Table D-4. Bar code label requirements for Ultrium tape drives and libraries
Ultrium Tape Drive/Library Bar Code Label Requirements
3573 Recommended
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, WORM cartridge or cleaning cartridge. In addition, the bar code
includes the two-character media-type identifier Lx, where x equals 1, 2, 3, 4, T or
U. Figure D-5 on page D-11 shows a sample bar code label for the LTO Ultrium
Tape Cartridge.
Table D-5. Cartridges and VOLSERs
Cartridges VOLSER
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
IBM 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.
Tape cartridges can be ordered with the labels included or with custom labels. To
order tape cartridges and bar code labels, see “Ordering Media Supplies” on page
D-17. The bar code for usage in IBM tape libraries must meet predefined
specifications. They include (but are not limited to):
v Eight uppercase alphanumeric characters, where the last two characters must be
L4, L3, L2, L1, LT,orLU
v Label and printing to be non-glossy
v Nominal narrow line or space width of 0.423 mm (0.017 in.)
v Wide to narrow ratio of 2.75:1
v Minimum bar length of 11.1 mm (0.44 in.)
To determine the complete specifications of the bar code and the bar code label,
visit the web at http://www.ibm.com/storage/lto (select LTO Support), or contact
your IBM Sales Representative.
When attaching a bar code label to a tape cartridge, place the label only in the
recessed label area (see 4 in Figure D-3 on page D-6). A label that extends
outside of the recessed area can cause loading problems in the drive.
D-10 TS3310 Tape Library Maintenance Information