Quantum DLT 2000 Handbook page 165

its own sophisticated computer system, including RAM, micro-
processors, controllers, firmware, and data cache. Install your
DLTtape drive in a clean area with an industrial-quality surge-pro-
tected power source. Be aware that many factors contribute to the
overall performance you'll experience with your DLTtape drive.
Host processor speed, host adapter performance, bus configura-
tion, host software, backup software, disk drive characteristics, and
the characteristics of the data you're backing up are all considera-
tions. Below are some Do's and Don'ts that will help keep your
DLTtape drive working properly.
Self-Cleaning Design. DLTtape drives are designed to be self clean-
ing. There is no specified cleaning schedule for DLTtape drives.
Simply clean as needed, which should be very infrequently. The
DLTtape drive read/write head is equipped with outriggers that
help to align the tape with the contoured head and help remove any
debris from the tape. We often hear of users who run their DLTtape
drives for months, even years, without ever having to clean their
drive. The cleaning tape for DLTtape drives is a CleaningTape III
cartridge. This is actually a 1,200 foot DLTtape III cartridge that has
not been burnished during manufacturing, as other DLTtape prod-
ucts are. This unburnished cleaning tape is slightly "rougher" than a
burnished tape and therefore tends to wipe the heads clean of
debris. A CleaningTape III is good for 20 cleanings. Note: if you get
a Use Cleaning Tape light, before you use the cleaning tape, you
should try loading a fresh data tape. The movement of any tape
across the head may clean it.
Hold The Dust. While DLTtape drives are self cleaning, reasonable
care should be taken in keeping them clean. You don't want to
overload the self-cleaning mechanism. For instance, don't locate
your tape drive near line printers, near exit doors, in busy storage
areas, or anywhere else that may be excessively dusty.
QUANTUM DLTtape HANDBOOK 16.5