Tape Cartridge Storage - IBM 220 Service Manual

Retrieval of archived data should be performed on a tape unit that is clean and
fully operational. Try to make the recovery environment the same as the operating
environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimate to environment of the tape
unit.
The recommended environment for storage and shipment of 4mm data cartridges
is shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Recommended Environment for 4mm Data Cartridges
Environmental Factor
Temperature
Relative Humidity
(noncondensing)
Maximum Wet Bulb

Tape Cartridge Storage

Tape drives record data using densities similar to hard disk drives. Because most
computer systems are not located in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment,
you must exercise special care when dealing with tape cartridges and tape drives.
They need to be treated as a valuable asset used to protect your business data.
Use the following guidelines for storing your tape cartridges:
v Temperature and humidity should be kept constant at a level comfortable for
you.
v Tape cartridges should always be stored in their protective cases. The storage
case helps prevent damage from dust and physical misuse. When the tape
cartridges are not in use or being stored, they should be in their storage cases
and stood on edge in a designated storage location. Do not stack cartridges on
the flat side or stack other items on top of the tape cartridges. Handle your tape
cartridges with care to reduce archival problems.
v Stored tapes should be exercised at least once every 12 months. Run the tape
from Beginning of Data (BOD) to End of Data (EOD) and back to BOD at
normal operating speeds. Tapes stored in a warmer environment should be
exercised more frequently.
v Sunlight can damage the tape and the cartridge shell. Store tape cartridges out
of the direct sunlight
Attention: Operation outside of the environment can result in possible loss of
data or failure of the autoloader.
Storage
5°C to 32°C
(41° to 90°F)
20 to 60%
26°C
(79°F)
Shipping
−40 to 52°C
(−40 to 125°F)
5 to 80%
26°C
(79°F)
15
Chapter 2. Media