Handling Cartridges; Labeling Cartridges - IBM DDS Generation 6 User Manual

v Reads and writes DDS Generation 5 cartridges
v Reads and writes DDS Generation 4 cartridges
v Cannot read from or write to DDS Generation 2 or DDS Generation 3 cartridges
For optimum performance and maximum storage capacity, use only
IBM-recommended data and cleaning cartridges. Other cartridges have not been
tested by IBM. For a list of IBM-recommended tape cartridges, go to
http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ and search for "MIGR-39931".
Note: Do not bulk-erase DDS tape cartridges; otherwise, the prerecorded servo
information will be deleted, rendering the cartridge useless.

Handling cartridges

DDS cartridges are fragile. To protect the data cartridges and the information on
them, observe the following guidelines:
v Use DDS cartridges at temperatures from 5° C (41° F) to 40° C (104° F).
v Do not read from or write to cartridges when a temperature change of 10° C
v Keep cartridges in plastic cases when they are not in use.
v Consider reading data off of tapes and rewriting to new and perhaps more
v Do not expose cartridges to direct sunlight, moisture, excessively dry or humid
v Do not treat cartridges roughly or drop them.
v Do not try to clean the tape guides or tape path inside the cartridge.
v Never touch the exposed tape media with your fingers.
v Never leave cartridges close to magnetic fields, such as near a monitor or

Labeling cartridges

Place labels only on the recessed label area, as shown in Figure 3.
Label area
Figure 3. Label location
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DDS Generation 6 USB Tape Drive: User's Guide
Cartridges can be stored at temperatures as low as -40° C (-40° F). If cartridges
are exposed to temperatures or humidities outside the specified operating
environment, expose them to the operating environment for a time equal to the
period that the cartridges were exposed to the out-of-specification environment
(up to a maximum of 24 hours).
(50° F) per hour is occurring.
modern tapes every few years.
places, extreme changes in temperature or humidity, or X-rays.
telephone handset.