IBM RS/6000 44P manual Operating Recommendations, Mm Tape Cartridge Types, Type Purpose

Operating Recommendations

Attention: Be sure to read ²Handling Static-Sensitive Devices² in the RS/6000 44P Series Model 170 Installation Guide, order number SA38-0561, Installing and Removing devices chapter before you remove the 8mm Tape Drive from its anti static bag or any time you handle it. For optimum performance, always follow the recommendations listed below:

vHandle the drive carefully and by its external metal chassis. Keep your hands away from the printed circuit boards, components, and printed circuit (flex) cables.

vIf possible, work on a cushioned surface, and do not drop the tape drive onto the work surface.

vIf you move the tape drive to an environment that is colder or warmer than its previous environment, keep the drive in its package and allow the package to reach the current room temperature. This prevents potential data loss or damage to the tape drive. Allow one hour of acclimation for each 10 degrees C (18 degrees F) difference between the shipping and/or storage temperature and the room temperature.

vUse only high-quality data grade 8 mm tape cartridges recommended by the manufacturer (see ªObtaining Additional Tape Cartridgesº on page 29).

vRemove the tape cartridge from the tape drive when it is not in use, and store the cartridge in the cartridge case.

vDo not open the door on the data tape cartridge. This door covers and protects the magnetic tape material from dirt, dust, and damage.

vAvoid touching the tape, as doing so can cause loss of data.

vBack up any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages, then discard the old tape cartridge. Error information is saved in the system error log.

vClean the tape path regularly according to the cleaning procedure described in ªCleaning the Tape Driveº on page 27. Use only recommended cleaning cartridges. Other cleaning cartridges can permanently damage the tape drive.

8 mm Tape Cartridge Types

There are different types of 8 mm tape cartridges that you can use for the following purposes:

Type	Purpose
Test Tape Cartridge	Checks the operation of the drive or to run
	diagnostics. Do not use it to save programs or
	data. This cartridge, which is specially labeled,
	is included with the 8mm Tape Drive.
Data Tape Cartridge	Saves your programs or data. This cartridge is
	included with the 8mm Tape Drive.
Cleaning Tape Cartridge	Cleans the 8 mm tape drive. See ªCleaning the
	Tape Driveº on page 27. This cartridge is
	included with the 8mm Tape Drive.

2044P Series Model 170 User's Guide