Using Tape Cartridges

Maintaining Tape Cartridges

Maintaining Tape Cartridges

Table 2-3

Tape Cartridge Maintenance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DO NOT:

 

DO:

 

 

 

 

• Expose cartridges to magnetic fields.

• Store cartridges in a clean, safe

 

• Leave cartridges in the tape drive

 

place in their protective plastic

 

 

containers when not in use.

 

when library power is off.

 

 

 

 

 

• Expose cartridges to extreme

•

Remove dust on the outside of

 

 

cartridges using a damp cloth.

 

temperatures or extreme humidity.

 

 

 

(Older, frequently used tapes

 

Acceptable operating temperatures

 

 

 

may build up dust.)

 

range from 10-40° C (50-104° F).

 

 

 

 

 

Acceptable storage temperatures

•

Store cartridges vertically, not

 

range from 16-32° C (60-90° F).

 

flat.

 

Acceptable operating humidity

• Store cartridges intended for

 

ranges from 20-80%; acceptable

 

 

archiving data in their plastic

 

storage humidity ranges from

 

 

 

containers and in environmental

 

10-95%.

 

 

 

conditions of 18-28° C (64-82°

 

 

 

 

• Expose cartridges to moisture or

 

F) and 40-60% relative

 

direct sunlight.

 

humidity.

 

• Drop the cartridges or carry them in a

• Use labels like those included in

 

loose container that could submit the

 

the accessories kit or that meet

 

cartridges to any unnecessary

 

the specifications listed in Table

 

physical shock.

 

A-1 on page A-3.

 

• Open cartridges lid, exposing the

 

 

 

tape to possible contamination or

 

 

 

physical damage.

 

 

 

• Touch the tape surface.

 

 

 

• Take cartridges apart.

 

 

 

• Use graphite pencils, water soluble

 

 

 

felt pens, or other debris-producing

 

 

 

writing instruments to label

 

 

 

cartridges.

 

 

 

• Erase a label; replace it instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tapes Using

2-9