Bar code label
Edit online
Data cartridges can have bar code labels for identification.
A bar code label contains:
A volume serial number (VOLSER) that is human-readable.
A bar code that the library can read.
Note: The LTO Ultrium 9 tape drives do not require bar code labels, but you might choose to use labels for tape cartridge identification purposes.
Table 1. Bar code label requirements for Ultrium tape
drives and libraries
Ultrium Tape Drive/Library Bar Code Label Requirements
3573 Required
3576 Required
3580 Not required
3581 Required with optional Bar Code Reader
3582 Required
3583 Required
3584 Required
When read by a library's bar code reader, the bar code identifies the cartridge's VOLSER to the library. The bar code also tells the library whether the cartridge is a data
cartridge or cleaning cartridge. In addition, the bar code includes the two-character media-type identifier. See Table 2. Figure 1 shows a sample bar code label for the LTO
Ultrium Tape Cartridge.
Tape cartridges are ordered with the labels included or with custom labels. To order tape cartridges and bar code labels, see Ordering media supplies. The bar code for
usage in IBM® tape libraries must meet predefined specifications. They include (but are not limited to):
Eight uppercase alphanumeric characters, where the last 2 characters refer to the cartridge generation and WORM capability. See Table 2.
Label and printing to be non-glossy.
Nominal narrow line or space width of 0.423 mm (0.017 in.)
Wide to narrow ratio of 2.75:1.
Minimum bar length of 11.1 mm (0.44 in.)
Table 2. Cartridges and VOLSERs compatible with the LTO tape drives
Cartridges VOLSER
Ultrium 9 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL9
Ultrium 9 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLZ
Ultrium 8 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL8
Ultrium 8 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLY
LTO M8 Cartridge xxxxxxM8
Ultrium 7 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL7
Ultrium 7 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLX
Ultrium 6 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL6
Ultrium 6 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLW
Ultrium 5 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL5
Ultrium 5 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLV
Ultrium 4 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL4
Ultrium 4 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLU
Ultrium 3 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL3
Ultrium 3 WORM Cartridge xxxxxxLT
Ultrium 2 Data Cartridge xxxxxxL2
Ultrium 1 Data Cartridge (READ ONLY) xxxxxxL1
LTO Ultrium Cleaning Cartridge CLNxxxLx
*An Ultrium 3 Tape Drive must have a minimum firmware level of 54xx for it to be compatible with the WORM cartridge.
To determine the complete specifications of the bar code and the bar code label, visit the web at http://www.ibm.com/ and enter "IBM LTO Ultrium Cartridge Label
Specification" in the search box. Or contact your IBM sales representative.
When a bar code label is attached to a tape cartridge, place the label only in the recessed label area (see 5 in LTO media). A label that extends outside of the recessed
area can cause loading problems in the drive.
Attention: Do not place any type of mark on the white space at either end of the bar code. A mark in this area might prevent the library from reading the label.
Figure 1. Sample bar code label on the LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridge. The volume serial number (LTO123) and bar code are printed on the label.
To Next Page
Loading...