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v Always store tape cartridges in their protective cases. The storage case helps prevent damage from dust
and physical misuse. When the tape cartridges are not in use or being stored, keep them in their
storage cases and stand on edge in a designated storage location. Do not stack cartridges on the flat
side or stack other items on top of the tape cartridges. Handle your tape cartridges with care to reduce
archival problems.
v Keep protective cases for tape cartridges closed except when inserting or removing a cartridge.
Contamination can build up and be transferred to the tape cartridge if the protective case is left open.
v Exercise stored tapes at least once every 12 months. Run the tape from Beginning of Data (BOD) to
End of Data (EOD) and back to BOD at normal operating speeds. Exercise tapes stored in a warmer
environment more frequently.
v Sunlight can damage the tape and the cartridge shell. Store tape cartridges out of the direct sunlight.
Attention: Operation outside of the recommended environment can result in possible loss of data or
failure of the drive.
Operating in harsh environments
The device is suited to streaming operations, as opposed to multiple stop-and-start, random-search tape
operations. When the tape is used for frequent stop-and-start operations, it is beneficial to still have as
much streaming movement as possible. This can be accomplished by ensuring that any save or restore
operation is the only active operation being performed.
Do not use any tape for archival purposes if it has been used outside of the ranges specified in Table 1 on
page 6 for an extended period of time. The magnetic and physical strength of the tape will have
deteriorated as a result of its exposure to the environment. Do not store important data on such a tape;
transfer the data to a newer tape for reliable archiving.
Ordering tape cartridges
All tape cartridges are not alike. The tape composition and length, and the construction of the cartridge
itself can all affect the quality and capacity of the recording and the performance of your tape drive. A
poor quality tape cartridge might appear to work adequately in your system, yet it can leave
contamination in the tape path or impede the speed of the recording.
The length and composition of the tape, and the size, shape, and construction of the cartridge shell must
all be considered when selecting the tape cartridge to be used with your system. IBM supports using only
data and cleaning cartridges supplied by IBM. Use only data-grade tape media for backup and data
processing.
To order cartridges in the United States and Canada, call 1-888-IBM-MEDIA or, on the internet, see
www.storage.ibm.com/media/
To order cartridges in other locations, contact your local provider of IBM storage products.
Table 2. Recommended test, cleaning, and 4mm data cartridges for the specific type of tape drive
Tape Drive
DDS3
DDS4
.
Part Number
59H3466
21F8763
59H3465
59H4457
21F8763
59H4458
Type of Cartridge
Test Cartridge
Cleaning Cartridge
Data Cartridge
Test Cartridge
Cleaning Cartridge
Data Cartridge
Chapter 2. Managing tape drives
11.5m
50 cleanings
12 GB
11.5m
50 cleanings
20 GB
7
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