U s i n g F l o p p y D i s k , C D - R O M & T a p e D r i v e s

Drive could not write to tape

If the Cassette-in-Place (green) LED flashes rapidly, this means that the drive could not write to the tape correctly, and indicates that the tape has become unreliable. Remove the cassette and use another.

Hardware error or high humidity

If the Drive Busy (amber) LED flashes rapidly, this indicates either a hardware error or dew (high humidity). If this happens soon after powering-up the computer, the drive’s diagnostic test may have failed, in which case the drive will not operate. Request help from your supplier or an authorized maintainer.

If the drive detects high humidity, the tape is automatically ejected. As soon as the drive detects that the humidity is at an acceptable level, it will return to normal operation.

Automatic drive operation

To prolong the life of the tape and the drive mechanism, the drive “relaxes” during periods of inactivity (no read or write operations):

♦After 30 seconds, the capstan and pinch roller are released and tape tension is removed.

♦After 90 seconds, the tape is pulled away from the head cylinder, and the cylinder stops rotating.

Inserting a cassette

Insert the cassette into the slot with the triangular arrowhead on the cassette pointing towards the drive. As the tape is inserted, the drive takes it and automatically loads it into the drive mechanism. A load sequence checks ambient humidity, the tape format and data integrity. Unless the tape is blank the tape log, which contains a history of usage of the tape, is read into the drive’s memory.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/11