Chapter 4. Maintenance And Troubleshooting; Maintenance; Upgrading Firmware; Caring For Tape Cartridges - IBM 160 GB DLTV4 Installation And User Manual

Chapter 4. Maintenance and troubleshooting

This chapter contains information about maintaining and troubleshooting the tape
drive.

Maintenance

This section explains how to care for the tape cartridges and how to clean the tape
drive head.

Upgrading firmware

IBM periodically releases new drive firmware to fix new problems or add
enhancements to improve operation. Upgrading to this new firmware is a customer
responsibility. To upgrade firmware, complete the following steps:
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/support/.
2. Search for 39M5659 or DLTV4.
3. Download the file.
4. Follow the instructions to install the upgrade.

Caring for tape cartridges

The following points are guidelines for storing and using the tape cartridges:
v Do not open the tape access door of the tape cartridge or touch the tape itself.
v Keep your tape cartridges away from sources of electromagnetic fields, such as
v Keep tape cartridges away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as
v Keep tape cartridges free of moisture. Do not wet or submerge cartridges in any
v Do not expose cartridges to temperature extremes.
Tape cartridges are sealed. Opening the tape cartridge enables dirt and airborne
particles to enter and contaminate the cartridge. The cartridge must be opened only
by the tape drive and not by an operator.
The tape is held under tension inside the cartridge. If the cartridge is dropped, this
tension is relaxed. Inserting a dropped cartridge into a tape drive might cause the
tape to jam, destroy the tape, and damage the tape drive if the cartridge is not
removed correctly.
Store tapes in their protective containers, and store them on their ends. Store the
tapes in a clean, dry area at normal room temperature and away from magnetic
fields.

Environmental issues

The operating environment might adversely affect tape drive operation. The tape
drive is designed to operate in a clean environment.
The clearance between the heads and the tape is measured in microns. Even
particles of smoke are larger than the space available between the tape and the
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2006
telephones, dictation equipment, mechanical or printing calculators, motors, and
bulk erasers. Do not place the tape cartridges on a server monitor or on the base
unit of the server.
radiators or warm air ducts.
liquid.
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