Preparing Cartridges - Qualstar XLS Series Installation Manual

13.3 Preparing Cartridges

• Keep cartridges in their protective plastic cases or in a covered magazine when
handling them outside the XLS.
• When carrying more than one LTO cartridge, orient the cartridges the same way
and stack them together. Their cases are designed to interlock.
• Never stack cartridges more than five high.
• Before inserting a cartridge into a tape drive, allow it to acclimate to the
operating environment for at least 24 hours. You can do this in the same room as
the XLS or within the XLS. Inserting a hot or cold cartridge into a tape drive
could damage the tape, the tape drive, or both.
• Store cartridges at temperatures between 64–79° F (18–26° C) and at a relative
humidity of 40–60%.
• Avoid placing cartridges near any source of high intensity magnetic fields, such
as monitors, electric motors, or medical-imaging equipment.
• Never apply adhesive labels to the cartridge anywhere except in the recess
provided on the front. Labels applied elsewhere could cause the cartridge to
become jammed inside a tape drive or magazine.
• Use only ink when writing on labels. The debris from lead or grease pencils can
cause data errors.
• Do not carry cartridges loose in a container. Allowing them to bang together can
damage the tape.
• Do not touch or allow direct contact with the tape or tape leader. Dust or natural
skin oils can contaminate the tape and affect performance.
• Do not expose the cartridge to moisture or direct sunlight.
• If a cartridge has been dropped, do not load it into a tape drive until it has been
inspected for damage. See Qualstar Product Information Note #041, "LTO Tape
Cartridge Inspection."
13.3 Preparing Cartridges
Before installing the cartridges, follow these steps:
1. For each logical library, ensure that you have the appropriate number of data
and cleaning cartridges readily available.
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501601 Rev. 07-01-19