Cartridge Memory Chip (LTO-CM)
All generations of the IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridges include a Linear
Tape-Open Cartridge Memory (LTO-CM) chip (1 in Figure 37 on page 89), that
contains information about the cartridge and the tape (such as the name of the
manufacturer that created the tape), as well as statistical information about the
cartridge use. This chip is located inside the cartridge housing and is not visible.
The LTO-CM enhances the efficiency of the cartridge. For example, the LTO-CM
stores the end-of-data location which, when the next time this cartridge is inserted
and the Write command is issued, enables the drive to quickly locate the recording
area and begin recording. The LTO-CM also aids in determining the reliability of
the cartridge by storing data about its age, how many times it has been loaded,
and how many errors it has accumulated. Whenever a tape cartridge is unloaded,
the tape drive writes any pertinent information to the cartridge memory. The
storage capacity of the LTO-CM is 4096 bytes.
Loading and Unloading a Tape Cartridge
Use the following instructions to load and unload a tape cartridge. For information
about the type of media to use, refer to “Types of Tape Cartridges” on page 91.
Note: To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a
cartridge. Multiple or poorly placed labels can clog the drive load
mechanism.
Loading a Tape Cartridge
To load a tape cartridge:
1. Make sure that the LTO tape drive power is on.
2. Grasp the cartridge by the outer edges, with the write-protect switch to the left.
Note: See “Setting the Write-Protect Switch” on page 95 to make sure that the
write-protect switch is properly set.
3. Slide the cartridge into the opening on the front of the LTO tape drive as the
arrow on the top of the cartridge indicates. Push the cartridge fully into the
drive to seat the cartridge. The drive will then engage the tape cartridge.
Once the tape cartridge has been inserted, the tape drive loads the tape, during
which time, the ready LED flashes green. When the tape is loaded, the ready LED
will come on steady and the tape drive is ready to begin write and read
operations.
Unloading a Tape Cartridge
To unload a tape cartridge:
1. Make sure that the tape drive power is on (the power-on LED should be on).
2. Press the unload button.
The LTO tape drive rewinds, unloads, and ejects the tape cartridge. The process
may take from 15 seconds to several minutes, depending on the position of the
tape and the amount of data written.
90 7226 Storage Device Enclosure Setup, Operator and Service Guide
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