IBM 4690 manual Using the Tape Drive, Loading and Unloading Tape Cartridges

Chapter 3. Using the Tape Drive

This section provides information on using the tape drive features. It explains the procedures for loading and unloading tape cartridges and setting the write-protect switch.

Loading and Unloading Tape Cartridges

The front panel of the tape drive contains the cartridge opening and an activity light that indicates drive activity. When the activity light is OFF, the drive is not active.

Your tape drive has a ¯ip-up door that covers the cartridge opening when you do not have a tape cartridge in the drive. Once you insert a cartridge, the tape drive holds it in place using a positive locking mechanism.

Note: Do not remove the tape cartridge during drive operation. Complete any tape operation and wait until the activity light is OFF before removing the cartridge.

To load a cartridge, insert it with the metal base plate down and the tape access door facing the drive.

To unload a cartridge, wait until the drive activity light is OFF and then pull the cartridge straight out.

Setting the Write-Protect Switch

Tape drive cartridges feature a write-protect switch located in the upper, left corner of the cartridge. You can set the switch to keep data from being written on the tape. Use this switch when you want to ensure that important data on the tape is not overwritten.

To return a cartridge to the unprotected write state, push the switch toward the end of the cartridge or unlocked position.

Reviewing Performance Considerations

The tape drive is ideally suited to streaming operations compared to multiple-start-and-stop tape movement. Frequent start-and-stop operations are often the result of data underruns. Start-and-stop operation can also increase the stress on both the drive and the media.

If you need to improve the performance of the tape drive, consider one or more of the following:

vReduce the number of other applications that might be running simultaneously with the backup application.

vFor EIDE tape drives, consider moving the D: drive to the primary IDE cable if it is on the secondary IDE cable.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 13