Tape Cartridge Storage
Tape drives record data using densities similar to hard disk drives. Because most
computer systems are not located in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment,
you must exercise special care when dealing with tape cartridges and tape drives.
They need to be treated as a valuable asset used to protect your business data.
Use the following guidelines for storing your tape cartridges:
v Keep temperature and humidity constant, at the levels listed in Table 5 on page
59.
v Always store tape cartridges their protective cases. The storage case helps
prevent damage from dust and physical misuse. When the tape cartridges are
not in use or being stored, keep them in their storage cases and stand on edge in
a designated storage location. Do not stack cartridges on the flat side or stack
other items on top of the tape cartridges. Handle your tape cartridges with care
to reduce archival problems.
v Keep protective cases for tape cartridges closed except when inserting or
removing a cartridge. Contamination can build up and be transferred to the tape
cartridge if the protective case is left open.
v Exercise stored tapes at least once every 12 months. Run the tape from
Beginning of Data (BOD) to End of Data (EOD) and back to BOD at normal
operating speeds. Exercise tapes stored in a warmer environment more
frequently.
v Sunlight can damage the tape and the cartridge shell. Store tape cartridges out
of the direct sunlight
Operating in Harsh Environments
Attention: Operation outside of the recommended environment can result in
possible loss of data or failure of the drive.
The device is suited to streaming operations, as opposed to multiple stop-and-start,
random-search tape operations. When the tape is used for frequent stop-and-start
operations, it is beneficial to still have as much streaming movement as possible.
This can be accomplished by ensuring that any save or restore operation is the
only active operation being performed.
Do not use any tape for archival purposes if it has been used outside of the ranges
specified in Table 5 on page 59 for an extended period of time. The magnetic and
physical strength of the tape will have deteriorated as a result of its exposure to
the environment. Do not store important data on such a tape; transfer the data to a
newer tape for reliable archiving.
Attention: Do not operate the DAT 160 Tape Drive in a poor air-quality
environment. If your environment contains an excessive amount of particulates,
contact your service representative for more information.
Data Cartridge Erasure
Do not attempt to bulk erase an DAT 160 data cartridge for reuse. Most bulk eraser
devices do not have the capability to erase the data cartridge.
60 7226 Storage Device Enclosure Setup, Operator and Service Guide
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