Recommendations for Data Cartridge Usage
The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your
data and prolong the life of your tape cartridges and the LTO tape drive:
v Use only IBM media cartridges.
v Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
v Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error
messages (the error information is in the System Error Log).
v On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door
protects the tape from dirt, dust, and damage.
v Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could
cause loss of data.
v 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.
v Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write
errors, and may damage the tape drive.
v Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, as the impact may damage the
tape’s internal mechanism.
v Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a
dusty environment and always maintain a constant environment. A consistent
storage and operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress.
Attention: Use only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive.
Use of other than recommended cleaning cartridges can damage your drive and
may void the warranty.
v Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the tape unit
away from these items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also
produce excess dust and dirt.
v All important information should be recorded on the tape label. Information,
such as the model and number of the system or tape drive, the date, the density,
any error statistics, and a log number should be included. The operating
environment and compression mode should also be noted.
Data Cartridge Erasure
Do not attempt to bulk erase an LTO data cartridge for reuse. Bulk eraser devices
cannot properly erase an LTO data cartridge and will permanently damage the
cartridge.
Storage and Shipping Environments
Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimate to the operating environment by
placing the cartridge in the operating environment for as long as it has been away
from the environment or for 24 hours, whichever is less. (To determine the
appropriate operating environment, see Table 2 on page 7.)
Acclimation is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to a different humidity
environment or to temperature changes of 11°C (20°F) or more.
Retrieval of archived data should be performed on a tape unit that is clean and
fully operational. Try to make the recovery environment the same as the operating
environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimate to environment of the tape
unit.
Chapter 6. Half High LTO-5 Tape Drive 93
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