Table of Contents
Advertisement
v Ordering tape and data cartridges
Types of cartridges
Tape devices use the following media cartridges.
Data cartridge
Use the data cartridge to save or restore programs or data.
Test cartridge
Use the specially labeled test cartridge to run the AIX
running diagnostics, refer to your AIX documentation). Do not use the test cartridge to save or
restore customer programs or data.
Cleaning cartridge
Use the specially labeled cleaning cartridge to clean the device.
Attention: Use of other than the IBM specified cleaning cartridge can damage your device and
might void your warranty.
To order additional cartridges, refer to Ordering tape cartridges.
Recommendations for data cartridge usage
The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data and prolong the
life of your tape cartridges and the device:
v Use only the tape cartridge specified for your type of tape device.
v Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
v Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages (the error
information is in the System Error Log).
v On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door protects the tape from dirt,
dust, and damage.
v Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could cause loss of data.
v To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a cartridge. Multiple or poorly
placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
v Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write errors, and they might
damage the tape drive.
v Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, because the impact might damage the tape's internal
mechanism.
v Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a dusty environment and
always maintain a constant environment. A consistent storage and operating environment reduces
media exposure to climatic stress.
Use only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive. Use of other than recommended
v
cleaning cartridges can damage your drive and might void the warranty.
v Printers and copiers can produce paper dust and toner dust. Locate the tape unit away from these
items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also produce excess dust and dirt.
v Record all important information on the tape label. Information, such as the model and number of the
system or tape drive, the date, the density, any error statistics, and include a log number. Also note the
operating environment and compression mode.
Prolonging head life
New technology found in the tape device is read and write compatible with newer tape cartridges. Due
to media characteristics, extended use of older tape cartridges might increase head wear on the drive. An
4
Managing devices
®
system diagnostics (for information about
Advertisement
Table of Contents
