Tape Removal - Exabyte EXB-8200 Maintenance Manual

17.9 Tape Removal

EXABYTE considers this procedure to have a high potential for dam-
age to the media and the heads on the EXB-8200. Use extreme cau-
tion when attempting to remove the tape using this procedure.
When removing the tape from the guide posts and rollers, use a nonconduc-
tive tool, such as a molded potentiometer adjustment tool. Avoid touching
the side of the tape where data is recorded. If you are unsure of which side of
the tape to touch with the tool, carefully inspect the tape path before starting
this procedure. The side of the tape that comes in direct contact with the rotat-
ing head assembly is the side where data is recorded. It is duller in color than
is the back of the tape.
To remove the tape, follow these steps:
1. Using the nonconductive tool, loosen the tape at point 1, shown in Figure
17-3, by positioning the tool between the tape and the rotating head and
moving the tool toward the rear of the EXB-8200. This action pulls the
tape off of the takeup reel and makes a loose loop in the tape.
2. Using your finger, move the pinch roller flange toward the left side of
the EXB-8200 and hold it in this position. This will release the pinch
roller from the capstan and provide a gap between the pinch roller and
the pinch roller flange.
3. Insert the tool in the tape loop at point 2 and gently lift the tape up from
around the pinch roller and capstan.
After starting to remove the tape, do not release the pinch roller until
the tape is completely removed from around the pinch roller and cap-
stan. If the pinch roller is released before the tape is clear of these
components, the tape will be damaged.
4. After the tape is completely clear of the pinch roller and the capstan, re-
lease the pinch roller flange.
May 1990
17 Tape Removal Procedure
CAUTION
CAUTION
79