Data Cartridges; Cartridge Types And Colors - IBM TS2900 Setup, Operator, And Service Manual

Data cartridges

The different generations of IBM Ultrium data cartridges can be identified by color:
Table 17. Cartridge types and colors
Type
Ultrium 8
Ultrium 8 WORM
Ultrium M8
Ultrium 7
Ultrium 7 WORM
Ultrium 6
Ultrium 6 WORM
Ultrium 5
Ultrium 5 WORM
Ultrium 4
Ultrium 4 WORM
Ultrium 3
Ultrium 3 WORM
Ultrium 2
Ultrium 1
All generations contain 1/2-inch, dual-coat, magnetic tape.
You can order tape cartridges with the bar code labels included, or you can order custom labels. To
obtain tape cartridges and bar code labels, see "Ordering media supplies" on page 125.
When tape is processed in the cartridges, Ultrium Tape Drives use a linear, serpentine recording format.
For the native data capacity and recording format for Ultrium data cartridges, see Table 3 on page 2.
The first set of tracks is written from near the beginning of the tape almost to the end of the tape. The
head then repositions to the next set of tracks for the return pass. This process continues until all tracks
are written and the cartridge is full, or until all data is written.
The cartridge door ( 2 in Figure 113 on page 107) protects the tape from contamination when the
cartridge is out of the drive. The tape is attached to a leader pin ( 3 in Figure 113 on page 107) behind
the door. When the cartridge is inserted into the drive, a threading mechanism pulls the pin (and tape)
out of the cartridge, across the drive head, and onto a non-removable take-up reel. The head can then
read or write data from or to the tape.
The write-protect switch ( 4 in Figure 113 on page 107 prevents data from being written to the tape
cartridge. For more information, see "Write-Protect switch" on page 114.
The label area ( 5 in Figure 113 on page 107) provides a location to place a label. For more information,
see "Bar code labels" on page 111.
The insertion guide ( 6 in Figure 113 on page 107) is a large, notched area that prevents the cartridge
from being inserted incorrectly.
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IBM TS2900 Tape Autoloader: Setup, Operator, and Service Guide Machine Type 3572
Color
Burgundy
Silvery gray
Purple
Purple
Purple and Silvery gray
Black
Black and Silvery gray
Burgundy
Burgundy and Silvery gray
Green
Green and Silvery gray
Slate Blue
Slate Blue and Silvery gray
Purple
Black