the tape can be written upon. When disabled or protected, tapes can only
be read – not written or appended.
The following figure depicts the Write Enable Tabs for LTO media. Brand new media
must be write enabled for obvious reasons.
511000 Rev. F
Installation
Product Information
5-35