Inspecting Cartridges; Maintaining Cartridges; Cartridge Requirements - Sun Microsystems StorageTek SL500 User Manual

Inspecting Cartridges

Inspecting Cartridges
A defective or dirty cartridge can damage a tape drive. Always inspect a cartridge
before you insert it into a tape drive or a library. Look for:
Cracked or broken cartridge
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Broken leader
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Broken leader latch
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Damaged write-protect switch
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Liquid in the cartridge
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Labels not firmly or neatly attached or extending over the cartridge edge
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Any other obvious damage
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Maintaining Cartridges

It is important to keep your tape cartridges in good condition. A defective or dirty
cartridge can damage a tape drive see
When you store a cartridge:
Leave it in its protective wrapping until you are ready to use it.
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Choose a clean environment that duplicates the conditions of the room in which it is
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used.
Make sure the cartridge has been in its operating environment for at least 24 hours.
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When you clean a cartridge exterior:
Caution – Potential damage to cartridges. Do not use certain solvents to remove labels or
to clean cartridges because they can damage the cartridges. Do not use acetone,
trichloroethane, toluene, xylene, benzene, ketone, methylethyl ketone, methylene
chloride, ethyldichloride, esters, ethyl acetate, or similar chemicals.
Wipe all dust, dirt, and moisture from the cartridge with a lint-free cloth.
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Use StorageTek Tape Cleaner Wipes, PN 4046289-01, to clean the cartridges. These
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wipes are saturated with isopropyl alcohol. Do not let any solution touch the tape or
get inside the cartridge.

Cartridge Requirements

Cartridges must meet specifications defined in American National Standard Magnetic Tape
and Cartridge for Information Interchange, ACS X3B5.
Refer to your tape drive manufacturer's publication and Web site for specific cartridge
requirements and specifications.
348 SL500 User's Guide • July 2008
"Inspecting Cartridges" on page 348.
Revision: KA • 96116