Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Cleaning the Tape Head

Chapter 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This chapter describes several maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for the TR-4 EIDE Internal Tape Drive and the TR-4 SCSI Tape Drives.

Attention: To avoid electrical shock, unplug your store controller and all attached devices from electrical outlets before performing any troubleshooting procedure.

Maintenance

You should perform minimal maintenance to ensure that your tape drive operates in peak condition.

Caring for Tape Cartridges

The following points are guidelines for storing and using the cartridges:

vDo not open the tape access door of the cartridge or touch the tape itself.

vKeep cartridges away from sources of electromagnetic ®elds, such as telephones, dictation equipment, mechanical or printing calculators, motors, and bulk erasers. Do not place the cartridges on the store controller monitor or on the base unit of the store controller.

vKeep cartridges away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators or warm air ducts.

vKeep cartridges free of moisture. Do not wet or submerge cartridges in any liquid.

vDo not expose cartridges to temperature extremes.

vRetension tape cartridges that have not been used for more than a month before restoring or backing up data. Retensioning is the winding and rewinding of a tape cartridge. This action restores the proper tape tension to the media. The backup application software provides a function to retension a tape cartridge.

Cleaning the Tape Head

To properly maintain the drive, periodically clean the tape head. You do not need to perform any other periodic maintenance. Clean the tape head with a dry-process cleaning cartridge such as the Geneva DPCC-2000+. You can order a Geneva DPCC-2000+ cleaning cartridge directly from Geneva by calling 1-800-358-3559 and requesting part number GEN100-1 or by contacting your local Lexmark dealer.

The cleaning cartridge is good for 30 cleaning operations. Cleaning should be performed once a week. The cleaning process is simple to use; insert the cleaning cartridge into the tape drive, and the cleaning process is automatic. The entire process only takes a few seconds and is completed when the drive's activity light stops ¯ashing.

4690 specifications

The IBM 4690 is a renowned point-of-sale (POS) system that has been pivotal in the retail and hospitality industries since its introduction in the late 1980s. Notably associated with IBM’s family of retail hardware and software solutions, the 4690 has transformed the modern retail environment, providing a robust platform for transaction processing and inventory management.

One of the main features of the IBM 4690 system is its powerful software architecture. Designed to efficiently handle high transaction volumes, it integrates seamlessly with various peripheral devices such as barcode scanners, receipt printers, and payment terminals. The system's user-friendly interface allows staff to process sales quickly and efficiently, enhancing the overall customer experience.

In terms of technology, the IBM 4690 operates on a proprietary operating system that supports a variety of programming languages, allowing retailers to customize applications to meet their specific needs. This flexibility not only streamlines operations but also enables retailers to implement specialized services such as loyalty programs and promotions. The hardware is designed for durability and reliability, essential in high-traffic retail environments.

Another significant characteristic of the IBM 4690 is its robust reporting capabilities. The system provides comprehensive sales reports, inventory analyses, and customer insights, all of which are essential for strategic decision-making. This analytical power helps businesses identify trends, forecast demand, and optimize stock levels, ultimately leading to improved profitability.

Furthermore, the IBM 4690 is known for its strong security features. By utilizing advanced encryption technologies and compliance with industry standards, the system helps protect sensitive customer data and payment information, ensuring a safe transaction environment.

The longevity and adaptability of the IBM 4690 system underscore its value in the retail sector. Even with newer technologies emerging, many businesses continue to rely on the robust functionality and proven performance of the 4690. With ongoing support and upgrades, the system remains a reliable choice for retailers looking to enhance their operational efficiency while delivering excellent customer service.

In summary, the IBM 4690 stands out due to its feature-rich software, durable hardware, robust reporting and analytics, and stringent security measures. These characteristics make it an indispensable tool for retailers aiming to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.