Appendix B. Tape handling
This section describes how to properly handle your tape cartridges to reduce wear on the 100/200 GB HH LTO Internal Tape Drive.
Tape handling and storage
Most tapes are supplied in sealed cartridges. Tapes are provided this way so that the tape will remain in a clean environment. Opening the cartridge enables dirt and airborne particles to enter and contaminate the cartridge. The cartridge must only be opened by the tape drive and not by an operator. The tape is also held under proper tension inside the cartridge. If the cartridge is dropped, this tension is relaxed. Inserting a dropped cartridge into a tape drive can often cause a misload that results in a jam. The jam ruins the tape and can cause physical damage if the cartridge is not removed properly. When you store tapes, place them 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. When tape is installed in a tape drive, 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 heads. Other environmental factors that adversely affect tape drive operation are dirt, dust, fibers, and airborne particles. Ensure that you operate in a clean environment.
Tape drive cleaning
Even if the operating environment is clean, dirt might build up on the heads of any tape drive. Every time tape motion occurs, some of the media surface comes off on the heads. Over time, this material builds up, causing the tape head clearance to increase. The increased tape head clearance produces reading and writing errors. Most tape drives today have a
Do not use any
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